Published February 18, 2012
We tend these days to take home lighting somewhat for granted. When entering a room we flick a switch and expect the light thing to simply happen. On those occasions when it does not we will generally cuss a little before seeking out either a replacement bulb or the fuse box.
In actual fact home lighting goes back rather longer than may at first be obvious to us. We are all broadly familiar with gas lamps and their use in days gone by, but just often do we find ourselves contemplating the earliest cave paintings and pondering the logistics of them being applied so far away from the entrance to the cave, which would have been the only source of natural daylight?
At some point, in some place in time, somebody discovered the art of igniting a stick. Thereafter it occurred to somebody else (probably) that to ignite a bundle of sticks bound together gave a more lasting light, burning not only more slowly but also more brightly.
We also know that fireflies were sometimes captured and taken home to help provide a natural, though one must imagine irritatingly mobile, source of illumination.
Eat or heat?
It is believed that the first actual lamp came into being in around 70,000 BC. A hollow shell, large stone or other such object would be filled with moss or other plant growth of a similar consistency which would be soaked in animal fat and ignited. During periods of famine, however, the animal fat would often be a valuable and possibly life-saving source of nutrition, presenting our ancestors with something of a dilemma. As the burning was also used for warmth we can see that the “eat or heat” debate has its origins somewhat before the present-day economic crisis.
At some point in time wicks were added in order to allow some control over the rate of burning, and around the seventh century BC the Greeks began to use terracotta lamps in place of hand-held torches. The modern word “lamp” indeed derives from the Greek lampas.
The oil lamp in the form with which most of us would be familiar emerged during the eighteenth century. The source of fuel was encased in metal and the design of the lamp allowed a good deal of control over the intensity of the light and of the fuel burning process. During the latter part of the century petroleum gas replaced beeswax and olive, fish, nut, sesame and whale oils as the fuel of choice.
In the modern household home lighting is of course provided electronically and still, however the opposite may sometimes seem to be the case, rather cheaply. The ease of use and the efficiency of the system permit us some latitude to reflect upon the aesthetic qualities of our lighting rather than just its practical application.
Published February 15, 2012
Outdoor lighting was once a fairly perfunctory affair, limited to security and porch lighting for safety. Recently, however, people have started to invest more in the look of their gardens and exterior space and find ways to illuminate it attractively after dusk. This has been linked with an increase in both the range of outdoor lighting available and also the technologies now on the market that offer cost-effective, energy efficient operation of these lights, to both budget and environmental benefit.
Security lights
When looking at which lights you need, consider how you want to use your outdoor space. Security lighting will always be a must for larger properties and those with outhouses, garages and similar. Put your security lights out of reach of tampering and to avoid a dispute, make sure that they don’t flood neighbouring homes. A good electrical installer will be able to advise on the best positioning.
Safety lights
Wall lamps and lanterns are very useful for providing sensor-lit illumination for pathways, side paths and alleys and hanging lanterns are very attractive in doorways and also provide light when attempting to retrieve a front door key in the dark.
Decorative lights
In the back garden, there are plenty of gorgeous decorative outdoor lights to make the most of your landscaping and features. For example, you can highlight a cascading water feature or pond with coloured water lights to draw attention to an attractive garden feature. You can string solar powered fairy lights around decking areas and miniature trees to make an attractive atmosphere for alfresco dining and hang Moroccan inspired lamps from branches and hanging basket brackets for an intimate party atmosphere. It’s also nice to put down lighters or spotters into any decking steps in order to highlight their presence and to provide a pretty soft glow for the evening. You’ll be amazed at how lighting can transform an outdoor space when the sun starts to set and when you invest in good lighting, you’ll be far more inclined to spend time outdoors after sunset, perhaps eating a family meal or entertaining. In this way, good outdoor lighting can facilitate time spent outdoors and extend your living space naturally. Team good lighting with a patio heater for when the temperature chills!
