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Tag Archive: Home Improvements

Small Bathroom Decor Ideas
August 15, 2022 1:00 am Leave a Comment
Small Bathroom Decor Ideas
By Rachael – Content Editor
Published August 2022

When decorating our homes, our bathrooms are often left until last – or forgotten about! The space needs to be functional and easy to clean, but it can also be vibrant and welcoming. While getting excited over bathroom decor might come naturally to most, we are here to help inspire you.
Create a calming and inviting space to escape and have a relaxing bath after a long, busy day. Whether you are trying to switch off your thoughts after a hectic day at work or need five minutes to yourself, the bathroom can be your tranquil escape.
Everything neatly tucked away
Keeping a space tidy can make a big difference. Open shelves are wonderful for showing off decor and housing plants, but baskets and cupboards are far more practical for essentials. Whilst it is great having your everyday things to hand, items such as toilet rolls and mouthwash can look messy when left out.
Consider your space and budget, and then find some suitable storage units. Keep all your clutter organised and out of sight, giving the room a much neater and more attractive appearance.
Consider all of your senses
I think it is fair to say that nobody wants a bad-smelling bathroom. Keep your space smelling fresh with a good quality reed diffuser, which offers a long-lasting fragrance. Scented candles are a great alternative and create a soothing ambience when lit. If your candle is a good quality brand, it may even be fragrant in between burning.
Although it’s sometimes considered old-fashioned, you could consider some potpourri. When displayed in a transparent vase or a decorative bowl, they can look beautiful and offset your colour palette. And the best part, of course, is that they provide a consistent and pleasant smell for the space.
New towels make a big difference
If your home is anything like mine, you will have a mismatched collection of towels from all walks of life. Why not treat yourself to a new set? Aside from enjoying the softness of fresh, new towels, you can use this purchase to add style. Give your room a pop of colour with a bold shade, or alternate shades between towel sizes to create an attractive contrast.
If you are feeling particularly creative, neatly rolled towels on an open shelf can make an attractive bathroom feature. If it sounds like a lot of faffing and upkeep, consider a spacious bathroom cupboard as an alternative.
Perk it up with plants
I cannot say it enough, always add plants! If you’re not green-fingered, don’t worry, even artificial plants can make an impact. Adding houseplants to a space encourages relaxation and improves wellbeing. Green is a particularly easy colour to blend in with any palette, making them an affordable way to really give the room a lift.
From large, leafy palms in the corner of the room to tiny cacti on your windowsill, those little pops of green will really brighten up the place. You will be surprised what a difference can be made with just a few, simple additions.
Lastly, embrace your style
The most important thing to remember when designing any space in your home is to make it somewhere you love. Choosing accessories and decorative items personal to you will help you relax in your surroundings. At the end of the day, this is somewhere you will spend a lot of your time and so should be somewhere you feel comfortable.
Embrace your favourite colours, hang your favourite wall art and add functionality that suits your lifestyle. The bathroom might not be a commonly admired room in the home, but with a few special touches, it could soon become your favourite.

Find more advice and ideas below:
Bathroom Furniture | Hamilton McBride Towels | Back to Home

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Beautiful Home Furniture on a Budget
May 23, 2022 1:54 pm Leave a Comment
Beautiful Home Furniture on a Budget
By Rachael – Content Editor
Published May 2022

Transform your home for less
Shopping for furniture on a budget can be challenging, but these ranges provide both value and style for any home. Whether you are looking to get furniture for your first home, or you just fancy a change, these collections are an affordable way to refresh any living space.
Read on to discover more about our most popular, budget-friendly furniture ranges.

The Panama collection is affordable and stylish.
Panama
This simple, no-fuss range offers extraordinary value for money and an easy way to fill your bedroom in one swoop. Available in an oak-effect, white or grey finish, you can find the perfect fit for your bedroom. Rich in storage space, the Panama range has plenty of room to keep your clothes and essentials neatly tucked away.
Create the perfect space to set down and study, or relax after a long day at work. The Panama collection is perfect for young professionals just starting out and offers the perfect blank canvas for a teenager’s bedroom. These neutral units will complement any decor, making them perfect for those who enjoy changing up their surroundings regularly.

