● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●: home

AD - GIFTED | Looking to redecorate your home but on a budget? Thinking of getting a some new posters or prints for your home? Look no further!

Decorating your home can be an incredibly expensive job - especially if you're someone who changes their mind quite often or you enjoy updating your space with the current home décor trends. A simple way to update your homes look is by interchanging some wall art displays to help add some character and a personal touch to your space. If you're looking for some inspiration or a wide selection of styles to choose from, head over to the Poster Store - offering an endless choice of wall art posters and prints at an affordable price.

For me, I think the photography or the nature and botanical style artwork is the perfect choice for the home. Wall art, posters and prints are another way to totally transform a room instantly and here are 5 benefits of displaying wall art posters and prints in your home.

Splash of Colour

Introducing colour into your home can be quite scary and overwhelming, and even slightly tricky, especially if you don't own your home and just opt for renting the property instead. Many homes interior design tend to use lighter colours on the walls to make the indoor spaces appear larger, cleaner and lighter. By adding some wall art to your home, it can change the whole mood and atmosphere of a space. You can use attractive, eye-catching and bold posters or prints to instantly inject some colour into the room. Whether you opt for some minimalist black and white monochrome art, something more colourful and vibrant or even some pastel shades, adding some wall decorations can help add that splash of colour that a plain room is lacking.

Sets A Rooms Atmosphere

Wall art helps to create the exact mood and feel that you want in any specific room and to your home. The type of atmosphere you will want to try and portray will depend on your personal preferences when in comes to home décor and interior design. The perfect choice of wall art will round-off your interior design ideas perfectly and can help to bring the whole colour palette or theme of your home together.

Different rooms in the house may want to have or give-off different moods or atmospheres, for example; the bedroom is somewhere you'll include some calming, more simple wall art. The hallways or lounge area, you'll want to include more vibrant and welcoming pieces to help boost the first impressions of your home. For dressing rooms or walk-in wardrobes, you may wish to have something more vibrant, bold and stand-out. Bathrooms will opt for more of a simple, elegant style of wall art, to help set a more relaxing and refreshing mood, helping you to unwind.

Affordable Decorative Accessory

Decorating your home or adding decorative accessories to your home can be expensive. However, for those on a tighter budget, you may want to consider installing a gallery wall or using posters and prints in your home. Investing in some high quality wall art for your home doesn't have to break the bank. If you're looking to get some framed prints and posters at an affordable price, The Poster Store is definitely worth a look at as you'll be spoilt for choice. The Poster Store offers such a vast selection of beautiful posters and frames, there will definitely be something suitable for you and your interior design preferences.

Reflects Your Personality

Art is very individual and the quote "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is extremely relevant when it comes to home décor and interior design. Everyone will have different opinions and different preferences when it comes to art. The artwork someone chooses to install in their home gives you a small insight into their personality.

Stimulates Conversation with Visitors

Having some decorative and interesting wall art on display in your home can spark conversation with your friends/family, as well as anyone who visits your home. Visitors can be intrigued by the unique art you display and this can help them get to know you better and find out your interior design preferences. The posters or prints you choose can reflect a lot about you as a person, and you can give visitors an insight into your own personal life and the things that you love.

I was kindly gifted some prints and frame from the Poster Store to include in my home, to help add some interest and focal points. One area of my home I wanted to freshen up was my bedroom. Here, I have opted to create a visually appealing display for one of my shelves using 2 different themed framed prints.

The first print is an a4 sized (21x30cm) "Sunset View" poster the world famous beach "Navagio Beach" on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. I visited Zakynthos back in 2017, so this print brings back so many memories when I look at it. The poster is framed by a printed white border, which gives the image more depth and makes it more bold and vibrant. The second print I opted for was smaller (13x18cm) "Double Love" poster. This text style print is very minimal but very effective. The bold font makes it stand out and very eye-catching. I like to incorporate photography prints and typography together as I feel its a nice contrast and works well together.

There are a variety of sizes for all posters, prints and frames online, making it easier for you to be as creative as you want, depending on the space you have to fill in your home, as well as your budget. The collection of unique prints online will help you create your own gallery wall tailor-made for your home. All of the posters are printed on sustainably produced high-quality paper helping to minimise any damage to the environment.

For those looking to invest in some high quality, affordable posters and prints, make sure to check out the Poster Store and use the discount below to save some money on some beautiful wall art.

Code: 50LAURA

50% on all posters (except Selection Posters and frames)

Not combinable with other discount campaigns.

Valid from 16th to 23rd of August.

Have you visited the Poster Store? What wall art pieces do you currently display in your own home?

