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Freelance Photographer in Dubai, UAE - Experienced, Sophisticated, Affordable & Reliable
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News and Tips

Country utility room ideas to add warmth to a practical space

February 19, 2022 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Country utility room ideas to add warmth to a practical space

Laundry rooms are a classic staple in a home, and often associated with more traditional homes. For this reason, country utility room ideas are the place to look for inspiration.

Utility rooms come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Even if you’re considering a contemporary look, country utility room ideas can be a useful starting off point in your design.

A simple approach with good storage and quality features are key to pulling this classic utility room look. Aim to create a space which delights you. Laundry can be a tedious enough chore, so you might as well be working away in a beautiful room which also makes your life easier through useful details and practicalities.

Country utility room ideas

From the units to the blinds and accessories and everything in between, every detail counts when it comes to this timeless style.

1. Include a storage bench

Utility room with washing machine and storage bench

Image credit: Future PLC/David Still

Utility rooms often double as boot rooms – after all, it’s not many of us that have the space or savings for both. Make the most out of the available space with narrow utility room ideas by building in a storage bench. Keep less attractive cleaning products and other essentials hidden away beneath its lid. Then you’ve also got a handy place to sit and put on or pull of Welly boots.

2. Lay flagstone flooring

Utility room with flagstone flooring and Belfast sink

Image credit: The Main Company

Flagstone flooring is a country home staple. They’re good-looking, hardwearing and incredibly practical. Also, they work incredibly well for utility room flooring ideas. With their uneven colouring and natural pockmarks, dirt is easily disguised, meaning you won’t constantly be cleaning it.

When you do need to give it a wash, stone floors are easy and quick to get clean and bright again.

3. Add a traditional laundry maid

Cream utility room with black worksurfaces and laundry maid

Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle

Indulge in a bit of a Downton Abbey moment while also space saving like a pro. Hanging clothes airers, known as Sheila’s maids or laundry maids, add that rustic, vintage touch to your laundry room. Plus, unlike modern clothes airers, you won’t be using up any precious floor space, making it perfect for small utility room ideas.

4. Factor in your furry friends

Utility room with black cabinetry, dog shower and parquet flooring

Image credit: DesignSpace London

Is a country home even a country home without a dog? Think about your mucky pups when considering your utility room design. It’s a bit of a luxury, but will make your life so much easier if you build in a dog shower. No more chasing your pooch around the garden with a house or tackling in the upstairs bath. Keep the muddy paws in one designated area and everything will run a lot more smoothly.

5. Panel the wall

White utility room with panelled wall

Image credit: Life Kitchens

Panelled walls are a must-have for country kitchens, so make sure to bring through into your utility room, too. They add texture and interest without being too busy and distracting the eye. Plus, they’re easy to repaint should you wish to revamp your colour scheme.

6. Embrace the colours of nature

Utility room with wooden furniture and green walls

Image credit: Garden Trading

Keep the look understated but undeniably country with a coat of glorious forest green on the walls. The serene yet striking shade pairs beautifully with natural wooden cabinets and worktops to create a grounding country vibe. Choose classic white enamel storage caddies and fittings to keep the look clean and effortlessly coordinated.

7. Dress the decor with ticking stripes

Navy blue utility room with striped blind on window above sink

Image credit: Future PLC/Ben Robertson

Nothing says country-style quite like a classic ticking stripe. Use this faithful pattern to furnish your utility room to give the space an air of sophistication. Match the dominant colour of the pattern to your kitchen cabinet colour to keep the look cohesive. For on-trend navy choose brass fixtures and fittings to enhance the richness of the scheme.

8. Add stylish shutters

Grey utility room with shutters on window above sink

Image credit: Garden Trading

Shutters for dressing windows is the epitome of fine country-style. Smart wooden shutters are ideal for creating scullery chic. Keep the look understand yet smart by painting the shutters, cabinets and walls in a gradient scale of the same colour – keep the walls in the lightest shade, then choose a colour few shades darker for both the cabinets and the shutters. This painting scheme will help to add depth to the look, without having to use bold colours.

9. Decorate white goods with flower prints

Washing machine with flower decoration and yellow curtain beneath utility room sink

Image credit: Future PLC/Sussie Bell

Give bulky white goods a touch of country-style with the help of simple stickers. The blank canvas of white is the ideal place to add a decorative motif to soften the hardness of appliances. Team the look with floral print fabrics for under-cabinet curtains and textile accessories, to uniform the look.

10. Use open shelves for boots and shoes

Industrial style shoe rack

Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day

Use your utility room as the place to clean and store footwear as soon as they are removed. Leave just-cleaned shoes to air or dry on a sturdy trolley before you return them to storage. A small pair of steps will helpfully double as a place to prop your foot when cleaning shoes.

