Stepping Up Your Game – A Guide to Adding a Second Storey

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

Home ownership is a goal for many people. But it’s not accessible to everyone.

So if you’re one of the lucky ones count your blessings.

Even after you’ve reached the goal there’s still so much to do – pay off the mortgage, pay rates, maintain and repair your property and keep it up to scratch.

What if you’ve bought a smaller space and want to expand?

Now, the logical thing would be to go out to the sides or out the back – but not everyone has that space.

For those that don’t the way to add extra space is to install a second storey. . . . . but this is a bit more complicated than just deciding to add another level to your home.

Let’s take a look at how you can step up your game.

Work Out Your Budget

Large additions can get expensive and the size of the additional room will depend on how much you can afford.

While they may not cost as much as the initial purchase of your home, they still aren’t cheap.

If you don’t have the savings, then you will probably need to approach a financial lender.

You may be able to use the equity, the amount you own in your property, to leverage a loan.

Determine if You Can Go Up

Before you rush off to consider scissor lift hire and all the renovation plans, you need to determine if your house can actually manage having a second storey added to it.

Consult with a building engineer or someone who is similarly qualified.

They’ll be able to come and assess your property and figure out if it can bear the extra load, or work out exactly how a second storey can be added safely.

The next step is to obtain local council approval.

Different local governments have different rules about what you can and cannot do when it comes to modifying your dwelling.

Even when you’ve got the plans completed to meet the requirements of the council, your neighbours may still object, especially if your second storey is going to be overlooking their yard.

Hopefully it can all get passed so you can start to move forward.

Pick a Builder

Builders are a dime a dozen, and they’re not all up to scratch.

Some may promise the world but end up cutting corners and using cheap material, labour and processes which can result in a substandard job that may end up costing you heaps more in repairs down the line.

The best thing to do here is to rely on word of mouth and referrals from friends, family and colleagues.

Chances are someone you know in your life has renovated in the not too distant past.

Pick their brains and you’ll eventually come across a recommendation for a good builder.

Summing it All Up

To conclude, first of all you need to figure out if you can go up a storey., which may involve hiring a professional engineer or assessor to have a look at your place.

Next you need to work out if you can afford the renovation including additional loan repayments.

Finally, it’s time to pick a builder, but take your time, you don’t want to be hasty and pick a bad one.

Now wait to enjoy your new space upstairs.

Project Managing Your Build

Do you want to build your own house?. . . . If you want to make sure you don’t overspend, and don’t want to be still building in three or four years then you need to think about how you manage the whole project.

Below are five phases of managing a build that you need to consider:

Starting Off

Assuming you already have a block of land this involves:

Finding out how much of a house you can afford to build.
Getting plans drawn up and getting preliminary pricing,
Obtaining planning approvals and building permits

Planning

Some of the tasks in this stage are:

Breaking down the build into work packages for the different trades that will be working on the build.
Getting quotes from the trades which will include estimates of the time they need.
Drafting a programme with adequate time allowances (Make sure you allow time between trades, unlike what happens on ‘The Block’ tradies don’t want to work at the same time another tradie is on site)
Arrange insurances for the work and contact utilities

The Build

A build will normally start by fencing the site and getting a site toilet delivered.

The hard work then starts:

Ordering materials
Organising the trades
Sorting out the unexpected problems
Organising formal inspections by the building surveyor.

Monitoring

Monitoring involves both quality and time.

It is a human tendency to cut corners, especially when things will be quickly covered up so you need to check the quality of the workmanship on a regular basis.
Also you need to keep an idea on when you will be ready for the next trade and keep them informed of any delays and changes to plan.

Why not check out some of the best project management construction software.

Completion

As the project nears completion its important to do a comprehensive review of any issues by doing a Practical Completion Inspection.

This will reveal any outstanding defects, so you can get them fixed before you move in.

Want to find more? . . . . Perhaps you should consider an on-line construction course.

Furniture and Fixtures you can easily make at Home

Guest Post by Trent Anderson

The furniture and fixtures in your home should be personal; they reflect your taste and your personality.

Unfortunately some of the best pieces have price tags that may be above your current budget.

Fortunately this doesn’t need to be an issue!

You can actually make your own furniture and fixtures.
Not only will you have the satisfaction of creating your own unique furniture; you’ll also have the opportunity to help the environment by up-cycling materials.

All you need is the right tools which can be easily gotten from Tradeline tools; the necessary
materials and a little time.

Some imagination helps; you’ll be amazed at what you can create!