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AD| Moving in with a partner is an exciting milestone in any relationship. It also has its challenges as you both learn about each other’s idiosyncrasies and quirks – and argue about who’s turn it is to do the dishes! One of the most enjoyable elements of living with a partner for the first time is decorating your place together.

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms to get right. It is a space where you will need to be able to relax and unwind together and ensure that you have space for all your belongings. Here are some of the essential things to buy for your first-ever shared bedroom.

Storage

One of the most crucial elements is ensuring there is enough storage space for both of you. This can get tricky if you’re both shopaholics! At a minimum, you will each need your own space in a wardrobe and chest of drawers. Whether you can share one of each between you both is the next question. If you have limited space in the bedroom, it may help to consider different storage solutions. For instance, you could get some boxes to store clothes under the bed or use in-built storage to save space.

Curtains

Curtains are essential for both privacy and getting a good night’s sleep. It is important to choose curtains that appeal to both of you, so it may help to go window shopping to get an idea of how your home décor tastes align. You could choose from many different kinds of curtains, from insulating curtains to blackout or lightweight curtains. It can help if you’re both on the same page about what you want from your curtains and do your best to compromise when you disagree.

Lighting

Lighting is all-important in the bedroom. Bedrooms are typically multi-functional rooms where we do everything from folding laundry to packing bags for holidays to sleeping. Therefore, it can help to invest in lighting of varying types so that you will always have the best lighting for the situation. You could consider a dimmer switch that will allow you bright clear lights when doing housework and mood lighting for evenings in bed. Bedside lamps are also a must for any couple who tend to have different sleep schedules.

Mattress

Your first mattress with a partner can make a big difference to your quality of sleep. It is crucial that you are both satisfied with the mattress you choose – this is one thing that it can be detrimental to compromise on. While mattress shopping can sometimes be tedious, there are ways to make the process easier. For instance, you could use an online comparison site to get an idea of the options out there and make a shortlist to try out in person. Check out this list from The Mattress Guide that answers the question: what is the best mattress?

Pillows

Pillows are often simpler to buy as a couple, as you can each choose the pillows that suit you and your needs best. It is helpful to test out different pillows to find the ones that will provide the best support and enable you both to get the best sleep possible.

Mirror

Mirrors are a great way to help make a small room look larger, bring in extra reflected light and, of course, get ready in front of. You could consider a wide hanging mirror that has plenty of room for both of you to do your final preparations for the day in front of, or choose a full-length mirror to help you both decide on outfits.

Dressing Table

A dressing table can be the perfect addition to a shared bedroom. If you have space, you could invest in a large dressing table designed to fit two or choose a more traditional dressing table that you can each use in turn. The dresser could contain makeup, aftershave, cufflinks and jewellery – essentially any of the finishing touches for when you’re getting ready for an event.

Colour Scheme

Choosing a colour scheme that you both like can be a challenge. It may help to choose a neutral theme so that you can both incorporate decorations and ornaments in your favourite colours. White, beige, pale blue and grey are all great colours that contrast nicely with most other colours.

Fragrance

The scent of a room is an often under-utilised element of home decoration. Our sense of smell is closely linked with emotion and memory, meaning that the right scent can play a massive part in creating a relaxing and enjoyable bedroom environment. Again, it is crucial that you choose a fragrance that both of you enjoy. You could consider experimenting with different scents or using essential oils and room sprays to make your bespoke home scent. It is vital not to use fragrances too heavily as an overpowering home scent can end up being the opposite of relaxing.

Do you currently share a bedroom with your partner? What other home décor essentials have you included in your living space?

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GUEST POST | When you’re moving anywhere, it can be a stressful and difficult time- and it can sometimes feel daunting to think about all the many things that need to be sorted before moving into your first flat or house.

I recently moved into my first flat, moving out of my family home and in with my partner after a long period of long-distance. This was a big step, and at times it felt overwhelming as we prepared for the big move. Even though I moved away to University in a different city a couple of years ago, this was a totally different experience- and one that really taught me a few things that I would do differently if I were to do it again.

Below, I’ve put together 5 ways to prepare for moving into your first ever flat. Whether you’re moving into a furnished flat with your partner, or you’re about to buy your first home, I hope these tips help you prepare for the big move!

1. Buy the essentials

When preparing to move into your first flat, it’s a good idea to make sure you have all the essentials before moving in. Make sure to buy all the basics for your first few days, and avoid that panic when you realise you don’t have any cutlery, or a pan for cooking your food. You don’t need to buy every single thing before you move in, but just having a few of the essentials can help to calm your nerves as you prepare to start out on your own.

2. Maximise your space

If you’re moving into your first flat, chances are you’ll be living in a relatively small space- and it may be smaller than anywhere you’ve lived before! Make sure to learn how to maximise the space you’ve got and choose furniture, products, and decorations that make the most of this space. You want to create a beautiful but tidy living space that works for you and anyone you’re living with.