11. Add flowers

Utility room with cream cabinetry, wooden worktops, cut flowers and red blinds

Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day

Create an area where you can indulge your love of fresh flowers and arrange them beautifully.  Fit shelves above the sink for storing flower room essentials such as scissors, string, gloves and glass stem vases, and display your country-style arrangements in pretty enamel jugs nearby.

Use the colourful blooms to inspire the decor. Add interest with a bright blind in a graphic floral print to inject a vibrant touch to enhance an otherwise neutral colour scheme.

12. Fit a Belfast sink

White Belfast sink below window in laundry room

Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain

Country utility room ideas couldn’t be complete without traditional Belfast sinks – best set into a chunky wooden work surface. These deep ceramic sinks are hard-wearing and large enough to cope with any utility room cleaning task. Combine with vintage-style kitchen mixer taps for a pleasing finish.

Make this signature sink the star of the show by dressing it to perfection. A decorative textile fashioned into curtains to conceal the storage below the worktops helps to frame the sink area.

13. Hide away ironing boards in an armoire

Utility room with storage in narrow cabinetry

Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day

Keep ironing boards, brooms and vacuum cleaners out of sight in a dedicated cupboard. Choose a slim, classic country armoire to make essential storage feel more sophisticated. Hang up the feather duster and dustpan and brush on characterful wall hooks independently of the freestanding furniture piece.

14. Put up plentiful shelving

White painted open shelving for linens and cleaning products

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Organise your washing space with painted open shelves for folded linen and detergents. Paint basic wooden shelves in a classic cream to achieve a simple country look. The colour will provide a calming backdrop for natural linens, enamel storage caddies and attractive bottled laundry products.

15. Choose classic pigeon holes for storage

Wooden pigeonhole shelving

Image credit Future PLC/Ben Robertson

Use stylish pigeon hole shelving to make storing household sundries all the more chic. The fashionable storage units come in a variety of different sizes, from countertop to larger wall-mounted designs  to suit all utility rooms. For a totally uniformed look you can even label each one to make it clear exactly what goes where.

16. Fashion a display area

Display shelves in utility room above Belfast sink

Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott

One of the most pleasing qualities of having a dedicated utility space is that you can show off the finer details. With chic storage solutions such as glass Kilner jars, porcelain bottles and enamelware why hide it all away behind closed doors. Use open shelving to house beautifully decanted cleaning products and simple decorative accessories. Fit the shelving above the sink so that you can keep everything you need to hand.

Larger items such as boxes of washing powder can be stowed away in classic enamel containers or cupboards nearby.

17. Opt for a built-in utility cupboard

Cream utility room with ironing board and wooden shelf

Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain

You don’t always need a whole room in order to make use of country utility room ideas. A built-in cupboard is the perfect spot to make a miniature laundry area. Maximise the space you do have by including extending shelves so you have worksurfaces to hand when needed.

18. Conceal appliances with a curtain

Washing machine with patterned fabric curtain

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

Make a simple curtain to hide unattractive appliances or unorganised storage under a counter top. Sew a curtain with a narrow casing at the top and thread on to a net curtain wire or café rod. Not only will this idea instantly hide a bulky electrical appliance, it will also help to add a decorative touch through a thoughtful patterned fabric.

19. Incorporate a pet bed

Dog in dog bed underneath boot storage

Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott

Keep your pooch at their happiest by building them a new bed. After all, what is are country utility room ideas without a perky pup? A combination of built-in open shelving and drawers turns the smallest cubby hole into a utility area with space for a pet bed beneath.

20. Tile a utility splashback with glazed brick tiles

Utility room with metro tiled splashback

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Tile the splashback above the sink in your utility space with glazed brick tiles for a classic country look. Combine with white walls, a marble worktop and a traditional-style mixer tap. A wooden shelf, fitted just above the tiles, finishes the look and provides a handy place to display decorative pieces, and beautifully packaged laundry and cleaning products.

21. Use an over-the-door rack for cleaning brushes

Under stairs cupboard with brushes hanging from hooks

Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott

Make the most of vertical storage options such as over-door racks and country style hooks. These simple solutions are easy to fit and add instant extra storage in your utility room – and they make a great place to hang items such as teacloths, feather dusters and brushes, too.

When it comes to cleaning must-haves such as mops, bins or a dustpan and brush, even these practical items can add utility-chic if you opt for vintage-style accessories in cream enamel or rustic wood.

