HomeLife 2013

east

homelife www.eastlife.co.uk 2013

Your essential directory for home improvements and interiors

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FURNITURE ~ BEDS ~ CARPETS ~ CURTAINS Serving the community since 1904

Our four main departments offer a wealth of inspiration and ideas for beautiful items for your home. We pride ourselves on offering excellent service and value for money. We cater for all tastes and budgets so if you are looking for furniture, beds, bedroom furniture, carpets, vinyls, bespoke hand-made curtains, fabrics, wallpapers, occasional items, pictures or any other items for your home visit us at

58-62 High Street, St Neots, Cambs.

Tel: 01480 214779

www.brittainsfurnishers.co.uk

FREE car park at rear of shop ~ FREE delivery within 20 miles ~ SPEEDY delivery on many items

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east

homelife Welcome to HomeLife, a handy pocket-sized directory of suppliers and services for home improvements and interiors in your area.

A-Z OF ADVERTISERS 11 Abbeygate Lighting 02 Brittains The Furnishers 36 Colne Stoves & Fireplaces 04 Classic Stoves & Fireplaces 34 Cascade Pools 19 Comptons Kitchens 10 Cooks Blinds & Shutters 26 Countryside Home Improvements 23 Crawley Turf 30 Dream Maker Bathrooms 30 FMC Builders 32 Hartwood Floors 18 Hadleigh Kitchen & Bedroom Studio 10 Hereward Curtain Company 15 Hugh Leeper Swimming Pools & Taupaulins 35 Home & Cane Living 10 JHD Interiors 18 Kitchen Sense 19 Kitchens Continental 08 Knights Country Kitchens 27 M W Partridge & Co 20 MattressMan 30 The Naked Builder 08 Needhams Carpets 19 Nevelli 11 Premier Marble 08 Reflections Plumbase 26 Ridgeway Garage Doors 05 Swallow Aquatics 26 Swiss Laundry 20 Suffolk Carpet Weavers 18 Tile Studio 31 Trowmans 23 Update Interiors 11 West Norfolk Glass 30 Wood Burning Solutions 11 Woodys Furniture Homelife is published by Thompson Media Partners Publisher Sean Thompson (01954 267696) Publishing Consultant Paul Gibson (01954 268129) Sales Managers Darren Marshall (07826 628680) Charlie Roadley-Battin (07595 894578) Stewart Hedges (07595 894557) Jim Leishman (01954 267635) Editorial & Design Chris Johnson & Diane Lilley Production Assistant Carla Keen

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up to

50% off

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Interiors

Retro

Heaven

Home furnishing has never been shy in looking back to draw inspiration from the past. Designers are all for using ‘retro’ influences in their up-to-the-minute work.

Reproduction pieces and fixtures, fittings and furnishings can create a wonderful look in any home, as can salvaged or ‘reclaimed’ original pieces.

Check out your local phone book for businesses in your area that specialise in this sort of thing.

But you don’t even have to go the whole hog - why not try a mix-and-match approach with contemporary and traditional influences?

An assortment of carefully chosen styles, far from clashing, can make the

room much more visually interesting.

What better way to indulge in a variety of complementary styles than hunting reclamation warehouses for quaintly aged furnishings? In recent years a thriving industry has developed, feeding on homeowners’ interest in the history of their properties.

If you hunt high and low you can find pieces that add character and an air of timelessness to your abode. How about castiron radiators, stained-glass doors, old church pews or antique flooring from a former bank, to give that elegantly worn look?

One of the main charms of using reclaimed furnishings is that most of the materials that were used in their manufacture are natural, and wood in particular looks more and more distinguished

as it ages. Not only that, but all of this foraging is excellent for topping up your `green` points - what can be more environmentally friendly than re-using so many natural materials?

If you’re after something a little more contemporary, try clear, clean lines and seethrough materials.

There’s something sassy and sophisticated about transparent furniture.