Solar lights
Solar lights are a great option for the outdoors because they don’t cost electricity to run – simply put them in a space where they can catch natural light and they’ll glow throughout the night, even in winter. The technology is improving all the time, so these lights are becoming ever brighter and lasting for longer. In fact one benefit of the new energy efficient lights is that they last far longer as a whole than the traditional incandescent bulb lights of old. There are a wide range available, from functional driveway markers to funky novelty lights and small markers that can be used to pick out the edge of a border or path and really make your night time garden glow!
Published February 13, 2012
When you buy a range cooker you open up endless opportunities to make a real dramatic statement with your kitchen’s interior decoration. When you’re cooking it’s all too easy to splash food and liquids on the walls behind and to the sides of your electric Aga, solid fuel Rayburn or whatever. You could go the everyday route and invest in some smart ceramic or glass tiles or mosaic. Of you can do it yourself and make something completely unique. Here’s how to create an amazing back drop from bits of broken mirror.
Your materials? First, as much broken mirror as you can get your hands on. If you don’t have any, try your nearest specialist mirror shop. They might have a load of breakages you can take off their hands for next to nothing, if not nothing. Otherwise, trawl your local charity shops and junk emporia, boot fairs and markets for old mirrors to smash up. Try to collect mirrors of the same thickness.
Put your mirrors in between a few sheets of newspaper inside a carrier bag for safety and smash them up into small pieces with a hammer. How small? It’s up to you but a variety of sized pieces gives the best effect.
Next you’ll need a handful of sand, some water and a bucket. Put the sand and glass shards into the bucket and add water. Then slosh your bucket around for five minutes maximum – thirty seconds is usually quite enough but better safe than sorry! – and miraculously, your mirror pieces no longer have sharp edges. They’re blunt, so you can mosaic safely without cutting your fingers off!
Regular, everyday adhesive and grout, the same stuff you use for ceramic tiles, is the ideal material for mirror mosaic too. Mix your adhesive, spread it on a foot square section of wall and press your mirror shards into the adhesive in a random pattern, leaving around 2mm space between each piece. Clean off any messy blobs of extra adhesive with a soft cloth before it goes too hard. Carry on until you’ve covered the whole area, then leave it to dry for 24 hours.
Now it’s time for the magic bit. Mosaic always looks tatty until you do the grout, after which it suddenly looks absolutely splendid! If you’d like a cooler, more grown up look use dark grey or charcoal grout. If you prefer a lighter, brighter mirror finish use white grout. Use a kitchen sponge to spread the grout into the gaps, wiping and drying as you go to clear up any smears and blobs. A soft, lint-free cloth is the perfect tool for a final polish. If you leave any smears of grout they’ll be easy enough to polish off when it’s properly dry – they just turn to dust.
Once it’s 100% dry, give the lot a good scrub with a chamois leather or similar to bring out the reflections to their full beauty. Fantastic!
Published February 8, 2012
The decor of your bathroom should be a reflection of the kind of aesthetic that appeals to you the most. Whatever the theme, it should be relaxing and tasteful. Many people like to use a rustic, old world decor scheme in their bathroom; a space styled with wooden materials, vintage accessories and natural colour tones can create the feeling of a peaceful, country cabin retreat. The rustic theme can be summed up in one word; simplicity. Wood tends to be the material of choice for this kind of decor.
Wood baths are especially popular with this kind of bathroom decor, as they work as a beautiful focal point for the room and are considered to be quite luxurious. Whilst the bath on its own will help to create this rustic theme, there are other aspects to consider. For storage, some people like to use rough, bark edged shelving, which is in keeping with the theme of the space, but is also a practical addition in which one can keep towels and toiletries. For closed door storage, a wooden drawer set with antique hardware, perhaps cast iron or brass, would look beautiful and serve as a handy place to keep odds and ends.
The key to creating an authentic looking bathroom is all in the detail. A shower curtain with a floral pattern, woven baskets on the window sill and other vintage style accessories will make all the difference when trying to create this look.
Another option when decorating one’s bathroom in this way is to install faux wooden beams. Most country cottages from the last century contain these beams and they can add a wonderfully rustic touch to the room. This is not a project for the DIY decorator, however; a qualified construction expert would need to be hired to safely install the beams. Whilst these beams can look lovely, do bear in mind that they will make a small bathroom appear even smaller; the dark wood colour and low hanging structure of the beams could make a modest sized space feel very cramped. However, if you have a spacious bathroom, they can be a fantastic addition.