Pallet Chair

This is a great introduction to making furniture.

All you need is a few pallets; your local warehouse will probably be happy to give you some.

Then bolt one pallet to the back of the other at a 90° angle; use what supports you feel are appropriate to hold it in position.

You can leave it as a low chair, add legs or simply sit it on top of other pallets.

Cushions

Your pallet chair or sofa will need a cushioned seat and a few cushions dotted round the home will add a delightful touch of color.

All you need is a piece of material large enough to make the cushion you want.

Sew it together on three sides and then fill it will foam.

You can then either sew the last side up or, if you’re feeling adventurous you can add a zip; allowing you to wash the cushion cover in the future.

Shelving

This is one of the easiest projects you can do.

Simply use a new or old piece of wood and some shelving brackets to secure the wood to the wall.

You’ll need raw plugs and a spirit level.

You can personalize this by using an old skateboard or tree trunk to create the shelf and make it
more distinctive.

Table

You can create a skinny table or a large one; all you need is some old table legs and a piece of wood, or even a surf board for the top.

The style, design and color are completely up to you!

Indoor Swing

This is a great fun and practical idea.

You’ll need some good quality rope that should be secured to your ceiling joist.

This should then be angled out on both sides and attach to a flat piece of wood as wide as the swinging chair you want.

Knot the rope and reed it down to the rear edge of the material and feed it through to the front before re-securing it to the wooden board.

Do this on both sides and you’ll have a delightful looking chair which is surprisingly comfortable.

Kitchen Island

Plywood is all you need to create a perfect kitchen island.

Simply create the box shape to the size you want and then cut door openings and add shelves.

Finish the kitchen island with a coat of paint and admire your handiwork.

There really is no limit to what you can make with a little imagination!

DIY Christmas Decor that even Kids can Help with

Guest Post by Edward Francis

Christmas is approaching and everybody will be purchasing unique decor.

Kids will be excited to receive Christmas themed gifts, cards, crafts, and ornaments too.

Children are more energetic than grown-ups and rather than buying decor this season, you can let them use their energy to help you make Christmas decor.

DIY activities are a fun and exciting way of keeping kids happy and occupied as well as igniting their imagination and creativity buttons.

Furthermore, your kids get to enhance their limp coordination and develop their skills concurrently.

Below are Christmas decor items that your children will love making.

Ornaments

Ornaments can be made from readily available items in any commercial holiday decor company or around the home.

In addition, ornaments are easy to make and children can easily make them with minimal assistance.

You can have them create attractive ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree.

You can keep these as mementos to relive the memories once the kids are all grown.

Below are some Christmas themed ornaments.

Icicle Ornaments

Creating icicle ornaments plays a major role in enhancing your kid’s fine motor skills.

In addition, it is a chance to have your kids exercise their creativity with different patterns and colors.

For these ornaments, you will need a thread, beads, and metallic pipe cleaners or foil.

This exercise requires lots of focus to thread a pipe cleaner or foil through the beads.

Curl the pipe cleaner several times at the top and last beads to prevent the beads from falling off.

Ensure to leave some space between the beads to reveal the silver or metallic feature between them.

If you want to achieve a coiled effect, you can have the kinds wind up the pipe cleaner around a pen, slide it off after a few minutes, after which they can slightly stretch it.

Complete the ornament by sliding a thread on the topmost bead and knotting it.

Hang your finished icicle on your Christmas tree and enjoy how they glitter in the light.

Paper Candy Rods

Paper candy rods are easy and fun to make and you can have your kids hang them on the Christmas tree.

Still, you can exhibit them in a huge container, use them as a table or gift toppers, or curl them up to form a garland.

Paper candy rods are addictive and you can trust them to keep your kids occupied for a long time.

Kids get to exercise with a variety of color combinations which helps them improve their creativity.

You will need various items to make paper candy canes which are; scissors, markers, tape, and white paper.

To roll up the candy rod you will need to square the paper and use markers to draw 4 to 5 lines across the bottom and down one side of your paper.

You do not have to achieve perfect straight lines.

Now turn the paper and roll it diagonally beginning with the blank corner and finishing with the opposite corner.

Secure the end using a piece of tape.

It is easier for kids to curl up the paper around a pen or pencil.

Roll up one end of the candy rod around your finger to achieve a curved effect.

Ribbons and Bows

What is a festivity without ribbons and bows?

They bring out a holiday flair everywhere they are used.

Tying perfect bows is not an easy task for both adults and kids.