Think Kings Road, Chelsea circa 1967 when pop art and all things ‘moderne’ were at the height of their popularity, then get hunting through department stores to find pieces that will add a contemporary twist to this retro look.

You don`t need to have piles of money to afford glass, plastic and perspex. The high street has cottoned on to this trend in a big way and pieces are very affordable.

Images courtesy Shutterstock

The cottage look is one you might like to recreate yourself, so seek out newly manufactured ‘antique’ pieces. The key to this cosy rustic look are effects like warm pine, crisp white and more contemporary black.

Comfortable, easy-to-livewith pieces that lend a more weathered, ‘lived-in’ look are just perfect too.

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A sleeker, altogether more grown-up and sophisticated approach focuses around sculptured glass and top-quality clear plastics. Again, rummaging around large furniture and furnishings stores is sure to throw up a few delights.

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14 Charles Industrial Estate, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5AH

Tel: 0 1 4 4 9 6 7 5 1 7 4

Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm & Saturday 8am - 12pm 4pm

www.reflectionsbathrooms.com

Bespoke Kitchen Specialists

KNIGHTS

C O U N T RY

KITCHENS

Exclusively Designed For You

Family Run Business Established Since 1976 Office 01787 277914 or 07771 665717 • www.knightscountrykitchens.co.uk Knights Farm, Stoke Road, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8HH SHOWROOMS @ KNIGHTS FARM, CLARE, DEBDEN ANTIQUES, DEBDEN CB11 3JY, TROWMANS, LONG MELFORD CO10 9JR CAPRICORN CARPETS, BURY ST EDMUNDS IP33 1JQ

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Tydd holhome_240x168_bleed_Layout 1 12/10/2012 15:47 Page 1

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Tydd St Giles Golf & Leisure Estate, Kirkgate, Tydd St Giles, Cambridgeshire, PE13 5NZ Tydd St Giles Golf & Leisure Estate is part of the Pure Leisure Group facebook.com/

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SPECIAL OFFER

SPECIAL SPECIAL 10% OFFER

OFFER Glazed patio roof system, for an all year round usable DISCOUNT outdoor space. Free surveys and quotations on all DISCOUNT products including blinds, awnings and garage doors.

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During DISCOUNT During February February and March, and March,

Tel./Fax. (01603) 722385

Mobile 07717 495790 722385 Tel./Fax. (01603) Unit 1, Tiliacourt, Rackheath Ind. Est., Norwich NR13 6SX Email jhdinteriors@btopenworld.com www.jhdinteriors.co.uk OPEN: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm – Saturday 10am-2pm

Mobile 07717 495790

Unit 1, Tiliacourt, Out Rackheath Ind. Est., Norwich NR13 6SX of hours appointments also availabe Email jhdinteriors@btopenworld.com www.jhdinteriors.co.uk OPEN: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm – Saturday 10am-2pm Out of hours appointments also availabe

HEREWARD CURTAIN COMPANY

Curtain & blind specialists

Est in 1982 we pride ourselves in offering our customers excellent customer service and workmanship For all your Curtain and Blind requirements please visit our showroom.

Here you will find a large selection of fabric samples to make your home beautiful.

A full made to measure and fitting service available.

Free measuring within 20 mile radius.

Showroom 10 Challenger Way Peterborough PE1 5EX

Tel: 01733 313028 Email herewardcurtains@talktalk.net Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm

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Solid Oak Sideboard 25

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Offer subject to availability

Contemporary Oak 4' Sideboard Height: 910mm, 36" Width: 1200mm, 48". Depth: 400mm, 15"

Many more items available in this range Call or see website for details

40 Derby Road, Ipswich IP3 8DN 01473 717064 www.woodysfurniture.co.uk

West Norfolk Glass Ltd

THE LOCAL COMPANY FOR ALL YOUR GLAZING NEEDS SINCE 1967 Tel: 01553 763164 Web: www.westnorfolkglass.co.uk the preferred installers of

BYGONE COLLECTION Sash Windows

Web: www.bygonecollection.co.uk

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Lofts

Lofty

Ambitions

Every renovation project and home build presents its own particular issues and challenges. TV property expert Clive Holland outlines key things to look out for before embarking on a loft conversion.

