Parquet flooring brings warmth, texture, and natural beauty to any home. Its geometric patterns and rich wood tones allow it to stand out as a feature that never goes out of style. When deciding how to choose the perfect parquet floor, think about creating a lasting balance between design, durability, and the character of a living space.

From the type of wood to the choice of pattern and finish, each decision shapes how a floor looks and performs over time. This guide explains the key points that help homeowners compare materials, styles, and installation methods so they can select a parquet floor that fits both their taste and lifestyle.

Selecting the right wood species: oak, walnut, or maple for durability and appearance

Each wood type adds a different character to parquet flooring. Oak, walnut, and maple are three of the most popular choices of eye-catching parquet flooring, which have unique features that affect both durability and visual appeal.

Oak remains a timeless choice due to its strength and balanced grain. It handles wear well, which makes it ideal for busy homes. Its natural warmth and subtle patterns suit both traditional and modern interiors.

Walnut offers a deeper tone with rich brown hues and fine grains. It feels smoother underfoot and gives a room a sense of depth. Although slightly softer than oak, it still performs well in everyday use.

Maple gives a lighter, cleaner look that brightens rooms. It has a dense composition that withstands dents, making it a solid option for long-lasting floors. Its uniform texture pairs nicely with simple design styles while maintaining natural charm.

Choosing a pattern: herringbone, chevron, or basket weave to complement your interior style

Herringbone creates a classic and structured look that suits both old and new homes. Its V-shaped design gives a sense of movement and balance, which helps make small rooms appear more spacious. Many homeowners like it for its clean lines and timeless appeal.

Chevron has a similar shape to herringbone but uses angled cuts to form continuous zigzag lines. This pattern gives floors a smooth, seamless flow that adds energy to a room. It works especially well in modern spaces that need a subtle visual lift without feeling too bold.

Basket weave offers a square-based pattern that adds texture and a sense of order. The interlocking layout creates a simple yet noticeable detail underfoot. Traditional interiors benefit from its symmetrical design, while contemporary settings gain a touch of warmth and pattern contrast.

Deciding between engineered wood and solid parquet for your home’s needs

Homeowners often compare engineered wood and solid parquet to find the best match for their space. Both use real wood, but their construction differs. Solid parquet consists of wood right through, while engineered parquet has a hardwood layer fixed to a stable base of plywood or fibreboard.

Solid parquet offers a traditional appeal and can be sanded several times. It suits rooms with stable humidity, such as living areas or bedrooms. However, it may warp or swell with major changes in temperature or moisture.

Engineered parquet handles these conditions better due to its layered design. It provides flexibility for spaces like kitchens or basements where moisture levels vary. Although it cannot be sanded as many times, it usually installs more easily, especially over underfloor heating.

Cost also plays a part. Solid parquet tends to be more expensive, while engineered wood gives a similar appearance at a lower price, making it a practical choice for many homes.

Considering finish options: matte, glossy, or oiled for longevity and maintenance

The finish of a parquet floor affects both its appearance and how well it lasts. Matte finishes create a soft, natural look that hides dust and small scratches, which makes them practical for homes with children or pets. They work well in bright rooms because they reduce glare and reflect less light.

Glossy finishes give wood a polished, reflective surface that shows the grain clearly. However, they reveal marks and footprints more easily, so they may require more regular cleaning. Over time, heavy traffic can dull their shine, which means refinishing may be needed to keep the same look.

Oiled finishes sink into the wood instead of forming a surface layer. This approach helps protect against wear and allows small repairs without sanding the entire floor. It keeps the wood’s natural character visible, although it may need reapplication from time to time to maintain durability and moisture resistance.

Assessing installation methods: glue-down, floating, or nail-down for stability and comfort

Each parquet floor installation method affects how the surface feels and performs underfoot. Glue-down floors attach directly to the subfloor with adhesive, which provides a solid and quiet feel. This approach works well for concrete or wood bases and helps reduce sound in busy areas.

Floating floors connect by click or lock edges without adhesive or nails. They rest on an underlay that can soften each step and reduce noise. However, they may move slightly under pressure if the subfloor is uneven, so proper preparation is important.

