All your design problems solved
Stylish solutions for all your design dilemmas from people in the know
Q I’m looking for a functional yet stylish storage solution for all my outdoor tools. Does this exist? James, via email String Galvanised is a modular shelving system that is suitable for outdoor use. The galvanised steel doesn’t rust and can withstand any weather conditions — perfect for keeping those tools in great condition. It’s an extremely functional storage solution to any space, with the option to choose between high or low shelf edges, shallow or deep shelving and floor or wall placement. Customisable accessories, such as hooks, can also be added to the shelves, allowing your outdoor items and garden tools to be stylishly displayed. PETER ERLANDSSON, DIRECTOR, STRING
Q I’m currently figuring out where to place my lighting. How can I make sure my rooms will be well lit without
wasting light? Rosie, via Instagram
Try to minimise downlights. They can be excessive and don’t provide light as well as you might think. Generally, people tend to over-light rooms and put them in places where they’re not really needed. Go back to the old-fashioned way of lighting, with floor lamps and table lamps, which can even be used with timers. If you do use downlights, try energy- efficient wall washers and LED bulbs. Also, group the lights when you’re wiring so you’ll have flexibility to control each light group. ANNA- CARIN McNAMARA, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND ELECTROLUX AMBASSADOR
Q I’m forever losing my keys. Is there a way I can do away with keys altogether, without having to pay a hefty cost for a full electronic system? Erin, via Instagram
If you’ve ever forgotten or lost a key, you know how frustrating it can be. One solution might be to give a spare key to your neighbour. Some people also like to hide their keys under fake rocks, but needless to say, that’s not a secure option. Calling a locksmith can also cost you a small fortune. So what are your options? Innovative smart locks are easily retrofitted to almost any existing door and can even be self-installed. Solutions like the Nuki Smart Lock bring all the benefits of an electronic system to your house, minus the hefty price. It can also be operated via any smartphone (Android and iOS), which means you’re always in control of what’s happening at your front door. In combination with accessories like the ‘Keypad’ or the ‘Fob’, fumbling around for your keys at the door will soon be old news. MARTIN PANSY, CEO OF AUSTRIA-BASED NUKI HOME SOLUTIONS
Q Due to the current climate, I have been looking into air purifiers — but are they worth the hype? And how can they really ‘purify’ the air? Alice, via email
Air-purifiers are an excellent way to clean the air in your home. These indoor air cleaners usually have several filters that remove tiny particles and smoke in the air. They include the Pre-Filter (which captures larger particles like dust and pet hair), a Carbon Filter (which captures smoke and odours) and a HEPA Filter (which has the ability to capture particulate matter down to 0.3 microns). The combination of these filters, including the effective fan force, can cycle clean air through a standard-sized bedroom multiple times in an hour. PETER HUYNH, BRAND MANAGER, TRUSENS ANZ