Is there enough space for the required height?

In terms of height you are going to want to stand up in it and bear in mind that the new floor could be as much as 150–200 mm higher than your existing joists.

Does it have potential as a comfortable and viable living space? Is the roof sound?

Make sure you can see the felt under the tiles.

The roof structure is designed to keep all weathers at bay and to contain light loads of storage. Once it has been converted it will be able to withstand far greater loads because of alterations to the structure and flooring put in place.

Commonly there are two types of roof: trussed rafter and traditional. Trussed roofs have been around since the late 1960s/early 1970s. These are not so good if you want to convert a loft and should never be altered without first getting the opinion of a structural engineer to do all the calculations. However, it’s not impossible, just a little more difficult. For example, a series of supporting beams would have to be installed to provide extra strength for the floor and to reinforce the rafters. This enables the bracing sections of the trusses to be cut out to create a more open floor plan.

Traditional style roofs are generally made up of items called purlins and rafters, which span across each load-bearing wall. These are nowhere near as complex as the trussed design. The structure will still need to be strengthened with extra joists, though, to support the new floor and give the space an

extra load-bearing capacity.

Once again a structural engineer’s report will be required.

You will need to access your new living space with a staircase. If you have the available space leading off the original stairwell this could save space and could be more cost effective. If not, you may well have to section off space in an existing bedroom with a studded wall partition. There are figures and parameters to bear in mind with the inclusion of a new staircase.

The maximum pitch must not exceed 42 degrees, the riser of each tread on a domestic staircase should not exceed 220 mm, and the going (the flat bit) should be a minimum of 220 mm. You will also require a clear headroom space of 2m, although for some conversions the regulations allow a reduction to 1.9m at the centre of the stairs and 1.8 m at the edges.

Images courtesy Shutterstock

Unless you live underground or in a flat, you probably have a loft space that is full of boxes for old toasters, irons, kettles, TVs, old records, Christmas decorations, photographs and cards from past loves, clothes you only dream of being able to fit into again, or are keeping in the hope that one day 32-inch bell-bottom jeans with three-button high waists will come back into fashion, and so on. If it was converted professionally, however, into a living space, it could add thousands of pounds onto the value of your home. A loft conversion can be a tricky and time-consuming job but if carried out correctly by an experienced contractor, the results can be amazing.

Not all loft spaces can be converted so before you get started on the planning consider the following:

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Edited extract taken from House and Home: How to Make the Best of Your Property, published by Book Guild Ltd. www.bookguild.co.uk

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Pools

Home

Swimming

Swimming pools are for the wealthy, right? Not so according to Richard Carrington, chairman of Spata.

tailormade PVC liner.; a glassfibre or ceramic onepiece shell; or an aboveground pool.

Your budget Prices can range from as little as £1,500 (excluding heating) for a 15 foot diameter, circular above-ground pool, to £40,000 or more for a heated, fully-tiled 40x20 foot sunken pool. These approximate prices depend upon a site with easy access.

A larger pool, especially if

it’s covered or indoors, may cost considerably more.

Since many contractors charge extra for removing the excavated soil, you may decide to use it for a rockery, or another landscape feature.

Optional extras include diving boards, slides, paved surrounds, landscaping, pool covers and pool enclosures.

Health & Safety is always important and utterly essential if you have children. The SPATA Swimming Pool Guide contains a list of H&S tips. Perhaps the most important rule is: insist that everyone learns to swim properly, for safety, exercise and fitness.