3. Have fun!

When you’re moving into your first flat, don’t forget to have fun! Preparing to move into your first flat is such a fun and exciting experience, and there’s lots to enjoy about this time in your life. For example, you get to buy homeware essentials, cute decorations, and you might even receive fun moving in gifts all ready for your first night. Even though there’s lots to do, there’s also a lot to look forward to- and when you’ve moved into your flat don’t forget to celebrate this exciting occasion with a toast!

4. Make an inventory

When I moved into my first place, the estate agent’s arranged a full inventory for the flat, and they made sure any damaged furniture was documented for the landlord. But if you don’t receive an inventory for your first flat, make one! You need to make sure you don’t get charged for any damages that aren’t your fault when you eventually move out, and it can never hurt to make a note of everything your property has- whether you’re renting or buying.

5. Save up

When you’re preparing to move into your first flat, it’s a great idea to save up a bit of money. Take it from me, you’ll be spending a lot in your first month! Up front charges such as your deposit will be a one-off, but there’s bound to be unexpected charges as you navigate life on your own and buy bits for your new home. It’s always a good idea to have a bit of money saved up, and avoid any money panic in your first couple of months to give yourself a little leeway. If you’re saving to buy your dream home, you might also thank yourself for having a head-start.

If you’re moving into your first flat, there are so many things to consider- and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by everything that you need to prepare and organise before the big moving day. However, there are a few important ways to prepare for moving into your first flat- and find a way to make your move as fun, enjoyable, and smooth as possible!

Have you recently moved into your own flat/home? What other preparation tips do you have?

Guest post written by Eleanor Jones

Blog: notsomoderngirl.com / Twitter: @notsomoderngirl

10:00 1 comments

AD| By building an eco-friendly home, not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but you’ll also enjoy reduced energy bills. In recent years, there has been more emphasis on how we can reduce the speed of global warming and making eco-friendly choices, and its important to make changes within our homes. After all, every little helps. However, what makes an eco-friendly home is open to interpretation, so you’ll need to decide what it is that you want to achieve before you start your project. For example, do you want to reduce your energy bills, create a more sustainable way of living or build a healthier internal environment for your family?

If you’re building for the ground up, you are in a unique position to consider the structural elements that will impact your global footprint. For instance, pile foundations are usually an eco-friendlier option than concrete because they are quicker and quieter to install and can also be reused if the house ever gets knocked down. You’ll also have more control over the types of doors and windows that are installed. Here are some more tips for building an eco-friendly home…

Invest in Solar Panels

The sun is undeniably a powerful energy source, which can be harnessed using solar panels. Unlike other sources of energy, we cannot run out of solar energy, making it a truly renewable option. Solar panels are fairly expensive to install but will save you money on your energy bills. They are also diverse; in that they can be used to generate electricity and/or heat. They can also be integrated into the building materials and are cheap to maintain.

Install Adequate Insulation

Insulation is important for regulating the temperature in your home. Without it, heat will escape during winter, and you’ll have to turn up your thermostat and keep it on for longer. Not only is that expensive but also a waste of energy. Insulation also keeps your home cooler during the summer months, meaning you’ll be less inclined to use fans or air conditioning. Bear in mind that you can insulate your roof, floors, walls, and windows.

Ensure Your Windows are Double Glazed

Like insulation, double or even triple glazed windows are great for regulating the temperature in your home because they allow you to retain heat in winter and keep it cooler in summer. They are also great for reducing noise pollution, so are ideal if you live on a busy street.

Consider the Lighting

When it comes to windows, you should also consider their location to ensure there is plenty of natural light in your home. Without it, you will have to keep your lights on, which is neither goo for the environment, nor for your wallet. LED light bulbs are better for the environment than their incandescent alternatives and tend to last longer, so you shouldn’t have to replace them as often. While the upfront cost might seem a lot, you’ll make your money back in a matter of months by saving on your electricity bills.

Use Recycled Materials

Things like doors, carpets, and hardware can be reused, so consider installing second-hand materials where possible rather than producing raw materials. What’s more, it’s worth considering using locally produced materials because they require less energy to deliver.

Consider a Green Roof or Living Wall

There are many benefits to having a green roof/wall. They purify the air, regulate the temperature indoors and provide a rainwater buffer. When done properly, they also look beautiful, so are great for aesthetics. They are lightweight and require very little maintenance.

What ways do you use to make your home more eco-friendly? Which of these tips would you consider starting to use?