22. Build in fitted boot room storage

Utility room with boot and shoe storage beside Belfast sink

Image credit: Future PLC/David Cleveland

Design your utility space so it also works for boot room ideas. Fit wooden shelving and paint it in a subtle shade, such as understated sage green, to match the cabinetry. Alternatively, use a rustic metal rack or even wooden steps to prop up footwear by the garden door. Combine painted units with a wood-panelled splashback and stone flooring for classic boot-room style.

23.  Fit an extending wall rack to dry laundry indoors

Extending drying rack on grey panelled wall

Image credit: Garden Trading

No country utility room is complete without a wall-mounted extending rack for those days when the weather does not allow clothes to be dried outside. Position a wall rack near the washing machine and sink for ease of use. If you have space for shelving, add storage boxes above, or fit an enamel wardrobe rail in an alcove for hanging up garments.

24. Hide clutter with a café curtain

Utility room with curtain hanging below worksurface

Image credit: Future PLC/Trevor Richards

Hang a country-style café curtain beneath the length of a worktop or console table to hide kitchenware, cleaning products or appliances from view. Choose fabric in fresh colours, such as striking florals or fresh stripes, and sew a simple curtain that will add instant zing to your utility room. Hang the curtain using a tension rod that fits the width of the open shelving unit.

25. Choose neutral, country-style cabinetry

Utility room with boot storage and flagstone flooring

Image credit: Future PLC/David Merewether

Decorate in a neutral colour scheme for a timeless look in your utility room. Choose Shaker-style cabinetry – allowing plenty of space for appliances – and hardwearing stone flooring for a look that’s pretty and practical. Use country-style enamel containers for washing powder and to sort laundry. Add a peg rail for coats above a wooden chest or sideboard for plenty of storage.

26. Show off shabby-chic storage

Vintage style enamel utility room storage

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Make washday a pleasure with a dedicated utility area for laundry. Store and display ironing water, soaps, cleaning liquids and wooden dolly pegs in attractive bottles and practical glass kilner jars.

Introduce even a few of these ideas, and the results might just might light work of those chores that need doing. Talk about effective budget utility room ideas!

How can I make my utility room look nice?

You can make your utility room look nice by adopting a country-style approach. The humble yet hard-working utility room is often over-looked when it comes to decorating. Yes, you need to create a dedicated space that is well organised but practical doesn’t have to be dull. A vintage country-style look is a great style choice as it takes the room back to its roots. A scullery was a kitchen overflow for large, busy houses so had to be spic- span efficient.

What is the difference between a scullery and a utility room?

Although the names are very different, the utility room is simply the modern equivalent of a scullery. Traditionally, sculleries were used for laundry, washing dishes and as an extra kitchen space. Since utility rooms perform the same tasks they are essentially just a rebranded scullery!

In Australia and the States, however, you’re more likely to find these spaces called laundry rooms than utility rooms.

The post Country utility room ideas to add warmth to a practical space appeared first on Ideal Home.

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News and Tips

Self build insurance: do I need it and what does it cover?

February 19, 2022 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Self build insurance: do I need it and what does it cover?

Designing and building the home of your dreams can be an exciting and rewarding task. It is also likely to be one of the most challenging and one of the largest expenditures of your life, making it crucial to have self build insurance in place to protect your project. If you’re building your own home, you’ll need to take out a specialist Self build insurance policy. 

What is self build insurance?

Self build insurance is a specialist home insurance policy that covers you, your builders, your building site and your new home during the construction process. 

Standard home insurance won’t provide sufficient cover as it only protects you against the risks that come with owning a property. A home contents insurance policy will protect your belongings inside the property, for example, while a buildings insurance policy will protect the structure of your home. 

Self build insurance, on the other hand, will provide more tailored cover and protect you against the risks involved when building your own home.

contemporary self build glass house

Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby

What should a self build insurance policy cover?

A good self build insurance policy should provide cover for the following:

  • Damage to the property and surrounding building site due to fire, storms and floods
  • Damage to and theft of tools, materials and equipment 
  • Employers’ liability cover to protect you against claims made by anyone working on the site in the event of injury or death
  • Public liability cover to protect you if damage or injury is caused to a third party or members of the public as a result of the building works
  • Legal expenses cover in the event legal action is taken against you
  • Non-negligence cover or JCT 21.2.1 insurance to protect you against damage to surrounding properties caused by collapse or vibration. You won’t always need this cover, it will depend on the type of work being carried out.

Do I have to take out insurance if I am building a house?

The cost of building your own home can be tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds, so it is sensible to protect your investment with the right insurance policy.

Even if your builder or main contractor has their own insurance policy, it won’t cover any tools or equipment you’ve bought yourself and it won’t usually cover you when your contractor is not on site. 

Your mortgage lender is also likely to require proof of self build or site insurance before agreeing to release the funds.