Contact the Swimming Teachers’ Association on 01922 645097 for information about lessons near you. www.sta.co.uk

Images courtesy Shutterstock

You may be surprised to hear that it can cost as little as £1,500 to have your very own pool and the advantages of doing so could stay with you for many years to come. “Modern construction methods have slashed both the time it takes to build a swimming pool and the cost,” says Richard Carrington, chairman of Spata (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association), the trade body for the UK swimming pool industry.

Your perfect swimming pool depends on: Your imagination Subject, of course, to your budget, and any limitations imposed by the site.

Practical issues There are four basic types of pool construction: a reinforced concrete shell, finished with tiles, marblite or special paint; a blockwork or prefabricated panel shell supporting a

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HUGH LEEPER

SWIMMING POOLS & TARPAULINS LTD

SWIMMING POOLS Kits and Construction l Heating Systems l Chemicals l Pool Accessories l Pool Covers l Hot tubs l DIY

TARPAULINS Lorries l Boats and Yachts l Pick Up Trucks l Bespoke Designs l Ropes, Straps and Elastic l Ratchets and Webbing l Horticulture Polythene l Fish Pond Liners l For

Hugh Leeper Swimming Pools & Tarpaulins LTD Unit A, Pepperwash Lane, Framlingham, Suffolk IP139PT Telephone 01728 621985 Email: info@hughleeperswimmingpools.co.uk

Website: www.hughleeper.co.uk

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Kitchens

Spice up your

KITCHEN

A kitchen doesn’t have to be a mass of mess and madness, but somewhere to bring out the inner style guru in you.

Hannah Dell reveals ways to spice up your kitchen.

Working with space Change the dynamic of the kitchen by adding an island to the middle of your kitchen area to fill unused space.

The new eating environment will provide a comfortable way to enjoy any meal with the family and can also be used as an extra work zone to prepare food. Having

an extra space to work in allows for an efficient way of preparing a meal without the stress of a limited area. Add some country-like wooden bar stools to create character in the room, or black leather coated stools if you’re style is more modern.

Identify ways that you can give the space a budget facelift by looking to see if certain aspects are starting to look dated or worn, as this will decide what you want to change. You’ll be surprised how much a thorough clean can make a space feel new again. Undergoing major kitchen work when you are limited for space can make re-styling really

tough. Therefore, instead of ripping out cupboards, add originality by fitting different handles onto them or replace cabinet doors for a style change.

Lighting Your lighting choice not only has practical implications but can also enhance the design and feel of your kitchen.

You’ll find that separating the space into ambient lighting for general areas, task lighting for cooking areas and pendant lights for a dining table can enhance the style and immediately change the mood of a kitchen. Now sit back and enjoy it.

Images courtesy Shutterstock

Colour for light, wood for warmth The first step in bringing style to your kitchen is colour. Rather than a moody red splashed on your walls, simply opt for a pastel shade that will bring in light and air to enhance the space.

If you do want to include a bold colour, replace your worktop appliances such as your old-fashioned kettle or toaster with a new set that match, in a colour that suits your personal style. That way if fashions change, they can easily be replaced. If you’re afraid of making the room feel cold with these lighter shades, opt for some wooden flooring that will provide a feeling of extra warmth. Pendant lights and panelled doors create a cosy feeling, balancing out the lighter, colder colours with the warmth of the wood.

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The style of your kitchen allows you to combine the ideas of the chef and the designer inside you to make your kitchen personal to you. Liven up the walls with photos of family and friends or bring in some potted plants or herbs that add warmth as well as individual style to your own space.

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For All Your Natural Stone & Ceramic Tiling Needs with ranges to suit all budgets.

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QUALITY FITTED KITCHENS

Built-in appliance centre Premium products at competitive prices Established 1971

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Telephone: 01255 675652 www.comptonskitchens.co.uk 19 p19.indd 16

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Bedrooms

A BEDROOM WORTH LYING FOR

We spend around 3,285 hours a year in the bedroom - which adds up to a whopping 25 years of our lives - so creating the right atmosphere for your bedroom is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.