However, you can buy pre-made bows and have the kids use them creatively to make beautiful crafts.

They can hang them on the Christmas tree or twist them on candlesticks.

Drape a ribbon across tables or garlands to form irresistible craft pieces.

Christmas Tree Pieces

You can have the kids create a well cut out Christmas tree.

You need a Manila paper, glue, scissors, and different colored paints.

Since kids may have difficulties cutting the Christmas tree.

You can cut it and have the kids decorate it according to their preference.

This craft requires extra patience and is, therefore, ideal for kids who can sit still for long.

Conclusion

Do not spend huge amounts of money this Christmas on decor..

Try these simple DIY crafts and ornaments together with your children.

This is guaranteed to nurture their talents and skills and cuts down your festive season expenditure.

Who Should Pursue a Career in Construction

Guest post by Andre Smith

The world offers a seemingly limitless number of choices when it comes to choosing a career.

Some people know what they want right away, while others take most of their life to discover their calling.

Most places of employment require the usage of some sort of structure, so the world needs people who work in construction based careers.

A person who would enjoy construction will have a few different qualities.

One of the qualities a person in construction should have is an interest in buildings.

Without this, a person will likely feel stuck in the job and as if they have wasted their life.

When choosing to work in construction, a person should be satisfied with what their life will become.

People who like problem solving and pay attention to detail are people who may benefit from a career in construction.

There are many problems that may be present in construction.

For example, the plan for a building may not work out the way it was predicted, so a worker will have to work around this issue to complete the project.

This would also require an attention to detail so that the problem is solved without creating more problems.

Organized people who are motivated to meet deadlines would do well with a career in construction.

Deadlines are important to meet because construction projects can cause inconveniences for people.

By staying organized, a person will be able to get the job done efficiently because the person will already know what things are and where those things are needed.

A person who wants a meaningful career may also consider construction a nicely suited career.

People who work in construction build many places that are necessary for society.

Hospitals, political buildings, and houses are just a few of the things are person could build.

Without these buildings, society would have a challenging time functioning.

Without construction workers, these buildings would not be built.

People who enjoy traveling should consider a career in construction.

There are jobs all over the place for construction workers, so all a person has to do is secure one. after that, the person
gets to work in new place and experience a new culture.

There are not many other jobs that offer such a great ability to travel to far, diverse places, but construction is one of them.

Getting a job in construction is not necessarily hard, but there are things a person can do to improve their opportunities to get a job.

One of these things is taking a course to earn a Diploma of Building and Construction.

This can give a person a head start on earning jobs such as foreman or site supervisor.

To earn this diploma, a person can take an online course, giving people the ability to choose when to begin and study within the confines of their schedule.

The course will give students the skills needed manage, plan, supervise, and finish the construction of medium rise buildings.

As such, the course is relatively in depth to ensure students master the skills for these sorts of jobs.

The course will teach students skills that allow them to make cost estimates, manage different areas of construction jobs, and sustainable design techniques.

Additionally, the course will allow students to become licensed in many different countries and states.

While a career in construction is not for everyone, there are some people who will thrive in this career.

Organization, time management, and problem solving abilities are a few examples of
traits people who should consider construction may have.

The diversity of construction makes it an excellent career choice.

Home Haven

5 Secrets to Staying Safe in Your House

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

You may think that home burglary will never happen to you, but the unfortunate truth is that it’s a real possibility.

With most families embracing a tech-forward lifestyle in which they own many expensive devices, it’s easier than ever for burglars to enter your home and steal thousands of dollars worth of possessions in one hit.

Instead of putting yourself at risk of becoming a victim of crime, read these tips below to get some ideas on improving your home safety:

Beef Up Home Security

Not everyone knows that a low-end system is often not enough to stop a high-end burglar.

If your home security systems aren’t up to date or lack the necessary features to keep a burglar out of your home, you run the risk of them being a minor inconvenience for a thief rather than a complete deterrent.

Alongside a standard burglar alarm, you should also incorporate sensors, lights, and 24/7 monitoring by an alarm company to ensure maximum security.

You can even opt for a security system you can monitor from your smartphone that alerts you any time there’s unexpected movement in your home.

Light Up Your World

Using outdoor lighting can add a beautiful touch of ambiance to your property, but it can also boost your home’s security.

By eliminating dark spots around your yard and keeping your entire property well-lit, you can deter would-be thieves from entering your home.

When burglars know that they’re in full view of cameras and other people, they’re less likely to strike.