The nail-down method fastens wood planks to a wooden subfloor with nails or staples. It produces lasting stability and a traditional hardwood sound when walked on. Although this technique often needs professional skill, it can create a firm surface that stands up well over time.

Each approach differs in comfort, cost, and maintenance, so homeowners should match the method to their space and flooring type.

Wrapping it up…

Choosing the right parquet floor depends on how well style, function, and upkeep align with the home’s needs. Each type of wood and pattern offers a different look, so careful selection helps maintain harmony with existing décor.

Quality materials can last for decades with proper care. Therefore, homeowners should plan regular cleaning and refinishing to protect the surface and retain the wood’s natural appeal.

Cost, installation method, and finish also affect satisfaction over time. A balanced approach between beauty and practicality creates a floor that feels both inviting and durable.

In summary, parquet flooring provides a timeless design that suits many homes. By selecting wisely, anyone can achieve an attractive and lasting foundation for daily living.

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If you’re considering upgrading or buying a home that can support your family’s needs, we’ve listed some of the best home features for busy modern families.

Flexible, multi-purpose rooms

With homes needing to meet a range of new purposes, like home offices, gyms, and hobby rooms, families today need adaptable spaces that morph with changing needs. Not only do these rooms maximise efficiency by utilising as much of the space as possible, but they’re also an economical option for truly personalising a space.

That’s because you can have your room set up in a way that you like, but you’re still able to reconfigure it at a moment’s notice to suit an alternative purpose. For instance, if you occasionally have guests stay round, your home office can adapt into a spare room.

In fact, these flexible and adaptive designs are frequently referred to as next generation homes, due to their ability to meet your family’s evolving needs.

Integrated smart home technology

When you’re living a busy schedule, it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. Has breakfast been made? Are the kids ready for school? Has the washing been put out to dry? Did the kids switch their lights off before you left the house?

Smart home systems help to simplify these stresses and give you less to worry about. By letting you control various systems, like your heating and lighting, from your phone, you don’t have to panic if something has been left on. Similarly, you can switch the heating on as you head home, giving it a chance to warm up before you get back. Ultimately, this also saves you money as you limit energy to only what you need.

Homes that support multi-generational living

With housing prices and the cost of living steadily increasing, combined with childcare demands, more families are embracing multi-generational living. Of course, for these to be comfortable arrangements, each generation needs their own space.

The inclusion of shared communal areas will also help to facilitate balanced cohabitation. Having larger areas where the whole family can eat, talk, and play together is crucial for developing strong family bonds.

Sustainable, energy-efficient design

With energy prices on a continuous rise, homes with an energy-efficient design are ideal for busy families that might not have the time to be as eco-conscious as they’d like. Insulated walls and roofs, triple-glazed windows, and zero-carbon design elements are great for keeping bills down and reducing your impact on the environment.

Outdoor and communal spaces for family time

Even when families have conflicting schedules, having a communal area, like a garden or larger living room, helps to encourage togetherness. That’s because while individual members might be focused on their own tasks, even just being around each other can help improve family bonds.

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Beyond the ever-changing trends of open shelving, farmhouse decor, and bright kitchen appliances, some features of interior design remain timeless. Shaker cabinets, for example, have stood the test of time, while kitchens in warm earth tones are considered the best of all colour trends. However, if you want to guarantee that your kitchen will outshine all trends while still being interesting, the best approach is to design it in black and white. This is a classic combination of tones for the kitchen, where the black can hide what’s not to be seen while the white shades can effortlessly brighten up the space.

A black and white kitchen can be both traditional and modern with the perfect furniture, decorations, and layout. Here are some tips on creating the perfect B&W blend for the kitchen.

Colour blocking

The colour-blocking technique pairs opposite colours on the colour wheel for stability and innovation. While pairing black and white may not seem revolutionary, there’s a certain way to do it in interior design.

Black kitchens might be too dark for some, which is why adding white, in contrast, provides an interesting visual. For example, an entire black wall next to an entire white wall creates depth without straining the eye and provides a certain level of warmth. You could choose to have the backsplash and the sink area all black while the pantry zone remains white.

Don’t ignore other colours for design

A black and white kitchen is not all about these tones. Therefore, a splash of pink or red placed in the right place can do wonders. Bubble-gum pink, for example, looks fantastic in the middle of a black kitchen area, so such a dining table would complement the design beautifully.

A monotone palette with a few red decorations is also impactful, so don’t be afraid to add a little bit of colour if you’re fond of certain decorative pieces. While black and white dominate the kitchen, colourful shades here and there bring more personality to the table. You could choose these colours as the room’s centrepiece, such as a custom hood, a unique island or a set of appliances.

Try an industrial look

A black-and-white kitchen doesn’t have to look a certain way, so you can introduce different styles into it. For instance, an industrial B&W kitchen could make the black elements less harsh and the white ones cooler.

Industrial kitchens are all about unfinished looks and raw aesthetics. Therefore, try to incorporate character in your black-and-white kitchens, from white-textured walls to black, imperfect furniture pieces. Metal accents and fixtures complement the final design without having to try too much.

Approach minimalism

If you find industrial kitchens too cold, you may want a B&W minimalistic kitchen. This concept allows you to simplify the room design while redecorating it on a budget. Moreover, black-and-white appliances, furniture, and decorations are easier to find and incorporate into the kitchen.

Minimalism is all about few belongings and easy-to-maintain countertops, so introducing it could be easier if you’re also a minimalist. This means you truly value every object in the kitchen and designate spaces for every different item. Moreover, since the design is focused on black and white, you’ll be able to downsize the number of additional purchases.

Consider patterns

Black-and-white patterns are allowed in the kitchen, and they can add the excitement you need. Artwork, painted walls, or customised cabinets in B&W motifs can make the kitchen more welcoming and fun.

You could also play with tile patterns on the backsplash or the floor. The timeless black and white tile floor looks amazing outside the bathroom as well, so you can introduce it in the kitchen as checkerboard patterns or floral, depending on what’s available on the market. Basic rugs are great additions to the chic tile flooring.

Choose your boldness preferences

A B&W kitchen is not that easy to design. The endless shades and tones of black and white can make a huge difference in the final design, as some can make the kitchen bolder while others will add more warmth.

You could approach a white kitchen with black accents if you want to play it safe. On the other hand, a kitchen with primarily black designs and appliances that have only a few white accents is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted. The first option is easier to work around, but the latter is made for those who might love maximalism and design that speaks for itself.

What to introduce in B&W kitchens

While most of these kitchens focus on the two shades, there are no strict rules as to what other elements to introduce. However, there are safe colours and motifs to play with in such a kitchen, such as:

• Earthy elements, such as wooden countertops, plants and wooden floors, can make the kitchen feel less intimidating;
• Stone and marble countertops are the greatest finish for high-quality kitchens, and they’re also long-lasting materials;
• Brass and copper fixtures can also shift the kitchen’s mood from cold and unwelcoming to classy;

When it comes to other colours, you can introduce them as long as they don’t shift the focus from B&W because then the mix-match might not work anymore. That’s why having such a kitchen is a huge commitment―its minimalistic tone can become boring in no time. It is also why redesigning the kitchen to black-and-white designs requires a lot of time for research and finding the right appliances and furniture.

What do you think about a black-and-white kitchen?

If you’re unsure about your preferences for your kitchen, black-and-white designs will surely provide a timeless space. With the correct design and planning, white and black walls, appliances in the same colour, and dark furniture can blend beautifully. At the same time, elements like earthy materials, plants, and bolder colours are accepted as long as they integrate in a balanced manner.

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Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping a home’s atmosphere. It serves a functional purpose while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of living spaces. The right lighting choices can highlight artwork, create warmth, and make a room inviting. However, choosing the correct fixtures and placements can be a daunting task. Here’s how you can elevate your interior design with clever lighting selections.

The importance of lighting in design

Effective lighting is more than brightness; it adds depth and dimension to your home. Think of it as a design element that brings every corner of a room to life. Different types of fixtures can create varying moods: softer, warm lights can foster intimacy, while brighter lights can energise a space. Understanding how to manipulate these elements allows you to curate a unique environment tailored to your lifestyle.

In living areas, a layered approach—combining ambient, task, and accent lighting—creates versatile spaces that adapt to your needs. For instance, using wall-mounted fixtures to illuminate artwork can draw attention to your collections while maintaining an inviting feel throughout the room. When exploring picture lighting options, it’s essential to consider how they complement the overall design and highlight the art effectively.

Stylish fixtures that reflect your taste

When selecting lighting elements, the options can feel overwhelming. From sleek modern designs to classic styles, your choice should resonate with your aesthetic. Embracing a cohesive design style will harmonise the overall look of your home.

Consider incorporating sophisticated options such as wall sconces, pendant lights, or spotlights that accentuate architectural features and artwork. Brands like Corston Ltd. offer a range of elegant fixtures that fit various design styles, from contemporary to traditional.

By choosing fixtures that complement your décor, you can enhance the atmosphere and create a welcoming environment that reflects your personality.

Tips for highlighting your artwork with lighting

Art plays a significant role in personal expression within your home, and selecting the right lighting can bring your pieces to life. To effectively showcase your artwork, consider the following tips:

1. Positioning: Light should be directed at your artwork from an angle rather than straight on, as this prevents glare and enhances the texture and colours of the piece. Wall-mounted fixtures or adjustable track lighting can achieve this effect.
2. Intensity: The brightness of the light is critical. Too harsh of a light can wash out details, while too dim can fail to reveal the true beauty of your artwork. Opt for dimmers to adjust the intensity according to the time of day or mood.
3. Colour Temperature: The hue of the light can dramatically affect how colours appear in your artwork. Warmer lights (around 2700K) create a cosy atmosphere, while cooler lights (over 4000K) can energise. Experiment to find the right balance that enhances your art pieces.

Creating a mood with layered lighting

To design a functional and inviting space, layering your lighting is essential. This technique combines multiple types of lighting to create depth and interest in a room. Here’s how to effectively layer your lighting:

• Ambient Lighting: This is the general illumination that fills the room. Use ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting as the foundation of your space’s lighting scheme.
• Task Lighting: This type focuses on specific areas where activities are performed, such as reading or cooking. Table lamps, under-cabinet lights, and reading sconces are excellent choices for task lighting.
• Accent Lighting: This highlights particular features or art. Use adjustable fixtures or spotlighting to draw attention to specific areas, whether a piece of art or an architectural detail.

Choosing the right type of fixtures

Selecting suitable lighting fixtures is fundamental to achieving your desired aesthetic. Among the many styles available, there are key types to consider:

• Wall Fixtures: These are perfect for accent lighting. Wall sconces can highlight art or architectural features, adding elegance to a room. They can also provide functional lighting in narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ceiling Fixtures: Chandeliers or pendant lights serve as focal points in a room. When hung at the right height, they can illuminate large areas while adding character to the space. Consider the scale of the fixture in relation to the room for balance.
• Table and Floor Lamps: These versatile options can introduce layers of light. They can easily be moved, allowing for flexibility in your design. Use them to create cosy reading nooks or highlight specific areas in a room.
• Recessed Lighting: This choice provides a clean look. Installed into the ceiling, these lights offer even illumination, working exceptionally well in kitchens and bathrooms where efficiency is key.

Incorporating smart lighting solutions

Modern technology offers innovative solutions for enhancing your home’s lighting scheme. Smart lighting systems allow for greater control and flexibility, enabling you to adjust brightness and colour temperature with ease. These systems can be programmed to change the lighting based on the time of day or your activities, adapting to different moods and requirements.

Additionally, smart lighting can significantly improve energy efficiency, which is increasingly essential for energy-conscious homeowners. By using LED bulbs that can be dimmed or automated, you can cut down on electricity usage while ensuring that your home remains beautifully lit.

Incorporating these advanced solutions into your design enhances functionality and adds a modern touch to your décor.

Light placement and measurements

Effective lighting goes beyond the types of fixtures you choose; it is also about their placement. Knowing how to measure and position lights makes a significant difference in achieving the desired effect.

For instance, consider the height above tables or countertops when hanging a pendant light. A general rule is to hang it 30-36 inches above the surface to maintain a comfortable line of sight. Similarly, wall sconces should be mounted approximately 60 inches from the floor for optimal illumination and aesthetics.

Consider the spacing of recessed lights or spotlights in spaces like hallways or staircases. Ideally, place them 4-6 feet apart to ensure even coverage without dark spots. Thoughtful placement helps enhance the functionality of your space while creating an inviting atmosphere.

Using lighting to define spaces

Lighting can effectively define different zones without physical barriers in open-plan living areas. Using various lighting types, you can create visual distinctions between the dining, living, and kitchen areas.

For instance, installing a striking pendant light above a dining table creates a focal point that draws attention to that space while delineating it from the living area. Similarly, using floor lamps in a reading nook establishes that area as a distinct, comfortable retreat within a larger space.

This approach allows for a seamless and harmonious flow while providing a sense of organisation in your home’s layout.

Maintenance and care of lighting fixtures

Once you select and install your lighting fixtures, ongoing care is essential for maintaining their beauty and functionality. Regular cleaning is crucial, especially for fixtures that accumulate dust and grime. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe surfaces, ensuring not to damage delicate finishes.

A glass cleaner helps maintain clarity and brilliance in glass light fixtures. It’s wise to periodically check for issues with bulbs or wiring to ensure that everything operates safely and efficiently.

Taking the time to care for your fixtures extends their lifespan and ensures your home remains beautiful and inviting.

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It has the ability to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and reflect personal narratives. In the area of home decor, art serves as a powerful tool to refresh and redefine living spaces. Whether it’s an abstract painting, a vibrant photograph, or a minimalist print, the impact of art on your home decor cannot be underestimated. It can inject life into otherwise mundane settings.

In recent years, the trend of incorporating art into home decor has gained significant momentum. This shift is not merely about aesthetics, it’s about creating environments that resonate with personal style and current trends. Trendy Art Prints from Desenio offer a diverse array of options for homeowners looking to infuse contemporary flair into their spaces. These trendy art prints provide a resource for discovering fashionable pieces that align with individual tastes and the latest design trends.

Art’s transformative power lies in its ability to alter perceptions of space. A well-chosen piece can make a room feel larger, cozier, or more dynamic. It can serve as a focal point, drawing attention and sparking conversation. But perhaps most importantly, art allows homeowners to express their unique identities, making their homes a true reflection of who they are. As you consider refreshing your home decor, ponder this: what story do you want your space to tell?

Read more: would you know how to trace your family tree?

Understanding your space and style

Before delving into the world of art, it’s crucial to understand the dimensions and style of your living space. In the UK, for instance, the average home size is around 85 square meters, with terraced houses being particularly prevalent. These spatial constraints often dictate the type of art that can be accommodated.

Choosing art that complements your existing decor involves a delicate balance. It’s about finding pieces that enhance rather than overwhelm. For smaller spaces, opting for lighter, more subdued artworks can create an illusion of openness. Conversely, larger spaces can handle bold, statement pieces that command attention.

Your personal style is equally important in this equation. Are you drawn to modern, abstract designs, or do you prefer classic, timeless pieces? Understanding your preferences will guide you in selecting art that feels authentic to you. Ultimately, the art you choose should harmonize with your home’s architecture and furnishings, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Incorporating trends and personal expression

Trends in home decor are constantly evolving, and the use of art is no exception. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly art options. This shift reflects a broader societal awareness of environmental issues and a desire to make conscious choices in all aspects of life.

Sustainable art can take many forms, from pieces made with recycled materials to those that support local artists and communities. Incorporating these trends into your home decor not only aligns with global movements but also allows for personal expression. Art is a medium through which individuals can convey their values and beliefs.

Personal expression through art is about more than just following trends. It’s about selecting pieces that resonate on a deeper level, that evoke memories or inspire future aspirations. Whether it’s a family portrait, a landscape from a favorite travel destination, or an abstract piece that speaks to your soul, art is a personal journey. It’s a way to tell your story without uttering a single word.

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If you’re dreaming of a stylish, spa-like bathroom, or simply want a functional space that stands up to daily wear, one of the secrets lies in what’s behind your tiles. Tile backer boards may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a bathroom renovation, but they’re an unsung hero that can make a world of difference.

Whether you’re doing a major remodel or a minor update, here’s why using tile backer boards can enhance durability, insulation, and ease of installation—all while giving you peace of mind.

The power of proper support

Bathroom spaces endure constant humidity, splashes, and even temperature changes. For tiles to stay pristine and firmly in place, they need a sturdy, resilient foundation. That’s where the tile backer board come in. Backer boards offer a robust surface that prevents the tiles from flexing over time. Without this essential support, the tile grout can weaken and crack, allowing moisture to seep through and damage the underlying structure.

By adding these, you’re giving your bathroom tiles a solid foundation that keeps everything firm and water-resistant. This small step in the renovation process can save you a lot of hassle and expense in the long run.

Why choose tile backer boards over other methods?

Traditional plasterboard and plywood, once commonly used in bathrooms, are less reliable options for high-moisture areas. Unlike these materials, tile backer boards are water-resistant and won’t degrade from exposure to moisture.

By using a proper backer, you can ensure your bathroom walls and floors remain solid and mould-free, even in areas that see a lot of water. Plus, tile backer boards resist warping and flexing, keeping grout lines intact and your tiles securely in place.

Considering renovating your garden? Top tips

Lightweight, high-strength, and easy to install

Tile backer boards are also popular for their unique combination of strength and lightness. Designed to be easy to handle, they’re lightweight yet tough, making installation quicker and easier. This can be a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts or even seasoned contractors. And with their excellent compressive strength, these boards can handle the weight of tiles and heavy fixtures, all while keeping the load on the structure low.

The insulation properties of backer boards are also noteworthy. By providing an extra layer of insulation, they help keep the bathroom cozy and energy-efficient. This insulation works just as effectively on walls as on floors, creating a warm and inviting space that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Waterproofing: a crucial step for bathroom bliss

One of the top reasons tile backer boards are used in bathrooms is their ability to keep water out. Backer boards are water-resistant, which means they protect against dampness that could seep through the tiles, weakening adhesive, and creating an environment for mould and mildew. Adding backer boards is a simple yet effective way to safeguard the structural integrity of your bathroom for years to come.

Tiles, on their own, aren’t waterproof, so they need the backing to be effective. By installing tiles on a water-resistant backer board, you’re adding an essential layer that can handle the bathroom’s constant exposure to moisture. This is especially important in wet rooms or walk-in showers, where water is abundant.

Easy fitting for walls and floors alike

One of the greatest benefits of tile backer boards is their versatility. Whether you’re tiling the bathroom walls or laying new tiles on the floor, backer boards can be fitted with ease in both applications. They provide the same level of support and protection on both surfaces, making them ideal for modern bathrooms that feature a continuous tile design across floors and walls.

By opting for tile backer boards, you can achieve a seamless look without sacrificing durability or waterproofing, ensuring a sleek and cohesive appearance in your bathroom.

Preventing the common pitfalls of bathroom tiling

Tile backer boards don’t just help with waterproofing—they also make the entire tiling process smoother and more reliable. Without a backer board, tiles can be tricky to install correctly. A flexible or unsteady surface can lead to uneven grout lines, tiles that won’t set properly, or even cracked tiles. Backer boards offer a solid, stable base, so you’ll find it easier to get those tiles perfectly aligned and secure.

In addition to making the installation process simpler, tile backer boards also reduce the chances of long-term issues. Flexing or movement in the bathroom walls or floor can compromise the durability of the tile and grout over time. With the right support in place, however, you can enjoy your beautiful, custom-tiled bathroom without worrying about cracks, leaks, or loose tiles.

The stylish, safe, and smart choice for your bathroom

Backer boards may not be the most glamorous part of a bathroom renovation, but they are a solid investment that pays off in style, functionality, and peace of mind. By choosing the right tile backer board, you’re ensuring that your tiles remain beautifully in place, your bathroom stays dry, and your renovation budget isn’t impacted by unnecessary repairs down the line.

So, when you’re ready to dive into your next bathroom project, consider adding tile backer boards to your plan. It’s a smart choice that will help your dream bathroom stand the test of time and keep its fresh, polished look for years to come.

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The sooner you spruce up your kitchen, the sooner you can enjoy cooking in it again. The sooner you address your lounge, the sooner you can host with pride. But an often-overlooked part of the house is technically not part of it at all: the outside. Addressing your garden can feel a step too far, and especially so in the wintertime. However, the sooner you design your ideal outdoors, the sooner you can avail of the spring and summer weather alone or with friends. How should you approach this project, though? Here’s how to design the outdoors of your property.

Add a Patio

One of the better ways you can engage with your outdoor space is to make it more useful as well as more aesthetically pleasing – that is, to install a patio. Patio spaces are at once great vessels for design and aesthetic expression, and useful areas for social engagement and quiet reflection.

The patio can itself reflect your own aesthetic leanings, too, dependent on how you choose to construct it. A paving-stone patio can effect a modern but natural feel while keeping your patio relatively easy to clean, where old-school flagstones can make for a much more rustic feel.

Diversify Materials

Speaking of materials, diversifying the materials you use across your garden can have a powerful impact on its overall design. For example, you could contrast the sleek and isometric design of a paving-stone patio with more rustic wooden-sleeper flowerbeds along and down your garden.

Pathways could use cobblestone, to match the colours of existing patios or side-paths, and metal planters could set off against them for added texture. Even gravel or pea-shingle can be used to great effect, where gravel areas can be contrasted with metal arches, themselves home to climbing or hanging plants.

Read more: cosy winter interior design ideas

Decking

Of course, a patio is not the only option available to you when it comes to creating social spaces outdoors. Indeed, patio spaces can be difficult to arrange when space is at a premium, let alone the state of your landscaping budget. In these situations, decking may be an accessible and sustainable alternative.

Decking can be made multi-level, allowing you to step your garden up to meet a raised back door. Or, even create a raised social space above your garden, functionally increasing the amount of room available to you and your guests. Decking can be just as easy to maintain as a patio, and can be used for just as many things.

Planters

We’ve already touched on planters, with regard to materials and the creation of textural contrast in your garden’s design. But some more nuanced thinking about the type and placement of your flowerbeds and planters can bring your garden to life for relatively little cost. Wildflower beds marked out with stone can create a wonderland feel at the foot of your garden. While built-up sleeper beds can hold crops and make them much easier to harvest.

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Renovating your home will add loads of benefits, as explored below. And as well as this, by 50 you’d hope you’re also potentially now more likely to have the resources to make the things you’ve always wanted come into fruition.

And let’s face it – we might be spending more time at home than ever right now.

There is so much you can do with life, but right now, working on your property is one of the major changes you can make that’ll last you a lifetime. Before you start going on the adventures you’ve always wanted to have, why not focus on something a little closer to home?

It’s never too late to embark on that home renovation project! And here’s why…

Build your dream home

We often spend our entire lives building towards something — mostly at work, where we toil away in hopes of someday retiring in our dream homes. So why wait? It’s important to seize the day and make the best with what we have now! Why shouldn’t you have your dream home, and have it NOW?

The BBC’s list of dream homes from the last century shows some of the amazing designs people have gone for. The list includes homes from all over the world, so you can broaden your views and grab some design inspiration from all corners of the globe. What’s great about this is you don’t even have to build from scratch – there will be changes you can make as you can just apply renovations to your current home.

Ensuring the longevity of your home

Another reason to embark on a renovation project is that it can help ensure the longevity of your home. While renovations are done to add new things to your house, many people also take it as an opportunity to repair and fortify their homes at the same time.

This proactive approach will also help you foresee any potential repairs which come with the wear and tear of a home. And while this means getting professionals to work on your home, this also means getting the right coverage for utilities as well.

UK company HomeServe states that home emergency coverage usually includes heating, boilers, drains, pipes, plumbing, and electrics. It’s a good idea to check what you have covered and make sure it’s up to scratch. This becomes especially important once you consider the fact that in the UK 11% of annual household costs go on maintenance and repairs.

Changes for the future

Lastly, another great reason to make renovations to your home is to make changes that’ll make your home safer for you – even if you don’t need them right now, it’s a great investment for later on.

The World Health Organisation highlights how falls can be particularly dangerous for us, when we hit our advancing years. So get ahead of the curve, and put those in place now.

This could be anything from installing safety rails in your bathroom, nice wardrobes in your bedroom, or non-slip tiles, to considering what other supports might be needed around the home. The stairs, for example.

We’re Happier after 50 – find out why by reading this article. And happy renovating!

Collaborative post written with our partner Lily Roble, many thanks.

Lily Robles

The post Why now is a great time to start that home renovation project appeared first on Silver Magazine.