Designed to suit every taste All too often bedrooms are overlooked, they aren’t just somewhere to rest your weary head at the end of the day, but also a space to relax in and enjoy.

Bedrooms can be designed to suit every taste and budget and can be one of the best rooms to add personal touches to.

Whether you plan to splash out and create a brand new room, or simply give the space a muchneeded makeover, planning ahead will save money and hassle.

Begin by measuring the room and large items of furniture, then draw a simple layout - this will help you place furniture in the best locations and maximise on space.

Furniture should be comfortable and practical when investing in a new bed remember it will probably need to last for many years.

Often one of the most expensive items of bedroom furniture, the bed must support your body to ensure sleeping doesn’t end up a nightmare.

If your bed is more than 10 years old, creaky or sagging in any way then it may be time to put it into retirement.

Likewise, if you wake with neck or backache it may be time to lay your bed to rest.

When buying a new bed remember to shop around as prices vary from outlet to outlet.

Roadtest your bed You often get what you pay for, so make sure you road test the bed first by lying on it in the showroom before parting with cash.

Many manufacturers now make beds that combine comfort with storage, which

is helpful if space is at a premium.

Futons are also a great way to save on space as they can be easily folded away, leaving you with room to work and play.

Deciding what to do with walls is another crucial factor when planning a bedroom makeover.

Paint is a simple way to get quick results.

Plump for white if you want a minimalist feel to your room, but think about adding touches of colour and texture through soft furnishing and accessories to ensure the room does not have a cold, clinical feel to it.

It’s a bedroom not a hospital.

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Bedrooms Subtle shades are more relaxing than bright colours, but let your imagination flow free to create the right environment for you.

Keeping the room clutter free may seem difficult in this hectic day and age, but with the right storage solutions your bedroom need never resemble a walk-in wardrobe again.

If a custom-made room with fitted units and wardrobes is beyond your budget, think about alternative storage solutions.

Retailers like Ikea, Woolworths and most large DIY stores offer plenty of products to suit every taste and pocket.

Plastic storage boxes, which come in all shapes, sizes and colours, can be purchased for just a few pounds - store them under the bed or on top of the wardrobe to keep items clean, dust free and out of sight.

Fabric organisers, which can be hung in wardrobes or on clothes rails, make storing, and finding, items easy.

Hanging hooks or rails on doors and walls will also add storage space.

Bedside tables Decent bedside tables should have plenty of room to store items such as books and magazines, while offering a convenient place to keep

tissues and anything else you may need handy.

If curtains aren’t your cup of tea, shop around for a blind or invest in some muslin for a cheap, yet pretty, way to cover your windows.

Lighting is an easy way of completing the feel of a bedroom; decent lighting should be installed for dark evenings, while lamps and uplighters can create a more moody atmosphere for those romantic evenings in.

Add ambience and atmosphere to your bedroom by adding a few finishing touches.

Photos, prints, cushions, throws, plants and ornaments all make your room more personal.

Your bedroom is a sanctuary from the outside world, spend a little time on it and make it the best boudoir ever.

Top Tips 1) Organise your wardrobes and drawers, this will keep clutter at bay and make items easier to locate.

2) The Sleep Council recommends buying a new bed every 10 years.

4) Many stores stock similar products so shopping around could save you money.

5) Use the area under your bed for storing items.

Images courtesy Shutterstock

3) Avoid using harsh colours - subtle shades are more relaxing.

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Handmade Furniture built for you

KITCHENS | BEDROOMS

B AT H R O O M S | S T U D I E S

Update Interiors, Unit 28, Maitland Road, Lion Barn Ind Est, Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8NS

Tel: 01449 723600 | Email: sales@updateinteriors.co.uk | www.updateinteriors.co.uk

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Conservatories

The glass

Ceiling

Among the advantages of building a conservatory is that, in addition to creating a suntrap, you will be adding an extension to the house.