Flooring is another consideration; hardwood floors can look amazing in a rustic bathroom, however they require regular maintenance and treatments in order to stay in good condition. If the bathroom is quite small and hardwood floors are being installed, then it is best to opt for light coloured woods that will create the illusion of space. Darker wooden finishes look very elegant in a larger bathroom.
Installing suitable lighting is essential when decorating in this style; overhead, harsh lights could ruin the aesthetics of the space and so are best avoided. Wood baths will look even more beautiful if illuminated by vintage wall light fixtures on each side. The bathroom mirror should also be lit with some soft focus lights, as these will add to the warm and welcoming rustic look of the space.
Published January 19, 2012
Hammocks have come a long way since they were first discovered by Spanish colonists in the West Indies.
One of the reasons why hammocks were used in Central and South America was to protect inhabitants from sundry horrors which attacked gratuitously from the ground – snakes, ants, venomous spiders, scorpions and so forth. Originally they were woven from the bark of the hamack tree but this source was later replaced by sisal fibres which were more abundant. Christopher Columbus was allegedly so impressed that he brought several hammocks back to Europe with him when he returned from his exploits.
In the late sixteenth century the canvas hammock was adopted by the Royal Navy. Not only did it provide extra sleeping space on the gun decks where there would have been insufficient room for the traditional bunks, but it was realised that as they swung in tandem with the movement of the ship on the sea they were actually far more comfortable for the sailors than more traditional beds. The sides of the canvas naval hammocks would wrap around the sleeper rather like a cocoon, making it virtually impossible to fall out and thus minimise the risk of injuries that had actually been quite commonplace hitherto.
The hammock found further military use with British and American troops serving in the jungle during World War Two and by both sides during the Vietnam War. During the latter conflict US forces actually suspended the hammock in a hole beneath ground level as a defence against machine gun attacks.
Modern hammocks are usually to be found within a much more peaceful environment, as an item of leisure and outdoor relaxation. Rather than being affixed to trees they are freestanding and swing gently upon a sturdy steel frame.
Constructed from a tough polyester fabric and coated with PVC the Fatboy hammock is rain, stain and UV resistant. The fabric of the hammock is moisture and dirt repellent and can be wiped clean quite effortlessly with lukewarm water and soap. It arrives in two practical polyester bags and is simple to set up.
Like most Fatboy products the Headdemock Hammock comes in a wide range of vibrant colours, from plain white to lime green, from subtle taupe to deep red and bright turquoise. It is large and sturdy and is capable of sustaining the weight of almost any potential user.
Published January 16, 2012
The average home or flat has between 12 and 24 sockets for plugging in appliances or other devices. Each socket is usually wired independently or in a series. This can create problems when one of your sockets is not working correctly. The problem may not be with the socket, but your wiring system could be faulty. Qualified electricians in London work quickly to solve any electricity problem and perform the work accurately. Safety is never an issue when you hire professionals.
Cables and wires that are used to plug in many devices will not last forever. The natural effects of ageing will deteriorate the rubber coating and begin to expose the bare wires. Using tape to fix the frayed wires is never a good idea. The bare wires can easily melt the tape and cause a fire or electrical shock at any time. If you have problems with your appliances or electronics plugs, phoning an electrician to inspect and repair any damage is best.
A common upgrade to your kitchen can include new cookers, ovens or movement of existing sockets to accommodate new appliances. It is a dangerous task to try and perform an installation by yourself or to hire a person that has no NICEIC qualifications. It is affordable to bring in a specialist that performs this work on a daily basis. The new installation could help uncover problems with your wiring that would never have been addressed if you tried to perform the work alone.
Lighting is an essential element in every home, flat or business. If you want to upgrade your lighting, one of the first things you should consider is getting an inspection from a London electrical specialist. Installing an incorrect lamp that does not meet the voltage requirements required in your location can cause a fire or power disruption. This chain of events can lead to disaster. An inspection will reveal what type of lighting is best suited for your electrical system and then installation can be scheduled for completion.
