A toilet is for disposing of bodily waste while the bathroom is for cleansing the body. Therefore a toilet should occupy a separate room from the bath and/or shower. A toilet can be a smelly room and that’s why, until the past century, toilets were outside. A bathroom on the other hand can be sweet Read More …
Other Bathroom considerations
In addition to the usual bathroom standards such as handbasins, benchtop, storage, shower, bath, extractor fan and lighting we’ll discuss other, less considered, factors. To cater for all eventualities we suggest a shower that is walk-in/walker friendly/wheelchair accessible. If possible avoid a high maintenance glass shower that requires a squeegee after each use. Glass doors Read More …
Feng Shui Bathrooms
Bathrooms are increasing in number. When I grew up we had one for our family of five. Nowadays most homes have a main bathroom and an en suite next to the Master/Mistress Bedroom. In up-market homes you’ll find each bedroom with its own bathroom. This increase makes it even more important to get the room Read More …
Kitchen checklist
For those who enjoy making snacks and meals the kitchen is a key room in the home. In addition to the usual requirements (sink, cooker, fridge, storage, preparation area) this space must be functional. Here’s a basic checklist: * Does your kitchen meet your needs? * Will it still be suitable in 10 years time? Read More …
Which fabric; natural, artificial, blend?
Natural fibres have been around for centuries and are either plant or animal based. Some well-known examples of plant fibres include cotton, linen, hemp and silk. Popular natural fibres include possum and wool, and like anything from Nature natural fibres get better with age. Artificial fibres are man made and production of these started over Read More …
Curtains – lined
Lined curtains fall better, look more attractive, are healthier and last longer. Custom-made drapes allow us to choose the most appropriate lining; blackout, noise reduction, thermal, poly-cotton or other less well known linings. In cooler areas it may be practical to include an interlining called bumph. This is a thick layer placed between the face Read More …
Curtains – unlined
Curtains can be sheer, unlined, lined or coated. Today we’ll discuss the benefits of nets, lace, organza or voile; the unlined fabrics found next to the window. They are used for privacy and to reduce the impact of fading. Our ultraviolet light can damage carpets and fabrics so some form of protection is suggested particularly Read More …
Blinds
“What sort of blinds are best in a new house” I was asked, and my answer is “It depends. Where is the blind going? What’s its purpose? Would you prefer a roller, Venetian, vertical or Roman and do you know the difference?” Rollers: Usually found fitted inside the frame they can be either a sunscreen Read More …
Should we use a Home-stager?
A friend is selling her house in a popular Auckland suburb. She has listened to the Real Estate Agent and will employ a Home-stager to re-arrange her house before it goes on the market. There are some basic things to be done before prospective buyers arrive for a viewing: * Remove ALL clutter * Freshen Read More …
Art hanging in the same place year-round?
I’m questioning whether I should keep my art in the same place throughout the year? I move my living room furniture twice annually and the accessories are swapped around every few weeks. A friend called-in on a stunning spring day and kindly told me “It’s time to move Rainy Days (the name of the key Read More …