Direction You’re unlikely to have much choice about where to site your conservatory, but the direction it faces is an important factor to take into consideration - it will have a big effect on temperature for one thing.

If it faces south it will get sun all the year round - this can be fine in winter and on chilly days, but bear in mind it can get uncomfortably hot in midsummer. Ventilation is essential, as are shades or blinds on the roof and walls. Other options also include fitting solar control glass or low emissivity glass (known as E-glass), which both substantially reduce the power of the sun.

Alternatively there are some very effective transparent films, virtually invisible, which can be applied to the glass by the installer. A central ceiling

fan can be an advantage, and if you get one that combines a multiple light fitting you will be able to use the conservatory in the evenings.

Design Conservatories come in three basic designs: Victorian, recognisable by a multifaceted bay, Edwardian, which has a square end and makes good use of space, and the lean-to, which is useful for fitting into corners and awkward spaces. You’ll also have a choice of fulllength glass walls or glass with dwarf walls, preferably using bricks that match the house. A good base is essential for a stable unit, so make sure the contractor keeps you informed about this. It needs to be level and damp-proofed and insulated to recognised building standards.

The depth of the base will depend on local conditions.

A good contractor should be able to advise you about this too. Otherwise your local planning office will help - although planning permission is not required for constructions occupying less than 30 square metres of floor space. The conservatory does, however, have to conform to relevant building regulations - your contractor will be aware of this.

Deciding It goes without saying that you’ll need a good contractor - as well as providing the conservatory you want, they should be able to advise on a variety of practical and legal matters. Some firms can be a bit high-pressure with their sales routine, so make sure you shop around for different quotes.

One thing’s for sure, once your conservatory is in place, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Images courtesy Shutterstock

Indeed, many people find that when their conservatory is complete that they wish they had gone for a larger size, and therefore it’s always worth regarding it as an additional room right from the outset.

If you’re looking to add value to both your life and your home, here’s a few top tips to achieve the best of both worlds.

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Conservatories come in three basic designs: Victorian, recognisable by a multi-faceted bay, Edwardian, which has a square end and makes good use of space, and the lean-to which is useful for fitting into corners and awkward spaces.

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Workwear Workwear

Ridgeway Garage Doors

| | Dry DryCleaning Cleaning

We supply & install all of the top leading manufacturers’ doors including Up & Over, Side Hinged, Sectional & Roller Garage Doors.

Also available: Speedy Repair Service & Spares’

We pride ourselves on great customer service

Proud members of

• Dry Cleaning • Shirt service, repairs and alterations • Specialist wedding gown service • Dry Cleaning • Out of town location with free parking

• Shirt service, repairs and alterations • Specialist wedding gown service

Freephone: 0808 155 6630 Landline: 01733 772934

149 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BY

www.peterbo ro ugh-garage-do o rs.co.uk/

01223 868429

www.swisslaundry.co.uk • Out of town location with free parking

01223 868429

www.swisslaundry.co.uk

149 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BY

enhance the beauty of your home

Flush casement timber windows in French Grey

Our collection of timber windows and doors have been carefully and sensitively tailored to complement the English home – whether you live in a period house, a barn conversion or a more modern property in need of contemporary flair. Unlike timber windows of old, our products will not twist, will not rot and require very little maintenance. High levels of insulation and security ensure there is no need to sacrifice beauty for comfort.

Come and see us at: Fornham Business Court, Hall Farm, Bury Drift Fornham St Martin, Suffolk.

Tel: 01284 760 222 The Old Forge, 53 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex.