Given the alarming number of burglaries that occur each year, every little thing you can do to protect your property will help.

Spare Key Safety

If a burglar is trying to gain access to your home, the first place they’re going to look is under your doormat or flowerpot for your spare key.

Even if you have a home security system in place, a swift thief will be able to unlock the door, make a beeline for the closest item of value and run away.

In some cases, your insurance may not even cover your loss. Instead of leaving a key outside, give it to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member that you can contact should you get locked out.

Lock Everything

When you believe you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s easy to get complacent and leave your children’s bikes on the lawn, the garage unlocked, and garden tools on the front porch.

All it takes is an opportunist to pass by and swipe your belongings in seconds.

To prevent this from happening, make a point of locking everything up when you finish with it – that includes your front and back doors!

Even though burglary has been on the decrease in the United States since 1991, there are still on average 470 cases per 100,000 people each year.

This means that, unfortunately, you’re more at risk than you think you are.

Be Wary of Visitors

Burglars often want to make sure they’re visiting the best houses, so it’s not uncommon for them to sniff around before making their move.

Always be wary of those asking to use your phone, trying to sell you something at the door, or offering to do odd jobs around your home.

Never let a stranger into your house unless they can provide you with formal, valid identification.

Take the time now to check all your locks, remove that spare key from under the mat, and install outdoor lighting. These quick and simple measures are all it takes to prevent becoming a victim of burglary and most importantly, ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Classy Kitchens

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Beautiful

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

The kitchen is the heart of the home.

In addition to being the area where you prepare all of your meals, it’s also the ideal setting for catching up with family, entertaining guests, or brewing a pot of coffee to start your day off on the right foot.

Considering the kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in the home, it’s essential that it looks tidy and welcoming. Fortunately, making your kitchen look beautiful doesn’t have to involve costly, full-scale renovations; with the five useful tips and tricks below, you can have a kitchen that’ll be the envy of your friends in no time:

Upgrade Your Cookware and Utensils

If your pots and pans are scratched and rusting and your cutlery stained and bent, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

After all, it’s difficult to have a stunning modern kitchen when your tools don’t look the part!

There are plenty of beautiful cookware sets on the market that can replace your worn equipment and make the process of cooking easier – say goodbye to burned, unevenly cooked food and welcome in a new era of perfectly seared fish, steak and vegetables, while adding a gorgeous visual touch to the heart of the home.

Declutter Your Countertop

A cluttered counter top can detract from the appearance of your kitchen and make it appear untidy and disorganized.

Instead of storing all your appliances on your benchtop, keep your coffee pot, kettle and blender stashed away in cupboards.

Accentuate the counter with a beautiful wooden or marble chopping board to make it pop.

Not only will having a clutter-free benchtop make your kitchen look beautiful, but it’ll also give you more preparation space and streamline your cooking process.

Cut a Rug

While putting down a rug in your kitchen may seem counter-intuitive, it can help to bring your décor together and make the space seem homely and inviting.

To create a cohesive look, you can either match the rug to your cabinetry or choose a contrasting palette that will give your kitchen a bold, exciting look.

Additionally, if you’re renting your home and can’t update the flooring, laying down a rug is the ideal way to conceal scuffed, drab floorboards or tiles and refresh the area.

Plant Some Herbs

Nothing is as effective in livening up a space as the presence of greenery.

To add a splash of color to your kitchen, plant herbs such as basil, coriander, chives and oregano in small pots on your windowsill.

As well as freshening up your kitchen, having your own herb garden means that you’ll never be at a loss for garnishes and seasoning for your culinary creations again!

Just make sure to do your research on which plants will thrive in your kitchen’s lighting conditions before visiting the nursery.

Update Your Hardware

The hardware on your cabinets and cupboards can be thought of as the jewelry and accessories of your kitchen.

By simply switching outdated knobs and handles for current options, you can transform the look of your entire space and breathe new life into old cabinets and drawers.

Installing a sleek faucet can also assist in giving your kitchen a modern edge, especially if your current faucet is leaky and dated.

Creating a beautiful kitchen doesn’t have to be an expensive, time-consuming process.

With the five suggestions outlined above, you’ll soon be on your way to establishing a space you can be proud of in just a matter of days or weeks.

Happy updating!

Benefits of Using a Timber Wall System

Guest Post By Stephen Tasker

No matter what the type of building – residential or commercial – there are common needs that can lead you to consider timber wall systems.