‘Mortgage lenders will often require site insurance to be in place on a project during the build, so that their investment is protected against accidental, malicious and storm damage,’ explains Jake Fitness of Self-Build Zone. 

‘A 10-year structural warranty for self-builders is [also] usually a requirement for mortgage lenders to release funds for the building project,’ he adds. ‘This covers the build against structural defects for a period of 10 years following the completion of the build.’

How much does self build insurance cost?

Like any insurance policy, the amount you pay for this type of insurance will be based on several factors and linked to the risks involved. 

‘Site insurance is based on the duration of the project, the reinstatement values and which options (like hired plant tools and equipment) you require,’ says Simon Middleton, managing director at Protek Group Limited. ‘A typical £250,000 self-build project built over say 12 months would typically be in the region of £500 plus insurance premium tax.’

He adds: ‘A self build structural warranty will typically cost around £2,500 including the technical audit inspections.’

glass extension ideas on a new build

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars

Where can I buy insurance?

You won’t usually be able to buy self build insurance from a standard home insurance provider. Instead you’ll need to shop around and compare premiums with dedicated self build insurance providers, such as Self-Build Zone and Protek.

You can often compare quotes online, or you may need to give the insurer a ring to chat through your options.

Do I need to change policies when the build is complete?

This specialist insurance will no longer be a requirement once the project is complete. However, you will still need some form of cover in place.  

‘Once the property is complete and ready for occupation, the site insurance policy ends and the 10 year structural warranty policy starts. It is at this point that you will need to secure traditional home and contents insurance,’ says Middleton.

Buildings and contents insurance usually works out cheaper when combined under the one policy. But be aware that if your home has a non-standard design you may need to take out a non-standard home insurance policy to ensure you’re fully covered.

The post Self build insurance: do I need it and what does it cover? appeared first on Ideal Home.

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News and Tips

Cleaning expert shares money-saving mouthwash sink cleaning hack

February 19, 2022 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Cleaning expert shares money-saving mouthwash sink cleaning hack

A cleaning expert has shared a simple cleaning hack that makes use of a bathroom cabinet staple. Next time you’re cleaning your sink and notice an unpleasant smell, do away with your supply of the best cleaning products and try pouring a splash of mouthwash into the sink instead, says Kelly.

The cleanfluencer recently shared the mouthwash sink cleaning hack on her Instagram (@mrs.ds.cleaning.reviews). She explains that it banishes smells and keeps things hygienic.

Kelly is a digital creator constantly providing reviews and tips to her 86,000 followers.

white sink on wooden stand in white minimalist bathroom

Image credit: Big Bathroom Shop

Mouthwash sink cleaning hack

‘If you suffer from a stinky bathroom drain, then I highly recommend mouthwash,’ says Kelly. ‘It’s something we all have in our bathroom cabinets and it’s a fantastic, cheap way of keeping your bathroom drains not only smelling fresh but all so hygienically clean too.’

Our drains can get a bit whiffy due to a build-up of germs and bacteria, combined with toothpaste and hair, she says. And while these won’t block you sink, they can create a foul odour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mrs D’s Cleaning Reviews (@mrs.ds.cleaning.reviews)

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection Mouthwash 500ml, £2.50 at Wilko
Keep your breath and sink smelling fresh with this discounted Oral B mouthwash, available half price right now at Wilko. With a small bottle of Zoflora often costing around £4, making use of this bathroom cupboard item instead will help you save money.

View Deal

You can also use baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water to get rid of smells naturally, or try some concentrated disinfectant.

Lots of people commented on the mouthwash sink cleaning hack, saying they’d give it a go. ‘I use this tried and tested tip of yours a lot,’ said one.

green bathroom with panelling and tiles

Image credit: Carpetright

Another follower shared their own tip, reminding people to clean the overflow drain with a little bleach and water if it’s become moldy.

Make sure you don’t turn the tap on for at least half an hour after pouring mouthwash down the sink. Then pour down hot water and this will leave you with a minty fresh sink.

Would you try this hack?

The post Cleaning expert shares money-saving mouthwash sink cleaning hack appeared first on Ideal Home.

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News and Tips

Want Better Pictures? Imagine Them Before You Take Them

February 19, 2022 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Want Better Pictures? Imagine Them Before You Take Them

Show Promo Image

It was shortly after I’d completed a remote Zoom presentation to a group of

camera-club members that I decided to share some of the images and main points of my talk in this column. I show photographs, explain the process of making them, and answer questions, and at a time when in-person workshops, camera club meetings, and field trips were impossible, doing Zoom sessions was a welcome chance for members of the photo community to stay connected, motivated, and inspired.

Fri, 02/18/2022

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