Tel: 01277 350 950 Our Conservatory showsite within Notcutts Garden Centre, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

www.timberwindows.com

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The Home & Garden Store with Traditional Values and Knowledgeable Service

Housewares, Cookware, Gardening, Machinery, Clothing, DIY/Decorating, Plumbing, Ironmongery, Lighting, Tools, Electrical, Garden Furniture

Visit our store or buy on-line from a representative selection Town Centre, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5EE Tel: 822333 (Homewares) or 01473 824183 (Machinery)

www.partridgeshadleigh.co.uk

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Bathrooms

Splash out on your

Bathroom

Bored of that same dirty bathroom, lacking a spring clean?

Why not follow these tips for a sparkling new bathroom in no time.

especially if the room is north-facing.

Saving on space No one likes a cramped bathroom. It gives you less of an area to relax and enjoy. So, think about corner loos and basins to save space in the major areas.

However don’t be tempted to replace the bath with a shower as when selling, buyers look for an area of relaxation, such as the bath.

Instead fit a shower into the bath for maximum space and convenience. Needing more cupboard space for bathroom accessories is always a must have, therefore having a heated towel rail leaves you ample

amounts of room, dries out the soggy ones, while providing a warm, towel after your bath.

Lighter lights Be kind to your skin by installing gentle lighting such as built in lights to bathroom mirrors that can replace the harsh overhead variety. Also think about track lighting, which can be angled to give a softer effect. Using mirrors to create the effect of space can also improve the lighting. Why not fit taps to the middle of the bath? This adds a modish feel, allowing you more space, without your feet getting squished by the taps.

Images courtesy Shutterstock

Colour for cleanliness Is your Bathroom in need of a spring clean? Ditch the avocado colour of your sink and bath that now looks mouldy and replace it with a sparkling white finish. Immediately the bathroom is brighter, more spacious and already looks cleaner without the hassle of you working up a sweat trying to clean it. Don’t fall into the same trap with the dated coloured tiles either, using something simple, classy and enduring like travertine allows you to stick to one type of tile for a sleek look, especially if you are short of space, as different styles can clash or look busy. Go for a soft but light colour on the walls,

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Images courtesy Shutterstock

If you have extra space, place a large leafy plant to add a touch of originality. Most will thrive in the steamy atmosphere. Ferns look particularly at home in a bathroom, but alternatively a mini citrus tree will add a splash of colour.

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Brampton

With over 30 years’ experience in the region, F.M.C. BUILDERS combine local knowledge with expert advice to deliver the best possible service.

With specialist skills in: • Extensions • Unity home repair systems • Electric and gas • Roofing • Timber • Driveways • Kitchens • Bathrooms • uPVC windows and conservatories All your building needs can be catered for.

No job too big or small. All proposals are welcome and undertaken.

For a free, impartial discussion and quotation, please do not hesitate to contact F.M.C. BUILDERS at anytime.

We are proud to offer free portfolio and past customer reviews upon request.

F.M.C. BUILDERS

60 Mandeville Road, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 4SB Tel: 07703 649490 Email: creanfmc@hotmail.co.uk

Carpentry and Building Services

Property Maintenance Extensions and New Build Loft Conversions Bathrooms and Kitchens Fencing, Patios and Drives Domestic and Commercial

Contact us for a no obligation quote

T: 01284 811 111 M: 07920 056 888 info@thenakedbuilder.co.uk

www.thenakedbuilder.co.uk

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TROWMANS RANGE COOKERS - STOVES - FIRES FOR ALL YOUR HOME COOKING, HEATING AND HOT WATER NEEDS At Trowmans we are here to help and, as a family business, we pride ourselves on offering the best possible service to all our customers. From initial advice regarding selection of an appropriate appliance we give you great honest advice right through to installation and aftercare.

NEW Rayburn all electric cooker now on show in our showroom

✔ wood and multi fuel stoves ✔ oil gas and solid fuel range cookers ✔ full central heating installations and servicing ✔ over 40 stoves on display ✔ fireplace and chimney renovations

✔ HETAS approved installers • Wood and Multi fuel

burning stoves

Unit 2, Foundry House, Hall Street,

• Woodburning Stoves Long Melford, Suffolk Tel: 01787 313699 • Range Cookers

Email: info@trowmans.co.uk

• HETAS approved installers

www.trowmans.co.uk

• Free Installation Quotations

Good Food… Hot Baths… Warm Home.