This Modena Collection is cool and contemporary.
Modena
Sleek and contemporary, the Modena range is at home in any modern setting. The Scandi-style legs are ideal for pairing alongside an accent chair, or two! With a combination of dark grey and oak-effect panels, the Modena collection sits well against pastel colours and rich greens.
Why not add in a playful contrast with some natural materials, such as weaved rugs or wicker baskets? Whilst the furniture has retro-inspired charm and a geometric appeal, this can contrast beautifully against the curves and rustic elegance of organically sourced decor.

The Lancaster Collection will suit any living space.
Lancaster
You can’t really go wrong with the Lancaster range. Available in three colour choices, this collection has pieces to suit every living space in grey, cream or slate blue. With reliable and family-friendly designs, the Lancaster collection pairs beautifully with a range of colour schemes and offers ample living space storage.
If you happen to prefer more traditional styling in the home, the Lancaster collection is perfect for complementing your existing decor. With sleek, satin silver handles, these furniture pieces can also sit beautifully alongside a more contemporary living space. As I said before, you really can’t go wrong with this versatile range.

Liven up your Living Room with the Orleans Collection.
Orleans
Now for something a little more quirky. The Orleans range is growing increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why. These vintage-inspired storage units can furnish any living space and add an elegant appeal to the room. With its mid-century hairpin style legs and geometric gold detailing, the Orleans collection is really quite stunning.
The warm tones of the mango-effect laminate panelling pair beautifully with the greenery of house plants. Combine some pieces of this range with a colour palette of blush pinks, earthy tones or neutral bases for a truly sophisticated finish. A splash of glamour doesn’t need to cost you a fortune.

The Polar Collection is a must-have for modern living.
Polar
Make a statement and embrace modern living with the Polar range. Sleek, minimalist and high-gloss, this range is perfect for any contemporary living space. Available in white or grey, many items in the range come with built-in, battery-powered LED lighting – how’s that for a party trick?
From a sleek side table to a statement wall-mounted TV unit, you can transform your living space into a chic abode in no time. Just imagine how pristine your gadgets and consoles would look paired with this remarkable and eye-catching Polar collection!
Make it your own
Finding furniture to suit your budget is just the beginning. No matter the style you choose, be sure to add your own stamp to the space with furnishings and colour. We can help you stick to your budget, but only you can make it somewhere you fall in love with.

We have a great range of furniture to buy in-store or online, discover our beautiful ranges today.

Find more advice and ideas below:
Bedroom Room Furniture | Dining Room Furniture | Living Room Furniture | Back to Home
5 House Plants to Love This Summer
May 6, 2022 11:58 am Leave a Comment
5 House Plants to Love This Summer
By Rachael – Content Editor
Published May 2022

Summer is the season when plants are thriving and everywhere looks green and fresh. Why not bring that feeling indoors and fill your home with vibrant greenery this summer? House plants not only look beautiful but can lift your mood and improve the air quality in your home.
Enjoy that summer feeling indoors
Breathe some fresh life into your home with a selection of house plants. There are plenty of species which are super low maintenance and will flourish throughout the year. We have put together a list of our five favourites this summer.
Improve air quality by adding a succulent plant
Jade Plant – Crassula Ovata
Succulents are well known for being low-maintenance varieties of house plants. Jade plants are a beautiful variety and enjoy the warm and dry conditions of our homes. Easy to care for, they only need to be watered once the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure the plant pot has plenty of drainage holes and use a succulent or cacti potting mix to provide them with the optimal nutrients.
As well as looking beautiful, jade plants can improve the air quality in your home and increase humidity, making them a great addition to your bedroom.
Fun fact: Jade plants are sometimes referred to by the nickname “money plants” as they are seen as a sign of luck and prosperity.

Add a tropical touch with an Areca Palm
Areca Palm – Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Graceful and eye-catching, these plants make an elegant feature to any living space. Whilst they are a more high-maintenance indoor plant, we believe they are worth the effort. Take the time to research how to care for your Areca Palm and be sure that you can offer it the right environment (we recommend this guide by Gardeners’ World). They prefer a warm, humid environment and need regular care.
Not only do these palms look stunning, but they are capable of removing pollutants and toxins from the air.
Fun fact: The Areca plant is native to the Madagascan tropics and is often referred to as a “Bamboo Palm“.

