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Bathroom basins, bedroom palettes, vertical gardens and pet-proof flooring — your questions answered
QI
like the idea of a decorative bathroom basin, but I’m a minimalist at heart.
Where can I find one that’s modern but not too daring? Annabelle, via Instagram Your bathroom is one of the few rooms of your home that guests actually get to see and admire, so it’s a great place to make a stylish statement. I think Robert Gordon’s new range of above-counter basins is the perfect solution if you want something special without going too bold. They come in a range of neutral tones and, if you want colour, may I suggest the beautiful Rose Quartz (above) and Moss Green options, which still feel quite pared back. With so many sophisticated, modern shapes to choose from, you’ll find something there to suit your minimalistic taste. NATALIE JOHNSON, MARKET EDITOR, INSIDEOUT
QI’m renovating my home and, while I’d love to install timber floorboards throughout, I have three dogs who like to run around inside and would damage the timber in a second. Can you suggest a type of flooring with a similar look, that is made to withstand their activity as
well as the occasional accident? Chris, via email Carpet Court has just launched a pet-friendly premium hybrid timber flooring range called Pinnacle Stainmaster PetProtect. The Pinnacle range is scratch-resistant, easy to maintain and non-slip, so your pets can run to their heart’s content without damaging the floor, or their joints. This hybrid flooring is waterproof so it won’t absorb liquids and odours, which is ideal if a fur baby has an accident. That also means it’s suitable for wet areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. The flooring comes with a Lifetime Residential Warranty, and there are eight on-trend colours to choose from – so you won’t have to sacrifice the stylish timber look you want for durability. BRETT TALBOT, NATIONAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER – HARD FLOORING, CARPET COURT
QMy partner and I are repainting and can’t seem to agree on a colour for our bedroom. I want something soft and neutral but he would prefer a bit more colour. Can you point us in the direction of some shades we can both
compromise on? Natalia, via Instagram Neutrals are the most versatile of all colours and they make a great canvas for any style. You can blend multiple layers of neutral colour to create a relaxing bedroom environment, starting with shades by British Paints in Twisted Rope (above) and Neutral Grey. Then, add elements of colour by bringing in decor to brighten the room and inject some fun. By choosing a neutral paint for the walls and accessorising with colour, you’ll have the flexibility to redecorate and change the look and feel of the room whenever you like. KELLY MAGEE, COLOUR EXPERT, BRITISH PAINTS
QMy home has a big courtyard with a high brick wall and I’d really like to install a green wall in that outdoor area. What do I need to know before getting started? Lee, via email Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, look beautiful and offer a number of environmental benefits, including improved air quality and insulation. First, determine how much access to water, light and wind the outdoor area has. The space will need sufficient light and natural air movement around the plants, as they would have in a traditional outdoor garden. You may have to install additional lights and fans. It’s also important to ensure the wall structure is strong enough. If not, a soil-free vertical garden is a more lightweight option. Then, talk to a specialist about which plants will work best with the climate, and last as long as the wall does. All green walls need to be watered regularly, and an automatic irrigation system is the best way to manage this and keep your garden flourishing. MARK PAUL, DIRECTOR, THE GREENWALL COMPANY