Ever since humans started building settled communities and gave up the hunter gatherer lifestyle, they have taken pride in their homes. Windows were primarily a way to let out smoke, and often had wood or fabric coverings to keep out the wind and rain. Solid wooden window shutters were the normal window covering for most European homes until glass became more affordable.

It wasn’t until the 16th century that glazed windows became widely used, and this is when the fashion for elaborate fabric curtains and poles as an important element of interior decoration really came into its own. In poorer homes, a curtain was a single, fixed piece of fabric. Fashions for more elaborate designs and rich fabrics such as velvet, hanging in pairs, started in Italy and France before being adopted in England.

Internal wooden shutters became more sophisticated, and fabric curtains were influenced by the opulent style of the French King Louis XIV. During the 17th and 18th century the fashions for decorative curtains, ruched fabric blinds and pelmets to hide curtain rods, curtain rings and pulley and cord mechanisms were born. Decorative styles then came thick and fast, from Rococo to Neo-Classicism to Empire and Regency, and almost every type of curtains and blinds we use today has its origins in history, no matter how modern we think it looks.

Other possible materials used in the construction of garden office buildings include brick and glass. Whilst a few manufacturers offer the permanence of a brick structure, these are usually clad with the aforementioned Western Red Cedar for the sake of appearances, as many people consider brick outbuildings to be unattractive.

All-glass buildings can offer a stylish contemporary alternative for garden offices. At the time of writing this, only a couple of manufacturers offer them, but it is likely that more will join them in the near future. Glass is very much in keeping with contemporary design trends, but the buildings can be expensive to heat, and there is also the problem of privacy. If the aim of a garden office is to provide a workspace where a person can concentrate on their work, not only can people see everything you do, but also it is very easy to become distracted by things happening outside.

Draught-proofing Doors

Obviously, it is essential to draught-proof external doors, but if you live in an older house it is often a good idea to draught-proof internal doors too, as cold air can often find its way in from the outside no matter what precautions you take. The simplest way to draught-proof a door is to buy a draught-proofing strip from a DIY store. These are adhesive and stick to the side of the door, protecting gaps at the hinges and handles.

Draught-proofing Windows

These same adhesive draught-proof strips are the best way to seal casement windows, while brush strips, which are affixed to the frame with screws, are more efficient for sash windows. Double glazing comes with its own draught-proofing, a rubber sealant around the edges of the frame, but this may need replacing after several years.

The Importance of Protection

DIY enthusiasts should use gloves, goggles and facemasks to protect themselves against glass and ceramics, metal and wood splinters, and dust and splashes. While they may not be stylish, the use of overalls is essential to keep loose clothing away from drills and other power tools.

The Importance of Ventilation

Homeowners should not use paint, varnish, paint stripper or any other chemical without first reading the label and ensuring sufficient ventilation in the room in which the product is to be used.

The Use of the Correct Tools

Use of the correct tool will render DIY jobs safer and more efficient. All tools should be kept in good condition. They should be sharpened, oiled and cleaned when necessary. Tools should be stored as directed, usually in a safe and dry location, away from pets and children.

The Use of the Correct Cutting Techniques

DIY enthusiasts should cut materials, not flesh. It is essential for materials to be cut away from the body. Homeowners should keep their hands away from jumping saw blades, should secure materials in a vice and use metal rules to cut against.

The Importance of Planning

DIY enthusiasts should take time to perform tasks in the home. They should not rush and should always provide themselves with enough time to finish the job safely.

The Careful Use of Ladders

Ladders are dangerous and should always be erected according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ladders should be placed on a solid, clean surface. Homeowners should enlist the help of a friend or relative to hold the ladder to prevent it from slipping. DIY enthusiasts should never lean sideways while up a ladder. Instead, they should take steps to move the ladder into the correct position.

Part of the skill of bathroom design is in fitting an appropriately sized and appointed bathroom suite into anything from a tiny cloakroom space to a large and spacious area.  You may wish to make a huge statement with your luxurious bathroom fittings, but if they overpower a smaller space, you need to reconsider what will best fit in to create the best look for your bathroom.

With all of the luxurious as well as durable materials available nowadays to create your perfect bathroom, you can fit the bathroom furniture of your dreams.  You can also select from many exciting bathroom accessories, which can turn a mediocre room into a luxury retreat, a place to revive in the evening or to freshen up each morning all ready to face a new day.

Hairline Cracks

Minor cracks in concrete can be rectified in the same manner as cracks in other materials with the use of a filler.  Use a pallet knife to work a silicone-based filler into the gap as deep as possible and use a scraper to remove the excess and level out the compound on the surface. 