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AD| What’s the deal with luxury vinyl flooring? We all want the best deals when we touch up our homes - without purchasing something cheap and tacky, of course. We want a gorgeous floor, but real hardwood is expensive and hard work. Luxury vinyl flooring can be the better deal to achieve the look, and be easily cut into any shape, making them the popular choice for those looking to create intricate pattern designs with their flooring.

The perfect replication of stone and wood with a huge variety of patterns and colours, certainly looks great, but is it cost-effective?

How Much Does it Cost?

To understand the cost of luxury vinyl flooring you will need to consider several factors. The first and foremost being the current state of your existing floor. Vinyl needs to be laid over a perfectly flat and smooth surface due to its softness. If the subfloor is not level, you are going to incur some extra costs in getting it prepared ahead of installation.

Also, if your floor is concrete and you are wanting vinyl over it, you need to get a damp-proof membrane applied to it beforehand. Other aspects that will influence the price of vinyl will include the design and intricacy of patterns you look to lay.

Per Metre

The cost of vinyl flooring can range anywhere from £20 to £90 per square metre. Being a varying brand product, some vinyl can sometimes be a little pricier than others. The difference is in the quality of the product and its perfectly replicable designs. Either way, it is still much cheaper than real hardwood and stone, which can be expensive to replace and often does further damage to areas upon removing them and to surrounding sections.

Installation

Installation can be a cost-effective exercise due to its ease in clicking together planks yourself, but if you choose to go with the glue down tile option it is usually recommended to bring a professional on board. If your floor does require levelling, then you are going to incur extra costs. The time it takes to install the flooring can sometimes be a slow process, especially with glue-down tiles which require a special adhesive that will take up to 10 minutes per tile.

If you do choose to install by yourself, extra care will have to be taken to install in line with manufacturers guidelines to not void your warranty. Mistakes can be made but are extremely hard to rectify. One thing you cannot find fault with luxury vinyl flooring is the vast quantity of brands available, from Invictus to Luvanto and beyond, you are not losing out with what you pay for in either choice you make.

If you are reading this in the hopes of getting the best for your money, luxury vinyl flooring is the best deal on the market.

Have you considered installing luxury vinyl flooring in your home? What other flooring options have you explored?

12:30 No comments

AD| Cleaning can be an extremely tiring, never-ending chore that no one really enjoys very much, especially for those with busy lifestyles, young children or messy pets. Over half of UK adults now own a pet, and numbers have been growing throughout 2020 and 2021 so far. In a recent survey from Beko, a staggering 87% of pet owners say their pet has an exceptionally messy trait. This included things such as shedding fur, muddy paws, food spillages or toilet accidents. The survey also found that the weekly cleaning hours in the UK differ between pet owners and non-pet owners; with the national average of 1 hour vs the 4 hour pet owner average. That is a staggering 4 times as long difference to keep their households clean each week!

In light of this, it may be wise to start including some more versatile, multi-use store cupboard products in your home cleaning routine, whether you have a busy lifestyle, young children or messy pets or not! Some of the following products you may already have in your home, but you may not be using them for cleaning purposes and they could help you save money on buying loads of cleaning products to deal with everyday spills and mess. It might just be time to say goodbye to those harsh chemical cleaning products and opt for something more versatile, more natural and more environmentally friendly!

For some cleaning purposes, baking soda works better and is more effective than your typical household soap. It's extremely inexpensive, it makes a great natural cleaning product and you can pick it up whilst doing your weekly shop in the supermarket. Baking soda isn't just for cakes! It's an extremely versatile product and can be used to dissolve dirt and stains, tackle bad odours and cut through grease and grime.

It might not be the first product you reach for out of your cupboards whilst cleaning, but vinegar makes an incredibly versatile and affordable product that can be used to clean your home. Vinegar's high acidity is what makes it such a good cleaner to use in the home. It's such a great multi-use product, not only delicious on your chips, but it's great at lifting dirty stains, sanitizing surfaces, freshening up laundry, cleaning windows and much much more.

Lemon juice is another great natural cleaners due to its low pH and antibacterial properties. The natural acidity levels found in lemons are perfect for tackling any dirt or discoloration. Not only is it a natural bleaching agent and stain remover, but it can also act as an odour neutraliser due to it's incredibly uplifting, refreshing and invigorating scent.

Salt isn't just used as a seasoning for cooking. Not only does salt clean exceptionally well, but it also acts as a great deodoriser as well. Salt is a super gentle abrasive, gritty textured products, which is good for scraping away any stains, leftover food crumbs and other dirty residues you may come across in at home. By using salt as an everyday cleaning product, it's an inexpensive and effective way to remove any grease, rust, grime, and stains in the home.

What other everyday household products do you use to clean your home? How do you tidy up after your messy pets and children?

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