ASK THE experts
Our team of experts answer your home-improvement questions
Q
I love following the latest trends, but how can I bring them into my home without starting from scratch each season? Evelyn Cole, Swansea
A
Nadia McCowan Hill, Resident Style Advisor at Wayfair,
says… There are some simple additions you can make to your home to give it a refresh each season, without ever lifting a paintbrush! Just as you would accessorise an outfit, think of your living space in the same way. A splash of colour and pattern can be added with cushions and throws: the texture of which can make a big impact on the overall look, from luxe, plush velvet to fringe and tassel edging.
A statement armchair in a block colour will instantly inject personality into your living space, while being a more cost-effective option than a new three-piece suite. Smaller accessories, such as quirky bookends and plant pots will refresh a bookcase or shelf, with a huge choice of styles and materials to choose from to tap into current trends.
How do I clean and look after my outdoor rattan chairs
Q
and table? Steve Parker, Canterbury
A
Megan Humble, Content and Social Expert at White Stores,
says… Rattan outdoor furniture is extremely popular because it’s low maintenance and rarely needs cleaning. If your rattan furniture does get dirty or has been exposed to the elements, I recommend mixing a small amount of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid to create a bubbly mix. Use a soft, clean cloth to scoop up the bubbles (not the water) and gently clean the furniture. I also recommend using a soft bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, to get between the grooves of the rattan. To ensure your furniture looks its best, always store the cushions indoors when not in use and invest in a weatherproof cover for the colder seasons.
Q
I’d love to have a tiled hallway, but it’s too expensive.
What are my other options? Nadia Kaleem, Gloucester
A
Josh Barber, Buyer at Flooring Superstore, says… Whether they’re monochrome, natural stone, or bold geometrics, tiled hallways are a popular trend in the home. But the cost of tiles can soon add up, and you also need to find a fitter and consider the maintenance of them in this busy location in the home. Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective, stylish and hard-wearing alternative, with all kinds of options available to achieve different looks. Some of the most popular styles of vinyl flooring include dark or light stone effect, parquet layout, and patterned tiles. Easy to look after and extremely durable, vinyl flooring also comes in a choice of thicknesses to offer extra comfort underfoot to welcome you home.
Q The idea of spring cleaning everything is a bit overwhelming – how do I start?
Liz Taylor, Lincoln
A Lynsey Crombie, @Lynsey_ queenofclean on
Instagram, says… Spring cleaning always sounds worse than it is, and it certainly doesn’t have to be done in a day or even a week. Create a plan and if you live with others, make sure everyone is involved. Start high: for example, if you live in a house with more than one floor, start upstairs first, as you can bring down any clutter as you go. Then use the follow-the-wall method: work your way around the room using the wall as a guideline and remove any clutter and clean as you go. Try listening to a motivational podcast or soundtrack to keep you focused and entertained. Build a few cleaning caddies with key cleaning products and cloths and keep these to hand (for example one in the bathroom and one in the upstairs cupboard), so if you find you suddenly have some unexpected free time you are geared up to tackle a room. The biggest mistake you can make is to put too much pressure on yourself – simply do what you can when you can.
Q I’ll be renovating my kitchen next year, but I’m concerned about the amount of waste it could create. What are my most environmentally friendly options for kitchen makeovers? For example, are there any particular materials to look out for?
Natalie Wokoma, Stockton-on-Tees
A Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company,
says… When deciding to renovate your kitchen, really consider what it is that needs renovating. For example, could you update your kitchen by adding in replacement worktops, repainting cabinetry or purchasing new appliances to minimise waste? If not, consider purchasing a ‘new to you’ kitchen instead. Adopting a recycled kitchen and its materials is a great way to make any kitchen more sustainable and be environmentally conscious, as you’re saving it from going to landfill, not to mention the huge savings involved. If you're buying a ‘new to you’ kitchen, which already includes worktops, then you’re saving that worktop from going to landfill, which further enhances its eco credentials. Many of these are high-end kitchens sold at discounted rates, meaning that you can create your dream kitchen on a budget.
When looking for more environmentally friendly materials, it’s worth looking for natural products that haven’t been industrially treated or manipulated. Natural stones and wood are great to include and can be re-finished to last for years. If regularly treated and protected, wood will last and maintain its beautiful grain. It can also easily be sanded back if damage does occur.
If your kitchen has seen better days, you don’t need to rip it out and start again. It’s likely that there are specific features you don’t like – so tackle those first. Find out how to revamp them with these top tips…
• Kitchen cabinets visually make up a large part of a kitchen, which often become the focus. However, if you don’t like them, they can be changed over a weekend. If they’re wooden, make sure you prep them with sugar soap, sandpaper and primer before painting. Laminate cupboards can also be painted – just make sure to use a very adhesive primer and double check the paint can be used on laminate.
• Worktops can also be replaced, but these are usually one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen refit. Scratched wooden countertops can be sanded back, sealed and stained – or you can also vinyl wrap your current worktop surfaces to replicate stoneware tops. For a guide, visit Yourhomestyle.uk and search ‘vinyl wrap’.
• Regrout your tiles if cleaning alone won’t shift stains – this can easily be done in a day. Choose white grout for a crisp finish, or contrast tiles with different-coloured grout for a quirky finish. Alternatively, you can buy tile stickers that can be applied over tiles to create an interesting splashback. There are plenty of options online, or Home Bargains has a selection in store.
• Keep surfaces decluttered – you could spend lots of money transforming a kitchen, but keeping your worktop organised works wonders. Keep well-used kitchen gadgets on worktops, but anything else can be neatly stored away.