Variegated leaves make this plant a stunning feature
Philodendron White Wave – Philodendron martianum
With glossy, leathery leaves that are packed full of colour – we love this decorative variety. Philodendrons are fast-growing house plants that love a humid environment. The White Wave variety requires brighter lighting than its relatives due to the variegated leaves. Once the soil feels dry to the touch, give it a good soaking and let it drain, keeping the roots constantly moist without making them waterlogged. They prefer a warmer room with high levels of humidity, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Philodendrons are excellent at filtering airborne toxins and purifying the air. Make sure to keep them out of reach of pets and children, as they are toxic when ingested.
Fun fact: You cannot find a striped White Wave Philodendron in nature, as it has been bred specially to look beautiful in our homes.

ZZ Plants are brilliant for Feng Shui
ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Super popular with little maintenance involved, the ZZ plant is perfect for beginners. They are tolerant of most light conditions, except deep shade. Keep them in a pot with plenty of drainage holes and allow the top 5cm of soil to dry out before watering.
ZZ plants are excellent for Feng Shui, virtually impossible to kill and even help purify the air in your home – what’s not to love?
Fun fact: Although they are healthiest with regular watering, the ZZ plant can survive drought conditions – so you won’t need them to be watered if you go away on holidays.

Macrame plant hangers make perfect homes for Monsteras
Swiss Cheese Plant – Monstera adansonii
Tropical in origin, the Swiss cheese plant prefers bright and indirect sunlight and a humid environment. If you have any indoor hanging baskets or macrame plant hangers, they would be ideal spaces for a Monstera plant. Keep their soil moist without being soaked and be sure to add plenty of drainage holes.
Studies have shown that live plants such as Monsteras can help to lower stress levels and improve our ability to focus. Why not add some swiss cheese plants to your home office or reading corner?
Fun fact: This variety of Monstera gets the nickname “Swiss cheese plant” because of the holes in its leaves which resemble the holes in Emmenthal cheese.

House plants will improve the air quality in your home, but most importantly they make your environment more attractive and relaxing. Treat your home to some new leafy friends this summer and transform your living space.

