W hat to do THIS MONTH
Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks
As summer draws to a close, you’ll want to continue to enjoy your home, indoors and out. Set aside a dry day to scrub up your decking, and try our natural deterrent to keep dozy flies at bay. How about creating a movie night outdoors? And if you’re in the mood for a bit of DIY, spruce up your front door with pretty house number planters.
Choose a headboard with storage
If bedroom storage is in short supply, ditch the usual style of a metal or upholstered headboard in favour of a wooden design with a shelf for storage and a surface area where you can place things. This means you can do away with bulky bedside tables, as you’ll have a convenient spot to stash your bedtime reading. Go one better and install wall lamps, too.
KEEP FLIES AWAY
The best way to get rid of flies is by making sure your home is clean and free of any sugary substances, spills or uncovered kitchen waste. Also, anything that contains essential oils such as lemongrass or peppermint will help keep flies
PERK UP TIRED DECKING WITH A LICK OF FRESH PAINT OR USE A STAIN TO PROTECT THE WOOD
at bay. These natural fragrances give off a strong smell that deters flies from entering your home. They also hate the scent of cinnamon, so you could use a cinnamon-infused air freshener or scented candle – although you might not want your home to smell like a Christmas grotto during the summer months!
MAKE AN OUTDOOR CINEMA
Aside from a screen, a projector and your chosen movie, to create the perfect outdoor cinema experience you might want to think about setting up a cosy seating area for you and your friends to relax in. Warm blankets and cushions will go down a treat, especially as the evening turns cooler. Snacks and refreshments are a must-have, too, so grab a cool box or set up a barbecue nearby for interval snacks a-plenty.
IF YOUR PAINT IS WATER-BASED, USE A SYNTHETIC BRUSH AS NATURAL BRISTLES CAN SOAK UP TOO MUCH PAINT
Create house number planters
Jolly up your doorway with fun numbered planters. You’ll need large-ish terracotta pots and paint in a couple of colours. Use masking tape to create the outline of your door numbers, then with a small brush, fill in the shapes with paint. Allow to dry then do a second coat. Remove the tape and decorate around the numbers with simple freehand flowers using a fine brush.