Love my house

Are you the owner of a city apartment? The closer to the city center, the better…

However, there might be some disadvantages to your property. For example, the rooms might not be as spacious as you want them to be or you might be missing some outdoor space (a garden or a full-view balcony).

You might have a balcony to your apartment, but it is so tiny you can not actually do anything in it.

Well, redecorating is a solution to make everything look and feel better. So let’s start with the balcony and turn it from simply “small” to “small, but comfortable“, or “small, but good looking”. Or, why not, “small, but very practical“!

First step to re-creating your balcony is to empty it and assess all the space you have. 

Then, pick a purpose! What do you want it to be? A place for reading, a breakfast area for lazy weekend mornings or just a pretty place where guests can stand and admire the view?

Defining the purpose of the balcony is going to give you an idea of what type of furniture you need. A small coffee table or just chairs? Or, even better, rocking chairs! Plants can be placed in hangers and just placed on the wall. Also, shelves should be quite useful and do not use any space. And you do not think of necessarily buying the items you need. You can actually do some pieces of furniture by yourself by recycling some old things.

To personalize the space even more, light up your balcony! Pick a lighting solution that enhances the space and is practical. LED lights should be what you need, just use them creatively.

Have some courage and start the “Re-design you balcony” project now so you can make full use of it while the weather is still great. Here are some more ideas on what you can do in your balcony.

Share with us the pictures when you’re done! We can’t wait to see how it looks!

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There is a lot to say about Victorian properties. Their elegant architecture, proportions and intricate detailing. They have passed the test of time and were meant to be loved and admired.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, Britain saw a boom in new builds. In less than 75 years, 6 million houses were built, and a majority of them still stand today.

Renovating and maintaining a Victorian home requires imagination and work. If you have fallen in love with a Victorian property, nothing can be more satisfying than transforming it back to it’s original splendor.

Plasterwork. Cornicing and plaster ceiling roses were the norm for Victorian homes, and the level of detail depended on the status of the room, so a reception room would feature much more than a bedroom.

Windows. Ideally sash windows will set your Victorian home apart from the rest. Try to find a specialist glazier who can install double glazed sash windows.

Fireplaces. Back during the Victorian time, fireplaces were found in every room. Some homes still have them today, but sadly, most were removed by later occupants.

Flooring. Victorian houses generally combine pine floor boards throughout the house with tiles in hallways. Both carpets and lino were introduced in the 1850’s. Floor boards are key for an authentic look.

Kitchens. This part of a house has come a long way since the days of the scullery and overcrowded homes, so a faithful recreation of a Victorian kitchen would not suit the demands of modern living. However, it is possible to have modern appliances that compliment the style of a Victorian era.

Bathroom. Victorian homes were not built with bathrooms in mind. A tin bath in the scullery once a week was a normal family bath night. Today, the bathroom has not been sidelined when it comes to style. Victorian elegance can be found on the high street showcasing roll top baths of many designs.

Doors, Skirting Boards, Picture Rails & Dado Rails. These small details can pull your renovation work together. The more attention to detail that you research, the more authentic the result.

Wall Paper, Paint, Fabric. Soft furnishings are key to pulling off the end result. When a production company films a film series in which the action takes place during that time, everything in the scene has been researched. This is what makes a show believable. The library is a great place to start.

Enjoy your home! And get renovating!

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1. Fresh lemons are a great way to clean stainless steel. Cut a lemon in half and rub over the sink and taps. Buff with a microfiber cloth for a brilliant shine.

2. Get the grime off from your grill by scrubbing it with a wire brush while the oven is still warm. Old grime may require an over night spray with an oven cleaner. Make sure to use in a well ventilated room, and wear rubber gloves.

3. A water ring on wooden table?! Not a problem! Apply full fat mayonnaise to the affected area. Leave for 1 hour, then wipe away with a clean cloth.

4. Kids hand prints on kitchen appliances? No worries! Polish the appliances with citrus furniture polish. This will leave a very slightly oiled surface, repelling future marks.

5. Washing machines can smell in the summer, especially in areas where humidity is high. Run a hot, empty wash. Leave the door open in order for the tub to dry fully.

6. Air fresheners are expensive and only last for seconds once sprayed. For a long-term freshness dampen a microfiber cloth. Douse a strong, sweet smelling disinfectant with an odor you like directly onto the cloth. Place the cloth onto a radiator. The heat from the radiator will disperse the fresh scent of the disinfectant around the home.

7. Vinegar is a great to descale iron surfaces. Pour a small amount onto a kettle with some water. Boil the kettle. Instant descaled kettle! Reboil if needed.

8. Never make the bed as soon as you get up! A bed needs to breath and the sheets need to be aired. So take a shower and make that bed in half an hour or so.

9. The best way to make a mirror shine is by rubbing it with some newspaper. So, instead of throwing the today’s paper away, get buffing the windows and mirrors!

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