ASK THE EXPERTS
Q
Our garage doors need replacing. Are there any new products on the market we should consider that might be more stylish than the ordinary steel garage door?
A John Lamb, chief sales and marketing officer at Duro,
says: “Yes, Duro has a range of garage doors that ticks all the boxes for dependability, durability, safety and convenience, but also make a stylish statement.
The Wispeco range offers a variety of options that combine solid strength with ease of use and stately good looks.
The Wispeco Roll-A-Door by Duro is a bestseller. Years of technological development have ensured exceptional quality, strength and security – all combined with attractive and space-saving features.
The Contemporary and Lux-A-Door are sectional overhead steel garage doors that come dressed in an elegant horizontal pattern design – a range of ‘raised and field’ block designs that are accentuated with an embossed wood-grain-textured finish. This door is stylish and its bone structure retains the rugged strength and durability of steel. Doors can also be customised with optional decorative window panels to enhance and personalise your home.
The original Steel Tip-Up garage door is manufactured from a range of different steel suited for different applications.
The five panels that comprise the door are assembled into a rigid framework that has rear struts to provide additional strength.
Duro also supplies top-ofthe-range garage-door hardware and automation for all its doors. For more information visit thedurogroup.com.”
Q
I’m nervous about putting up wallpaper – can it be easily removed? Should I call in the experts or can I do it myself? A Claire Douglas of Flair Interiors (flair.co.za) says: “Wallpaper should last many years, but should you want to remove it, it is easy to strip and shouldn’t damage the walls.
For a temporary solution and children’s bedrooms, you can use wall stickers (pictured right) to decorate. They are reasonably priced, removable and can change the look of a room just as effectively.
Wallpaper is not difficult to install, but matching the pattern can sometimes be a challenge. Patience, good glue and the correct tools are key.
It is best to get a professional opinion when choosing the wallpaper because there are a few different types: woven, non-woven and vinyl-coated. The latter can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms because it is water-resistant.”
Q
My children bring home new art every week. How can I display it stylishly but also in a way that means I can replace the pictures easily? A Belinda McCall of children’s online retailer Nest (nestdesigns. co.za) says: “Children’s artwork often has lumps and bumps that make it impossible to frame – all those lentils and leaves just don’t go under glass. It’s also an expensive routine to repeat given how often these masterpieces come home.
Our art frames have no glass and snap on magnetically, so framing any A4-sized 3D art is really easy. This solution provides an effortless way to change your displays as often as you like. Hang more than one on a playroom or bedroom wall to add a splash of colour and a unique touch.
Our giant pegs (pictured above) offer an unusual and flexible way to hang up children’s art and will certainly add a touch of whimsy to any room. Each peg has a keyhole fixing on the reverse, so they can be wallmounted singly or in a row.
You can also consider using the pegs with cable rope. By stringing them up this way, you can design a length to fit both the size of your wall and the art your child has created.
An expansive floating shelf will also add character to a blank wall. If you have a larger wall, hang several shelves and stagger their heights. Then turn vintage clipboards into quick-change frames by propping them on the shallow shelves for a fun display that’s easy to update.”