PROJECT NEWS

Slim picks

Thin is in with Bushboard’s new stone and marble-effect worktops. Made from a premium compact laminate, they’re only 12.5cm thick, for the refined look of the real thing. Strong, durable and waterproof, Zenith can be used as a surface or splashback, and performs as well as natural materials – without the price tag. Available in 20 colours, it can offer the veining of marble, the grains of granite, or the industrial look of concrete. A three-metre work surface costs from £300.

Bathroom beauty

White ceramic is a bathroom classic, making it seem cool and clean. But adding colour brings a whole different feeling. This Sea Green double drawer unit from Utopia’s new You range adds lots of useful storage, but the calming shade also brings a freshness that pairs beautifully with natural tones and textures. It’s a real showpiece.

STAY SA F E

With holidays approaching, it’s reassuring to know all is well at home while you’re enjoying a (very) well-earned break. Ezviz’s new outdoor security camera has colour night vision for even more vivid pictures. It can also recognise human shapes, and quickly flashes its spotlights to put off intruders. The video can be live streamed to your smartphone via the EZVIZ App. The C3TN is just £44.99 from Very.

Sea Green double drawer unit, from £678; Quantum Square ceramic slabtop basin, £260; Divine basin matt black monobloc mixer, £190, Utopia

Nouveau semi-circular knob in Luminous Red, £12.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

Milliner knob in antique brass, from £14.40, Corston Architectural Detail

Rectangular hammered cabinet knob in silver, from £10.68, Heritage Brass

With knobs on

Pull your look together with some striking knob handles for your units. They can be an instant upgrade during a makeover or the finishing touch to new storage.

Smooth runnings

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin (origin-global.com), looks at the best thresholds for bi-fold doors

QWhat type of thresholds are there for bi-folds?

aThere are two types available for a bi-fold door system like ours. Non-weathered is when the threshold is almost completely flush to the floor. A weathered threshold, sometimes called rebated, has a small lip on one edge of the track that the seal on the bottom of the bi-fold door compresses against for a weathertight seal.

QWhat are the benefits of the different types?

aThresholds are important as they also act as the track where the carriage slides to open and close the door. Weathered thresholds give greater protection against the elements, rain and draughts, so are perfect for doors that open externally. Although they have a lip, they can be recessed into the floor, which leaves a minimal step. Non-weathered thresholds offer a flat transition from one side to the other. As the door seal doesn’t have a solid lip to compress against, the same level of weather performance can’t be guaranteed. However, they offer a completely seamless passage.

qHow do you pick which one is right?

aLifestyle and location are the two main considerations. If you’re a family with children or mobility issues, a non-weathered threshold is best as there’s nothing to potentially trip over. This type is also a good idea if the door is internal or inside a porch. In a place with high rainfall or one that’s prone to flooding, we recommend a weathered threshold.

QHow easy are they to maintain?

AHigh-quality bi-fold doors are generally very low maintenance. Dirt or debris getting into the track, which can affect the smooth operation, can be brushed or vacuumed out with a thin attachment.

A DV E R T O R I A L

The key to get t i ng a better n ight’s rest

Silentnight’s new sleep tool will help you find the mattress that’s perfect for you

Prioritising yourself and your sleep shouldn’t be overlooked – though sometimes it is. Many of us are feeling mentally and physically exhausted, like we’re running on empty without a chance to recharge. Shortage of sleep can impact your memory, mood, productivity at work, family life and overall health.

A common culprit impacting quality of sleep is your mattress. A staggering seven out of 10 us have the wrong mattress for our body type and sleep needs. But if you’re not sure which type of mattress you need, then look to Silentnight and their smart new sleepunique® tool to find the one that’s right for you.

As the UK’s most trusted sleep brand with more than 75 years of expertise, providing multiple solutions for sleep challenges comes from years of research. The latest innovation follows a two-year study, in partnership with scientists at the University of Central Lancashire, that analysed half a million data points to understand spinal alignments and pressure points. From this research, Silentnight have been able to create sleepunique®, an intelligent algorithm which assesses your body measurements and sleeping habits to recommend the perfect mattress.

All you need to do is head to the website and share your height, weight, waist size, sleeping position and how you think your sleep could be improved, and the smart tool will find you the perfect match. It will also advise on the firmness of mattress you require.

Silentnight is a name that we all know and love – from beds, mattresses and headboards to bedding and valuable sleep expert advice, they provide perfect sleep solutions for the whole family.

Find out more and take the test for perfect rest at silentnight.co.uk