Installing a smoke alarm is important and making sure that it is reliable can save your life inside your home. Your existing alarms may not be sufficient warning devices to alert you if a fire happens while you are at home. Having expert electricians in London perform your installation ensures your safety is guaranteed and your installed smoke alarms will work accurately to warn you.
Published January 10, 2012
Picking the right lighting for your home should be fun and interesting, but you will need to consider different types of home lighting for different rooms and areas of the house. Good lighting can make a home’s design and conversely, bad lighting will break it – meaning that lighting should be considered as carefully as decorating designs and furniture. Good lighting schemes will help your house to flow and feel welcoming and warming.
In a hallway, for example, the first impression of your home is conveyed. Here you can opt for bold decorative lighting to create a warm atmosphere, such as a chandelier or pendant. However, keep a careful eye on proportions and ensure fixtures are high enough for safety. On stairs, staircase spot or tracker lights can look very attractive and help light steps usefully whilst providing a touch of glamour.
In the living area, different lighting is usually required. Wall sconces, ceiling fixtures and interior lamps combine overall illumination with task-based lighting and reading lamps are useful for providing light in smaller areas. Experiment with large and small lights in different arrangements and combinations, based around areas where the family reads, talks, watches television or carries out other activities.
For the dining table, the table needs lighting well and a chandelier or pendant can do this effectively and create either a formal, entertaining, or cosy family atmosphere. Pick lighting that reflects your style and tastes. Recessed wall lights can also provide good atmosphere light whilst making the room appear larger.
With kitchens, your lighting should match the layout and design of the room. Task based under cabinet lighting is useful for highlighting work spaces. Tracker lights or recessed halogen lights provide very bright, clear lighting that is useful in a working space. For a kitchen / diner, it works well to have lighting that can be controlled by dimmer switches, also allowing for one to be set independently of the other. A pendant can work well over an eating area, to create a soft pool of light and separate the area from the kitchen itself.
In the bathroom, use an electrician to install lights to the required safety standards and only use lighting suitable in wet environments. Halogen spotters are ideal and work well with the design decor of bathrooms, as do wall lights.
In bedrooms, the choice is all yours; decorative light strings are particularly favoured by teenagers and there are plenty of novelty lights that provide soft glows and attractive finishes. Adults can mix overhead lights for dressing with bedside reading lamps and other floor lighting, to create a soft and relaxing feel.
Ultimately, home lighting will be a mix of design, trial and error across the house, in an attempt to make room designs and layouts work according to the way in which the family uses the house and carries out activities in it. Don’t forget exterior lighting too, such as security spotter lights, solar lights to illuminate driveways and gardens and decorative fairy lights to create party atmospheres for outdoor entertaining.
Published December 30, 2011
We live in interesting times, in the Chinese sense! This last year has seen the British economy stay stagnant or grow a mere fraction of a percent each quarter. The positive side? Things haven’t gone into decline. We’ve lost jobs in some sectors but others are booming. There’s a growing national trend for spending less, saving up, reducing debt, buying wisely, thinking about the future and purchasing goods responsibly from an environmental perspective. So what effect has this unique economic landscape had on the range cooker world over 2011? Are we still head over heels in love with the Aga or are we taking our kitchen appliance custom elsewhere?
When most people think ‘range’ they think Aga and Rayburn, both of which are made in Britain. Because more of us are buying local and buying British, our favourite home-grown range manufacturers are in good shape for 2012.
The trend for quality has benefited them too, as has the slow but steady move towards greener, less carbon-intensive cooking and heating systems. Some Agas and Rayburns can be used to heat water and radiators as well as for cooking. They’re genuine workhorses, made of solid cast iron, so last for generations. And unlike the many contemporary sleek stainless steel range cookers on the market, they’re a triumph of British design, finished with gleaming enamel in beautiful colours. Rather like the old Mini and VW Beetle, they have a distinct personality. A friendly familiar face is always welcome in tough times and Agas and Rayburns are exactly that. Our great grannies cooked on them!