Any home or business can be improved with the benefits of natural, sustainable and low-maintenance wood used to improve acoustics, meet code requirements, provide beauty and privacy, and enhance architectural details.

Let’s look at some of the many benefits architectural timber provides, and you’ll quickly appreciate how it will enhance your home or business.

Acoustical Control

There’s a reason that wood is used in musical instruments.

Its inherent qualities allow it to absorb and diffuse sound – and it does it with a warmer, softer result than metal or other substances.

Open floor plans and high ceilings can create an environment where everyday life – conversations, plumbing, kitchen noise, traffic can become distracting and unpleasant.

Timber feature walls and ceilings can help control the noise in your business or home – and do it attractively.

With the addition of a suspended timber ceiling and other features, the sounds stop echoing.

The noise flows between and behind the wood slats, shaping and diffusing the sounds, and letting you enjoy the calmer, quieter benefits.

In commercial applications, these same qualities give efficient and attractive results to theaters, restaurants, retail and office spaces.

Enhancing Architecture

In contemporary, rustic or other interiors, wood is a classic.

It can fit into any home or commercial design.

Architectural timber features can define areas in open spaces, emphasize a wall, soften a high ceiling, provide privacy, and add stunning accents to any kind of space.

Suspended timber ceilings give warmth to rooms and provide a background for light fixtures that ceiling tiles or plasterboard cannot match.

It works well for protected outdoor spaces, too.

A well-placed timber wall lets light flow through while giving you privacy.

Whether inside or out, timber features can be the perfect solution for updating your space while adding value and warmth.

Sustainability

Living green is an important part of adding timber ceiling systems or timber feature walls to your commercial or home space.

Finding a sustainable building product that uses woods like Western Red Cedar can be an important contribution to your green lifestyle and your commitment to the environment.

The Red Cedar used in Austratus timber ceiling and wall products, for example, is a certified sustainable product.

The growth and production methods help limit greenhouse gases, create less pollution of water and air, use less energy, and are highly renewable and sustainable.

Using a suspended timber ceiling means that the materials used are much friendlier to the environment and come from materials that don’t require mining.

You can feel good about a product that uses materials that are certified to come from a sustainably managed forest.

Code Compliant Construction

It might be surprising to learn that elements like timber ceiling systems and timber feature walls can be a beautiful way to complete your project while remaining code compliant.

Fire ratings for commercial spaces can be a headache.

The correct timber products can assist you to easily meet Building Code Level 3 requirements in your building.

Western Red Cedar is a wood with low fire spread and fire hazard qualities, and used with sprinklers, it is easier than ever to meet the building regulations.

Ease of Maintenance

The wood used in architectural timber features, suspended ceilings, and walls has another feature that you may not have considered – easy upkeep.

The maintenance is almost non-existent.

Keeping it clean will help extend the life of the finish, but many actually prefer the look that the wood takes on as it ages.

Woods like Western Red Cedar are filled with naturally occurring preservatives.

Problems like termites, decay and moisture damage are minimized, adding to the low-maintenance aspect.

The durability of wood has been proved over time.

Privacy

Timber feature walls can provide privacy without sacrificing the flow of air and light through your structure.

The slatted construction limits views from the street or another room while looking great.

Large spaces can be divided into smaller areas, and a well-placed timber wall can allow customers and diners to enjoy a sense of intimacy that might not be possible in a large undefined room.

The acoustic-softening effects of wood also enhance the feeling of privacy.

It’s clear that timber wall systems offer a broad range of benefits – some that you may not have known about.

These systems are easy care, with code-compliant construction features and sustainability built in.

Acoustical control, privacy, and beauty are some of the more obvious benefits.

With manufacturers like Austratus offering off-the-shelf modular solutions to installation, there is now an innovative and easy way to add suspended timber ceilings and walls – and do it more quickly, easily and affordably than ever.

How To Select Bathroom Furniture

Guest post by Stephen Tasker

It’s one of the smallest rooms in the house – and also one of the easiest to refresh and renovate.

Your bathroom can look totally different with new bathroom furniture.

Read on for our tips on how to change up the look of this room while minding your budget.

Bathroom updates don’t have to be scary or as expensive as you thought!

Look at your storage needs

Storage is probably the number one need listed by hopeful bathroom remodelers.

Even a single person can quickly overwhelm the space with all the things that just need to be in the bathroom.

How many can you think of, right now? Linens and towels? Of course,

Shampoo, conditioners, lotions, bath soaps, hair styling products? Definitely.

