Ask Alex Niggling issues solved
Hi Alex
Our entranceway is a dumping ground for work boots, school bags, sports gear and anything else discarded by my family as they walk through the door. I want to revamp this area so that it’s not only nicer to look at, but is also a functional space that will alleviate the headache of constant mess.
Ange, Gisborne It’s time to take this problem into your own hands and throw some well-designed products at it. Start by measuring out the area, noting things such as existing features like windows and power points, and creating a list of all your family’s functional needs.
Consider storage options and hanging solutions that fit within the space you have available in the entranceway. Open shelves with baskets work a treat (especially if there’s one allocated for each family member), as does seating with storage underneath for discarded footwear. Coat racks or wall hooks are another way to stop the constant dumping and create tidier habits.
Have you got the space and budget to build in a purpose-designed unit with all the elements your family needs? Working with a joiner is the best way to craft a unit that will fit perfectly and provide the right look. It’s not as costly as you’d think and you’ll get the most out of your entranceway.
If that’s not in your price range, then researching off-the-shelf options is your best bet. Even just making the space more attractive with some plants, a mirror and a console might be enough to encourage the family to show the entrance some love.
Dear Alex
We have lived with horrible green aluminium window joinery since we moved into our house 15 years ago and while we have tried to ignore it, it’s time to do something about it. Can you offer some advice?
Joe and Alice Tanner, Christchurch What seemed like a great idea in the 1990s is not so great for today’s aesthetics. My advice to clients is to design around ugly joinery if you can, as replacing aluminium windows is a serious drain on the funds. But there is another alternative if you have the time and patience or can employ a professional to tackle this job. I spoke to Louise McKenzie-Smith at Dulux and she has suggested the following products to try on your dated aluminium windows.
Decorative only? Try this three-coat process using the following products:
1st coat: Dulux Metalshield Etch Primer – this will prime the joinery and make the next two coats stick. 2nd and 3rd coats: Dulux Aquanamel in the new colour of your choice.
Need a more durable solution? For high-use areas the Dulux team suggests:
1st coat: Dulux Durebild STE, a two-pack, high-solids epoxy that works on previously painted metals.
2nd coat: Dulux Weathermax HBR – a highly resistant re-coatable paint which can be tinted in more than 5000 colours.
Any repaint job will take time to complete but with careful prep work and the right paint, you will be waving goodbye to the ’90s and saying hello to some good-as-new revived joinery.
Overhauling a persistent problem area in your home can be as easy as
choosing the right materials or accessories, says Alex