Deep Cracks

Scrub the affected area with a wire brush to clean the surface in preparation for accepting the fresh concrete.  Mix a ready-made concrete in accordance with the instructions and pour it into the crack, ensuring it is properly filled.

Jagged Cracks

Deep, jagged cracks will often contain small fragments of concrete that have come loose, which can be lifted free by hand.  Use a chisel and hammer to dislodge loose particles and widen the gap to make the repair process easier.

The worst part of sanding is the amount of dust that is kicked up, and you will need to wear a face mask and goggles.  Due to the level of noise you may also want to include ear defenders.  Wear clean old clothes and soft-soled shoes, and open all the windows in the room.  Seal door edges to prevent dust escaping to other rooms. 

Normally, three grades of abrasive will be sufficient, and the one you start with will depend on the condition of the floor.  You should always finish with a fine grade (120-grit) abrasive.

When using a belt sander do not let it run with the abrasive on the floorboards if the sander is not moving, as this will cause uneven sanding and may even gouge the floor.  The sander must be tilted away from the floorboards so that the abrasive is not touching them before switching the machine on and again before switching it off. 

When sanding, manoeuvre the machine over the floorboards starting at one corner and moving up and down the room until all the floorboards are smooth, even, and clean.  Use the rotary sander or sanding block with fine grit sandpaper to finish off any flaws, edges, and corners. 

Use a soft brush to sweep dust from window frames, door frames, skirting boards, mantle pieces, and any other surface, then step outside and shake dust from your clothes and shoes.  Sweep and scoop up any dust remaining on the floor.  Finally, go over the floor with a vacuum cleaner with soft bristle brush attachment, and you are ready to stain or finish your freshly sanded floor.

Equally with external corners, walls cannot be assumed to be perfectly square but here, there is another rather trickier problem to be addressed: the cut tile’s unglazed edge has to be hidden. To achieve this, one wall is finished with tiles that have been cut to fit in the usual way and those on the other wall are placed in such a manner that they overlap those on the first wall. The job is then completed by using grout on the exposed cut edges.

An even neater finish can be achieved by starting the second wall with complete edging tiles, although in this case the walls would have to be perfectly vertical.

Tiling can be a tricky job but with adequate care and attention, the tiling of corners can be successfully overcome.

You can create a luxury bathroom not only by adding a stylish bathroom suite or accessories but also by selecting the right lighting.  Choosing the correct lighting will enable you to create a luxurious atmosphere and will leave your bathroom looking stylish and impressive.  Spotlights, stylish ceiling lights and mirror lights will help to add luxury to your bathroom.  You can even opt for bath or spa lights to create a cosier, intimate feel.

If you are willing to spend a little extra for more luxury, then you can consider adding luxury items such as spa baths, elegant glass walk-in Triton showers or whirlpools to your bathroom to create the perfect retreat.  Spa baths look particularly impressive with extra lighting installed and you can easily add accessories such as towels and spa products for extra luxury.

Underfloor heating is also an ideal choice for those wishing to add extra luxury and comfort to their bathroom.  There are many underfloor heating systems available that are easy to install and suitable for different types of floors such as wood.  Underfloor heating will keep your bathroom warm and cosy, providing you, your family and your guests with extra luxury.

Floating shelves do not form part of an overall structure, like a bookcase, but they can still be ideal for displaying ornaments or photographs.

Some shelves are sold complete with screw fittings secured at a perpendicular angle to the wood, with fittings that allow them to be secured directly to rawl-plugs inserted into the wall. However. They are only suitable for supporting light objects. It is advisable to be wary about using floating shelves to support heavy items, such as a large collection of books. Nevertheless, if constructed properly they will cope with a reasonable weight. Brackets are an excellent way of securing such shelves.

Securing the Bracket and Shelf

Brackets and shelves can be purchased from any DIY store. The bracket is a long, thin strip, which contains a section to accommodate the shelf and holes for screws.

The first thing you will want to do is secure the bracket to the wall using screws that pass through the bracket holes. It is essential to determine the nature of the wall that is to support the shelf. The likeliest scenario is that it will be plaster, in which case you must first screw the appropriate rawl-plugs into the wall. You can use the bracket to determine the position for the plugs, marking it with a pencil.  Another essential is that the screw points on the bracket are in a vertical line, so always make your measurements while using a spirit level resting on the surface of the bracket.

Once these are secured, fix the screws through the bracket. You will know if the plugs are a success when you feel the screws biting into them, securing the bracket in position. The brackets will now be strong enough to accommodate the shelf, which is simply slid into position.