How about hair dryers, hair styling tools, and shavers? Makeup – all the makeup. Extra paper products. Every single dental hygiene product. Packs of razors, bars of soap, cotton? Candles, bubble bath? Cleaning supplies? What about the linen hamper?

There’s a lot to wrangle – and fortunately, bathroom furniture is all about storage.

Once you’ve done a mental inventory of all your items, look for vanities and mirror cabinets that will help you tuck away all your linens, towels, and extras neatly.

Deep drawers can accommodate tall bottles, styling tools, and other bulky items, while under sink storage will help you organize your towel stacks and cleaning supplies.

A good bathroom furniture supplier will have the selection of styles and sizes that will help you organize it all, beautifully.

Consider your style

Bathroom furniture can make a huge impact in your space.

Are you yearning for a sleek, minimalist environment where you can feel calm and serene as you soak?

Does a more rustic look that will complement your plants and natural aesthetic sound like you?

Consider finishes and colour when deciding on your bathroom on a budget.

Wood or ceramic vanity tops offer completely different looks.

White is classic and can make a small space feel more spacious.

Even the size and shape of your vanity top can set the tone for your new bathroom look.

Fortunately, this is not something that you have to decide upon from tiny online pictures, at least if you live in Brisbane.

The Bathrooms On A Budget showroom is a great place to visit and see all these ideas in person.

It’s always a good idea to take some ideas along on your shopping trip by saving photos on your phone.

Likewise, take some snaps of your favorite designs while you’re there.

These will help you decide on the best look for your space once you’re back home.

Much Ado About Bedding

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

Putting together a gorgeous bedroom set can be stressful and often quite expensive.

With that said, a couple of key pieces and quality purchases will result in a timeless creation generating the right ambience for your boudoir aiding a peaceful sleep haven.

Understanding the difference between down quilts, doonas, coverlets and comforters will help you ascertain what it is you are after, how to use it, what works best with what, all in the hope of helping you achieve a beautiful night’s rest in complete comfort.

Down Quilts

Goose down quilts are the ultimate in warmth and being premium – last for years and years.

Thanks to the count of goose down, warmth is assured providing superior insulation as their pocket like design keeps the down in place, simultaneously ensuring it settles naturally for the most wonderful, cozy feeling as you snuggle underneath it.

Chinese made quilts offer those on a budget value for money too, as they still provide warmth and durability.

Australian made woollen quilts are also a fantastic alternative and are perfectly suited to those who find goose down too warm.

To protect your down quilts (also known as doonas), ensure you purchase a quality bed topper or mattress protector along with a breathable cover.

Doonas

A doona is essentially the same thing as a down quilt.

Like down quilts, we recommend doonas are inserted into a removable cover, much like a pillow and pillow case.

Doonas with their covers are designed to be used alone (with no sheets) as the insert can be removed and dry cleaned/placed on a gentle wash cycle and obviously the cover can be laundered also.

In Winter, many choose to use doonas with sheets but most like doonas as they reduce the complexity of making a bed due to it being a single covering versus using a combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.

Coverlets

Fantastic for hot sleepers or perfect during Summer!

A coverlet is a lightweight, often non-reversible bedspread that is usually woven.

Designed as a decorative layer to go over thicker bedspreads, coverlets are quite thin, making them appropriate for use as stand-alone bed covering, depending on their weight and season.

They can also be used as throws on a bed or sofa.

A coverlet will often have matching pillowcases, but like any interior styling – it’s not mandatory that all pieces match.

Premium Egyptian cotton, silk or bamboo make wonderful coverlets and with classic, or colourful designs, enhance the feel of a room in an instant.

Comforters

Thick and sometimes quilted, a comforter differs from a quilt in that colours are generally dyed into the entire fabric and patterns are not ornately sewn in.

Typically, comforters are filled with layers of material ranging from polyester or synthetic fibres, down feathers, wool or silk.

The amount of filler, determines the amount of warmth comforters generate.

Comforters are stitched or quilted to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Comforters are intended to sit on top of bed-sheets, but those who want to create a layered look should let their creative juices run wild.

Scarves and throw blankets

For a splash of colour, contrasting pattern or texture – it’s amazing how a simple throw blanket or even a scarf can add to the overall look and feel of your bedroom’s design.

These can be placed along the foot of the bed, laid vertically or even placed along the bottom of pillows.

When it comes to bedroom interior designing and styling, if it looks good, is functional and feels right – it works.

Trust your instinct.

Just remember to always read the care instructions for all your bedding purchases.