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Home Impruvement Article
How to style your first home: money-saving tips and design advice for kitting out your home with interiors looks that last
You’ve scrimped and saved and diligently set aside every last penny to buy your first home and then, in one fell swoop, there goes all the money on the fees and deposit just as you’re about to get to the fun bit.
Here’s an essential step-by-step guide to making your new home your own without overspending.
Measure up meticulously
A laser tape will dull the pain (from around £20 on Amazon).
On a paper plan mark ceiling heights, radiator positions/shapes, windows (including any curtain tracks/poles), recesses, swing of the door, built-in fitments and so on. Make several copies.
Or go with sophisticated online tools (mostly free) for plans and 3D visuals — try SketchUp (sketchup.com), Floorplanner (floorplanner.com) or HomeByMe (home.by.me). DFS, Ikea and Carpetright also do online room planners.
Break down what you have to spend item by item
Stick mostly to your target
Green Homes Grant alternatives: easy energy-efficient home renovations to do if you can’t get a voucher
Builders are among the professionals permitted to enter our homes in Lockdown 2 and, as has been well documented since our first stay-at-home order in March, increased time at home means our home improvement to-do lists are ever-growing. There is funding available for...
Exploring the Italian Region of Puglia
Puglia is a very beautiful region of Italy and one of the most popular when it comes to holidays. If you like the idea of booking a Puglia villa with pool then there are plenty of options for places to visit while you are there. Here are just a few. Lecce Lecce is one...
The rise of ‘broken plan’ living: how to divide and zone your home for office, study and personal space
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Interiors trends for autumn: earthy tones, natural materials and bright wallpapers among new season’s top looks
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Smart tech for your home: how to control your heating by voice or app
As you consider turning on the central heating for the first time in months, note how simplistic the controls are. Even if you have thermostatic radiator valves for different temperatures in each room, traditional controls are a blunt instrument. The boiler turns on...