Find more advice and ideas below:
Lifestyle Advice | Summer Inspiration | Back to Home
Easy Ways to Make a Cosy Home
August 5, 2021 9:19 am Leave a Comment
Easy Ways to Make a Cosy Home
By Sammy – Content Coordinator
Published 5th August 2021
As the nights draw in, who wouldn’t like a cosy space to curl up in and watch the tele? Or maybe you’d prefer a comfy armchair, a cup of cocoa and a good book? Everyone has their own way of relaxing and having a home that reflects your personality can really help you unwind.
But if you are unsure where to start when it comes to interior decoration, then don’t worry. There are lots of inexpensive small changes you can do around your home to create an inviting atmosphere. In fact, many people don’t even realise how easy it can be to transform a room!
More than a feeling!
There are several small things you can do to change the feel of a room. Cushions immediately add a softer texture and a throw over an armchair or sofa can be particularly useful if it’s a chilly night! A pair of blackout curtains (that hang low to the floor) not only look nice, but they help keep the warmth in too. Adding these soft textures provides a little touch of cosiness, making your home more welcoming.
Rugs are a great alternative to carpets, and you can get some reasonably sized ones that are super soft underneath your feet. They also add an extra splash of colour to your room!
Looking like a winner!
There is an old saying “a cluttered room creates a cluttered mind.” A clear-out and a tidy can make such a difference to a home. If you do have more stuff than closet space though, clever storage solutions don’t have to take up too much room. The trick is to look for ways to make the most of your space. For example, ottomans not only provide a handy footrest but also sneak in a little storage space for a blanket or slippers. Radiator shelves and floating shelves can provide a handy additional surface where space is limited.
Different lighting can also completely transform a room. Warm white and soft white light bulb colours are recommended to create a gentle ambience. Colour changing fairy lights are nice as they allow you to choose a gentle light to match the colour of your room.
And if you’re looking for a contemporary touch, why not consider partnering up a feature wall with some trendy artwork or a sleek mirror? In fact, mirrors also have the benefit of making rooms seem bigger than they are which is perfect for smaller houses or flats.
The nose, knows!
There are some simple wins to make your room smell as fresh as the first day of spring! Firstly, open a couple of windows to circulate fresh air. Give your floors and upholstery a good clean. You can find quality cleaners suitable for most materials and surface types. If you have carpets, a decent hoover or one with a HEPA filter will help pick up dirt and dust preventing them from being released into the air.
Wash the bedsheets, curtains, and throws in your room (don’t forget to check the laundry labels). Smells can cling to fabrics so remember to use a scented laundry detergent and conditioner.
Empty any bins and clean the bin itself. It’s a simple thing to overlook but over time waste bins do become a bit smelly so a fragranced cleaner will do the trick!
Finally, there are a range of things you can add to a room to make it smell nice. Air fresheners are an obvious one but what about potpourri?
It’s an aromatic mixture of dried flower petals, leaves and spices which will provide a long-lasting scent. Diffusers can be a nice alternative to scented candles as they don’t require a naked flame and can perfume your home for weeks.
Sounding great already?
Most people often don’t think about what sounds they would like to hear in their homes. This will be unique to your room and personality. If you’re creating a tranquil space, it may be worth considering using softer furnishings to help absorb sound. A meditative playlist with some soft lighting can immediately set a calming tone. Fix any loose windows or doors to limit the amount of sound feeding through from outside. A draft excluder can also help with this, plus it helps keep the warmth in!
Some people may prefer a more lively or creative environment. If you are designing a creative space such as an office, art studio, kitchen, or workshop, for example, it’s worth thinking about what you like to hear while working. If you’re a fan of podcasts, audiobooks, or speech radio then a DAB radio with aux in would allow you to access a range of digital stations, and let you connect a phone or tablet. Music lovers may want to consider a decent pair of speakers that can be connected to a music streaming device. And if you want to go for something more classic, then a turntable might be a good shout!
Treat yourself!
Your home looks clean and tidy. It smells great and you’re sitting in your soft armchair snuggled up in your favourite throw – what can complete this magical moment? Your favourite snack or drink of course! You may like something sweet or prefer crunchy nibbles instead. Whatever your favourite combo is, pick something up on the next big shop. After a long week, the thought of relaxing and treating yourself makes coming home even more wonderful! The small things can just make a home feel like a home. For me, it’s a flavoured coffee with a chocolate rich tea! Just be mindful not to leave food out as you may find unwanted pests or curious pets may try to eat it!
Extra Handy Tips!
Starting any home improvement exercise can be a daunting task at first but try to focus on one job at a time. Prioritise simple things first and address anything that is causing stress such as broken drawers and hinges. Target the easy wins and remove the barriers to you enjoying your home!
Get inspired! There are lots of ways to gain inspiration including home decoration magazines and renovation TV shows. Social media sites such as Instagram and Pinterest are particularly useful as there are users who specialise in innovative, low-cost home improvements. And don’t forget to ask around! Your friends and family are sure to have some tips and advice on what would work well.
Get some greenery into your home! Plants have so many great benefits. They look homely and research has shown they may filter out toxins by synthetic materials. Be mindful though, some plants can trigger allergies, and some are poisonous if ingested which is not good for homes with pets or children. Choosing the right plants for your home though can be tricky so we would always advise speaking to your local garden centre before purchase.
Some of you may have a smart home speaker device. Did you know that most of these devices are already equipped to play ambient noise? It’s worth spending a couple of minutes looking up what cool things your digital helper can do!
Remember to set a budget before you start a project. This will help you reign in the spending and focus on big wins!
Ultimately, have fun and express yourself! A house is 4 walls and a roof, but a home is what you make it. This is your space, and you deserve to love it. And if you have any other great tips, feel free to share them with us! We can’t wait to see what you come up with, good luck!
For more inspiration, take a look at our online selection of homeware products: