However, designing a kitchen can seem like a difficult task. As the most used room of the house, a kitchen needs to be functional and practical. Hence, our article discusses kitchen design ideas perfect for your home.

Storage

Most people tend to want a minimalistic home, so they like to hide away clutter and belongings in cupboards. However, within the kitchen, an exposed pantry can help you to achieve a rustic and cosy feel.

If your kitchen is small, it can be handy to use the walls as storage with shelving and boxes. Adding decoration within the open shelves can distract from any mess and create a trendy statement piece.

Alternatively, standalone furniture like a glass cabinet can be an affordable and neat way of adding extra storage space to your kitchen.

Countertops

If you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen island, you will want it to be the centre point of the room. Hence, the worktop of the island must be eyecatching and stylish to draw attention to the focal point.

Mismatching the countertop of the island to the rest of the kitchen worktops can make a statement. However, matching the floor and the countertops can create a sense of unity and can tie in the colour scheme.

Why not build in an extra-large sink to your countertop? Not only are they practical, but they look modern and luxurious too. They can work in both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs with their sharp edges and added texture.

Splashbacks often get overlooked when it comes to kitchen designs. However, mosaic-style tiling to the walls above the countertops can add a stylish element to any kitchen whilst maintaining practicality.

Dining Table

Not everyone will have the luxury of a kitchen island that can double as a dining table. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t add a sense of luxury with an actual table instead. Place it in the centre of the room to create a cosy country feel that will suit both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. Utilising a tall dining table can also add an extra countertop to your kitchen.

The post Kitchen Design Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Hallways, landings and stairs are used as the main passageway in and out of the house, up and down the floors. Hence, they are a vital part of the home and our lives. Because of this, we think they deserve to be spruced up and styled accordingly. Check out our ideas below.

Utilising The Wall Space Of Hallways, Landings and Stairs

It’s tempting to stick to neutral colours when decorating the hallways, landings and stairs of your home. However, why not jazz them up with patterned wallpaper or pops of colour?

Place some patterned tiles on the floor and add a two-tone coloured wall to create a panelling effect. Doing so will attract the attention of your visitors and will make a statement about your home.

Add a hook rail to the wall, some artwork or prints in frames and a mirror mosaic for the finishing touch. Moreover, create a gallery wall up the staircase of photos of family and friends or memories.

All of these ideas are practical, easy and achievable on a budget too!

Decorate The Space

When decorating the hall or landing, open up the space with furnishings. Moreover, this can create an airy feel whilst providing practicality with storage solutions.

Turn the landing into an office space by strategically placing a desk, chair and computer in the antispace, if you’re lucky enough to have the room.

Add a large mirror, lamp and chair or stool to the landing as an alternative way of making the most of each room.

If you have plenty of room within your hallway, why not add some clever shoe storage by means of a shoe rack or cupboard to hide them away out of sight?

Radiator Ideas

Most hallways or landings have a large radiator mounted to the wall which can be unsightly in some circumstances. Instead of letting the radiator act as an eyesore in the space, why not add a trendy radiator cover and blend it into the wall with a pop of colour?

Or dress the radiator by covering it with a console table, and adding a print, plant, candle and book to the top. Furthermore, this is a practical way of maximising space and adding an industrial feel to the home.

The post How To Dress Hallways, Landings and Stairs appeared first on Windows Manchester.

The rituals and quirky beliefs that come with owning lucky items are a way of letting old wives’ tales live on and bring charm to your home. We have developed a list of the luckiest items you can have in your home to ease those superstitions you may have. What’s wrong with a little bit of spirituality within the home?

Fresh Flowers

The laws of feng shui suggest that having a fresh bunch of flowers in the home will bring positive energy and aura to the house and those within. So the next time you are at the supermarket, don’t forget to treat yourself to this so-called lucky item.

Horse Shoes As A Lucky Item

A popular symbol of luck is a horseshoe. Hence, the Irish strongly believe that a horseshoe that creates a U shape should be hung above your front door. Moreover, doing so will mean your luck will never run out. However, the French argue that hanging the horseshoe upside down is luckier, as the luck will rain down on all who pass the threshold.

Dreamcatchers As A Lucky Item

Native Americans believe that keeping a dreamcatcher above your bed will capture the evil spirits whilst you speak and will encourage good fortune for you. If nothing else, dreamcatchers are a lovely addition to any bedroom.

Paint Your Front Door

Another law of feng shui suggests that any south-facing front door should be painted a bright red or shade of orange. However, north-facing doors should be blue or black. West-facing doors should only ever be grey or white, whilst east-facing front doors should stick to a brown or green colour. Doing so will encourage good luck.

The post Lucky Items To Keep In Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.

It is a piece of government legislation that protects homeowners who have a property that is adjoined to another. These properties include terraced houses, semi-detached homes, flats or apartments. 

The Party Wall Act can help to resolve any disputes between neighbours that involve boundary walls and fences, structures and excavation work. 

Hence, if you intend on carrying out any work on or near a wall that adjoins to another, a Party Wall Notice should be drawn up and presented to the neighbour. 

Once the notice is served, the neighbour has the chance to permit or reject the work. Only when consent is given can an Agreement be drawn up. 

Types Of Work

• Work on garden walls and fences
• Any repairs to adjoining walls
• Demolishing an adjoining wall or rebuilding it
• Excavation work
• Loft or basement conversions
• Garage conversions
• Damp proof courses
• Building a second-storey extension to a party wall

The likes of replastering, drilling and cutting in or channelling out walls are often considered too minor to consult the neighbour about. 

Issuing A Party Wall Notice

The homeowner should discuss the planned works with the affected neighbours. Hence, doing so will prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

Once they are aware of the plans, a Notice can be issued alongside the Agreement. Including a copy of the Party Wall Act 1996 may also be beneficial. 

Within the documents, the homeowner’s contact information, a detailed report of the planned works, the date for commencement and any access requirements should be included. 

The Notice should be served between two months and one year of the work being carried out. Moreover, the Notice is valid for one year from the date it is served too. Otherwise, a new Notice will need to be issued. 

Receiving A Party Wall Notice

The adjoining homeowner can provide consent in writing, serve a counter-notice requesting some changes, refuse to consent or do nothing. 

When Can Work Begin?

Once consent has been given from the adjoining homeowner or an agreement has been made, work can begin. 

However, if the Notice is rejected then a dispute resolution needs to be actioned.

The post What Is The Party Wall Act? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Garden Weeds

A gardener’s bugbear is usually weeds. Weeds are relentless and can take over plant pots, flower beds, cracks in the pavement, the whole garden. 

If you stay on top of them, and de-weed regularly, they won’t become a problem further down the line. The sooner you remove the weed, the less chance they have of spreading – as, like most plants, the sun and rain help them to grow.

Spraying vinegar or pouring boiling water on weeds can stop them from growing but may also damage surrounding plants. 

Wilting Plants

Overwatering your plants can damage the roots. Underwatering them can cause wilting. Each plant needs a different amount of water too. So finding the optimal amount of water for each plant can be difficult. 

When you’re in the garden, check the soil to see if it’s moist or dry. Ensure that the plants are watered if the soil feels too dry. 

Similar to watering the plants, they also need sunlight. Too much can dry the plants out, whereas too little can prevent growth. 

Garden Pests And Pets

Another bugbear of gardeners is pests. Slugs, snails, worms and ants are the main culprits in the garden. Flies, bees and wasps can also be a nuisance for your plants – but are usually more beneficial. 

Soapy water or insect repellent can help to keep the pests at bay. Some plants are also insect-repelling too, so do your research. 

If you live near the countryside, you may find that your garden becomes home to rabbits, deers and other wild animals. Fencing is usually the best and safest way to keep the animals out of your garden.

Birds love gardens. They enjoy eating the seeds and plants, so be wary of their intentions when they swoop into your garden. 

The post Challenges In The Garden appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Moreover, loft conversions can increase the value of your home and can prevent you from needing to move to benefit from more space anyway. 

Rather than using your loft as a storage place for clutter, why not make use of it as an extra room? Here we have some ideas for fun loft conversions. 

Playroom Loft Conversion

Have you got children? If so, their toys will properly be scattered across the house, under furniture and in cupboards. Moreover, it probably feels impossible to keep your home clean and tidy because of the toys. Instead of letting it take over the home, why not add a playroom? 

Converting the loft to a playroom will allow the children to have their own space and a room of their own to play in. It will keep all the toys out of the way. Plus, they can be as loud as they want up there too. 

Cinema Room

If you’re looking for a more relaxing transformation of your loft, why not convert it into a cinema room? Add a widescreen TV or a projector and a screen, some comfy chairs or sofa’s and a surround sound system for the ultimate experience. 

Subtle, dim lighting can help to set the tone and create the ideal ambience for your luxurious cinema room too. 

Games Room

Similar to a playroom for the children, set up a games room for the big kids too. Set up all your games and gadgets in there, like a pool table, dartboard, football table or jukebox to create a relaxed environment. 

Studio Loft Conversion

Perhaps you have a musical or an artistic and creative talent. So tailor your loft conversion to suit your hobbies. 

A recording studio might be ideal for you if you’re a musician. Utilise the sloping walls and ceilings for the acoustics. You might want to soundproof the room though to ensure you don’t disturb the rest of the house or the neighbours.

If you’re arty, why not set up an art studio up there? Ensure the room is bright and light to allow you to create your artwork in natural light. 

The post Loft Conversion Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

However, to run electric cars, the car needs to be charged. Charging points are popping up across the country. There are more charging locations than petrol stations these days. 

In recent weeks, the government have announced plans for all new build homes to come with an EV charging point too. 

What Are The Advantages Of Electric Cars?

• Lower running costs
• Smoother to drive
• Quieter – so reduced noise pollution
• Low carbon emissions – so cleaner environment
• No congestion charges

Electric cars have a better impact on the environment and don’t emit any exhaust gases. In some major cities and towns, there are congestion charges through the introduction of Clean Air Zones. An electric car is exempt from the charges. 

EV’s are cheaper to run, cheaper to service and maintain, and often do not need taxing. Moreover, they have better handling, comfort and safety than most petrol or diesel cars and are more responsive to acceleration and braking. 

How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car?

Charging an electric car can take from 30 minutes to 10 hours. How long it takes depends on the battery size, the miles that the car usually does between charges, and the power rating of the charger. 

A slow charger is usually around 3 kilowatts and is used to charge the vehicle overnight at home or work. It can take from 8 to 10 hours to fully charge. 

A fast charger is 7 kilowatts or 22. These are located at car parks and supermarkets and can take 3 to 4 hours to fully charge a vehicle. 

Rapid chargers are 43 kilowatts and are often located at service stations or petrol stations. These can take as little as 30 minutes to fully charge but aren’t compatible with all electric cars. 

Should I Upgrade Now?

A lot of people are wary of upgrading to an electric car due to the lack of charging points – despite there being more than petrol stations. People are also cautious due to range anxiety, as the car may need charging often and might not be able to reach as far without stopping to recharge. 

However, improved battery technology, the installation of new charging points and accessibility has made it clear why you should consider upgrading to an EV early. 

The post Electric Cars appeared first on Windows Manchester.

The process of updating your home can be daunting, particularly a room as important as your bedroom. Hence, we have some simple tips to help you achieve the designer bedroom look. Check them out below.

Designer Bedroom Lighting

When considering light for the home, it is important to consider both natural light and artificial light. Natural light refers to daylight entering the room through windows. Artificial light refers to lamps and lights installed within the room. 

The function of a bedroom is primarily to sleep in. Hence, natural light is often not wanted within the room – especially at night or in the early morning. Black-out blinds or curtains are ideal in this instance. Moreover, they are stylish and modern whilst providing a practical solution for a designer bedroom. 

Furthermore, artificial light is available in a variety of styles. Spotlights are a contemporary choice and are even better on a dimmer switch. Moreover, a dimmer switch allows you to alter the light in the room from a bright area ideal for getting ready to a subtly-lit dynamic on an evening. 

Bedroom Walls

When upgrading to a designer bedroom, opt for bold patterns and feature walls to make a statement. Pairing these with neutral walls will create a spectacle. 

If you’re looking for something more subtle, hang some artwork or canvases on the walls. Full-sized mirrors look great on bedroom walls too – offering a designer bedroom vibe.

Fitted Furniture

Designer bedrooms are often minimalistic. Hence, fitted wardrobes can create a clutter-free and eye-catching space that offers ample storage. Choosing a sliding door for your built-in wardrobes will also create an element of space, as the doors won’t swing out into the room. 

Be careful though – once you have fitted your wardrobes, they are there to stay and you will have to work around them for the placement of your furniture.

The post How To Create A Designer Bedroom appeared first on Windows Manchester.

But you don’t need to neglect your front door when it comes to decorating. Looking for Christmas door ideas? Look no further!

Traditional Christmas Door Wreath

Spruce up your front door with a traditional and festive wreath. Moreover, this traditional decoration is back in fashion and doesn’t have to be green and red. 

Tie the wreath in with your interior colour scheme to make your home look contemporary. 

Christmas Door Garland

Door garlands are becoming more popular year after year. These can be shop-bought, custom-made or you can have a go at making one yourself. 

Decorate a garland with some tinsel, baubles and pinecones. You could even use candy canes and lights for a modern twist. 

Christmas Lights

As the nights draw in, the streets light up. Especially by Christmas lights throughout December. Dangle some icicle style lights above your canopy or over your windows. 

Alternatively, place some fairy-style lights around the door frame for a more subtle touch. 

Bells On Your Christmas Door

When you think of Christmas, you’ll think of Christmas carols and bells ringing. Why not add a festive bell to your door, and let the bells ring out for Christmas? 

Christmas Trees

Adding some potted Christmas trees to your front garden or doorstep can spread the festive spirit. You can decorate your mini Christmas trees the same as you would your main tree. 

Santa Stop Here Signs

If you’re working to a budget but still want to get into the Christmas spirit – why not invest in a simple Santa Stop Here sign from the supermarket? Moreover, these can be stood in the grass in your front garden or placed in a plant pot. 

The post Christmas Door Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Or maybe you’re a landlord selling your portfolio? No matter what, you will want the best estate agent in your area.
But with so many agents around, how do you choose who to go with? Picking the right estate agent can be difficult, so let us help you out.

Advertising

Before you go ahead with an estate agent, you need to fact find. You will more than likely ask them to come and carry out an appraisal of your property. When they attend, this is the best time to ask your questions.
One of your main questions should be about advertising. Check out their website and the portals they use. Furthermore, you will probably want your property marketed on as many platforms as possible. Do they use Rightmove and On the Market? Do they use Zoopla? Moreover, they might advertise in the local newspaper or on social media.
If you’re happy for a sale board outside of your property, check they can provide one. Furthermore, this way passers-by know you are selling.

Estate Agent Pricings

The valuation of your home and the price it’s going to cost you to sell is one of the main factors to consider.
Most agents have a selling fee of around 1% + VAT. However, you might find an agent who can offer you a better deal or who are offering a discount.
Moreover, the valuation they provide you with needs to be broken down. Ask the agent what they have sold recently and if anything similar to your property has been on the market. Furthermore, ask how long they think it will take for your property to be snapped up.
A positive yet honest agent is better than someone willing to beg for your business.

Estate Agent Recommendations

Estate agent recommendations is a two-sided coin. On the one side, we are referring to whether the estate agent is highly recommended by others.
Have a look on Google for some reviews but bear in mind that not everyone who has a good experience will leave a review. Moreover, they are worth looking at – but maybe take with a pinch of salt.
The other side of the coin is what does the estate agent recommend? Ask the estate agent what will enhance the price of your home or the likelihood of selling quickly.
Estate agents sell hundreds of properties in your area every year. They know the market and they know what buyers are looking for. Furthermore, they will know how to sell your home if they are reputable and experienced.

Summary

Selling your home is a massive decision. Choosing a trustworthy estate agent is crucial as you need to be able to rely on them throughout the process. Make sure you complete your research and ask any questions before signing on the dotted line.

The post Estate Agent: Choosing The Best To Market Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.