Features

The importance of renovating wood in the home

Exposed oak wooden beams are a feature of architecture over the centuries

The best way to organise your wardrobe

Rummaging around in the dark is probably the way most of us would describe finding stuff we need in the wardrobe..particuarly when it comes to smaller items such as socks, ties or T shirts. But a neat and clean wardrobe makes like much easier because you can get dressed more quickly. It may take a whole day (or two..) to organise your wardrobe and assign a special place for everything, but it's easy enough once you've committed yourself to the task. So here's the best way to organise your wardrobe. 

Benefits of hiring an expert to design your home

Hire an interior designer to help you get the most of your home. And they'll ensure you make eco friendly, sustainable decisions too - for example choosing sustainable renewable materials, recycled materials and the most energy efficient appliances. 

Window restoration: a key part in maintaining historic buildings

Taking on a period house can be a long-term undertaking because you'll have to maintain its original architecture and features. Leaky windows can be a nightmare if you're trying to conserve energy, but don't rush to fit modern units because you'll almost certainly fall foul of your planning authorities and could well be asked to remove any replacements deemed not in keeping with the property. 

Architect Robert Kraus' spectacular Vienna new build

At Deco we're generally not in favour of gawping at pictures of wealthy people's houses. But this house - while far beyond most self-builders wildest dreams - is rather lovely; and on the grounds that it uses lots of sustainable European oak, has ground source heat pumps to keep it warm in winter and uses fabric from Essex-based MissPrint, well, we thought you might find it inspiring.

bluebellgray: flowers to the people

bluebellgray is something of a phenomenon if speed of success is a measure. Because this 13-strong Glasgow-based textiles and homewares company started its journey just eight years ago as a one-woman show; on  Fi Douglas’s kitchen table to be precise, as she painted some floral designs.

Renewable energy: our futures depend on it

Renewables offer cleaner and safer types of energy, which will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. So which are the best, most widely used and efficient sources of electricity from renewable sources?

Reasons to make your home green

Making our housing eco friendly doesn't have to cost the earth. While many of us can't afford heat pumps, solar panels or new electric boilers, there are things we can all do to help ourselves and the environment through minimising our energy consumption. Remember, around 30 per cent of the UK's CO2 emissions come from our housing stock.

Look for A, AA and AAA rated appliances

Wooden sheds remain top choice for garden storage

a wooden shed can be very eco friendly and sustainable. Sheds are perfect for storing garden equipment and can even be used as a room to work or exercise in. Make sure it's made from timber sourced from sustainable forests

Are you bored with your doors?

Good doors are worth investing in because doors are an important design feature. And they can be very eco-friendly, being made from sustainable wood or recyclable materials such as glass or metal. Urban Front is a UK manufacturer of solid wood and veneered doors.

 

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