• Wood and Multi fuel

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burning stoves

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FLOORS LTD

Lam Solid Trad Engineered Wood P Laminate A Solid Wood Traditional C Parquet Amtico Carpets

Road75 IPSWICH, IP14JR Dales Road IPSWICH, IP14JR 462086 Tel: 01473 462086 1 Quay Street WOODBRIDGE, IP12 1BX eet WOODBRIDGE, IP12 1BX Tel: 01394 385155 385155

www.hartwoodfloors.co.uk

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Flooring

CHARACTER

FLOORS

Choosing the right flooring can have a major impact on the overall style of your house so it is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

Follow our guide to choosing the right flooring for your needs.

Design & Zoning Floor colouring can change the feel of the room, and this is especially true when it comes to room size. Use a light coloured floor to make a small room feel roomier and a dark coloured floor in larger rooms for a cosier feel.

Flooring can define the various different spaces and function of areas around the home, which is particularly useful with open plan rooms. Dining areas can be defined with laminate flooring for example, while the sofa space is carpeted.

Function Wood and laminate flooring responds to moisture and heat. Take advice to find moisture resistant laminates if they are to be used in the kitchen or bathroom.

Keeping Costs Down Wood-look laminate flooring designed to clickfit gives the effect of real wood parquet, but is a fraction of the price.

If you prefer to be able to change the look and

colour of the room every few years foam-backed carpets are a good option.

they feature a woodgrain textured surface, are stain resistant and do not fade.

Hardwood Flooring Hardwood floors, unlike carpets, do not harbour or collect dust and other particles, and for this reason wood floors are often recommended for allergy-prone people.

While hardwood flooring is generally one of the more costly flooring options, hardwood maintains its value over time and, if properly cared for, doesn’t show the wear and tear some synthetic products do. Solid real wood can also be refinished for a longer life.

Vinyl Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl is waterproof, easy to maintain and hardwearing. Consider cushioned vinyl versions, as these are more comfortable to walk on.

If you are after the look of a natural material, but don’t have the budget, vinyl is a cheaper alternative. Many are designed to resemble wood, marble or metal.

Laminates Laminate flooring is useful for heavily used areas of the home. Specially designed water-resistant laminates are available for the kitchen or bathroom.

There’s a wide choice of laminate flooring, many have sophisticated textured finishes that faithfully recreate the look of solid wood.

Handscraped laminates are amongst these and

Carpets & Carpet Tiles There’s nothing like a carpet for a cosy feel.

Carpets also help to insulate, cutting down sound and providing warmth. Carpet tiles are useful for children’s rooms as they are easy to repair and replace, simply remove the damaged tile and replace with a new one. Heavy use rooms need a hardwearing, close-pile carpet, whilst rooms with less traffic can accommodate a deeper pile, softer carpet.

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*Swimming Pool DIY Kits *Pool & Spa Chemicals *Above Ground Pools *Pool Toys & Inflatables *Maintenance Equipment *Pool Refurbishments

VISIT OUR SHOW CENTRE: Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary Tel: 01473 310547

OPENING TIMES: Spring/Summer (Mon-­‐Sun ) – CLOSED Wednesdays

SHOP ON LINE 24/7 –www.cascadepoolstore.com OR www.cascadepools.co.uk

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East Anglia’s leading supplier of oak, pine & cane furniture Exclusive product ranges Incredible factory direct prices

Largest collection of cane furniture in East Anglia 01449 711881 Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT (on the A1120 tourist route, 1 mile from A140 junction)

Opening times Mon-Sat 10:00 - 5:00, Sun 10:30-4:30

www.homeandcane.com

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COLNESTOVES COLNESTOVES LTD LTD

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