The clever money in 2011 bought everything from small, neat ranges designed to sit flush with modern kitchen units to big, good-looking traditional-sized ranges big enough to heat large houses. There’s been a quantum leap in control technology and these days we can pre-programme our ranges and thermostats to suit our lifestyles. Bringing traditional range cookers into the 21st century this way has increased their popularity significantly.
Fewer of us are moving house these days. For the first time in two decades there’s a trend for treating houses like homes rather than investments. As such, more of us are spending our valuable time and hard-earned money making our homes the best they can be: welcoming and efficient, comfortable and stylish. A range cooker sits right at the heart of the home and will keep everyone in it warm and cosy, well fed and contented for decades to come. Consumers appreciate the solid confidence a range gives them. You won’t find an Aga wearing out after five years.
Here’s to a thriving range cooker market in 2012!
Published December 16, 2011
Outdoor wall lights come in great numbers of variety and style and there are options to suit all purposes, tastes and budgets. Defined by their wall mounting, these lights will have high IP rated fittings that make them suitable for the higher demands of outdoor use. It’s very important never to use indoor lights for outdoor use, whether fairy lights, novelty garlands or any other type of light fitting, as they won’t be as well insulated and protected against the elements.
Plain bulkheads in either red or white are ideal for providing illumination to paths, garages and doors. There are versions that have LED bulbs that are very bright and offer a clear sparkling light. They also use far less energy to operate than traditional bulb lights and their bulbs do not become hot in the same way, making them safer too.
Outdoor wall lights can also be used as sensor security lights and be set to trigger when someone is present on the property. These can act as a deterrent but can also be useful for family members coming home and attempting to find the lock for their key!
Look for the various ranges of lights now available for style inspiration. Traditional outdoor lights tend to be of the lampshade variety and may have styling features such as wrought iron curls and coloured glass. These look very pretty and stylish for more traditional homes.
Modern lights may have unfussy designs and more minimalist styling features, such as stainless steel and smoked glass. Up and down lights will provide illumination both above and below the fitting and are likely to be very cleanly styled, often with hardened glass, urban shades and sleek metal finishes.
There are even more quirky designs that are suitable for outside illumination for parties and gatherings, such as garden ‘chandeliers’ that are very visually appealing and cast a soft glow, although these are unlikely to be as good for security purposes. Similarly, some designs will be based on styles that are particularly reminiscent of Mediterranean holidays or Moroccan lamps and these can be great for creating a strong design theme in your garden.
With all outdoor lights, it’s best to organise professional installation to check that the lights are safely affixed to the house and wired in correctly and to the right voltage. Correct installation will also help ensure that they remain in good working order for as long as possible. Also get advice on siting your lights for the most practical benefit and to ensure that they won’t cause a problem within the home. For example, a very sensitive security light may cause problems if its light floods into a bedroom at night and keeps the family awake!
Make sure that you keep any warranties in safe keeping in case of issues and regularly check your lights to ensure that they are in good working order. Keep an eye out for the regularly changing styles of outdoor lights and new technological developments in energy efficient lighting.
Published November 18, 2011
There are a number of people who choose to participate in various activities to keep fit. Yoga has always been a popular way of staying fit, because it allows the body to stretch out its muscles and tendons. This action can also be used in combination with other fitness activities to help keep the body flexible. People who practise yoga at home or as a group at a fitness facility, often use mats. The mat is placed on the floor to provide some cushion between the hard surface of the floor and the person’s body.
The mats used for practising yoga can come with a yoga mat bag. The bag is a handy way to store and tote the mat around. The bags can also be purchased as separate items and are available in a variety of colours and patterns. The basic shape of the yoga mat bag is cylindrical so it can accommodate the rolled up shape of the mat. To transport the mat, the bag comes with a wide shoulder strap or harness, which fits over all types of clothing including most jackets. The material used to make this type of tote bag is usually a durable canvas.
People who practise yoga, often enjoy doing it outside. The bag makes it easy to carry a mat to any outdoor location. People can even bring it along when camping so they can carry their mats with them when hiking or walking on scenic trails. People who participate in this activity at fitness facilities, will find the tote an easy way to transport their mats back and forth. The bags prevent the mat from picking up dirt and debris so it is always clean and ready to use. The canvas tote bags can be washed to keep them clean as well.