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Page 1: Home Style, Autumn 2009
Page 2: Home Style, Autumn 2009

2 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Snuggle up for winterin your dream homeIT’S that time of year

when you start to retireinto your home as the

winter months approach.So, if you’re spending more

time indoors, it only seemsright to make yourself ascomfortable and contentwith your surroundings aspossible.

Whether you fancy a touchof redecoration, adding somesimple yet effective finishingtouches to a room or a wholenew extension, we’vecomprised a selection ofhelpful hints, tips and adviceon how to achieve thisseason’s must-have homestyle.

Your main rooms are thefamily focus in the home, aplace where people spendmost of their time and,usually, the first place guestswill see, so you want it to bethe perfect cosy retreat,while still staying stylish.

Nowadays, sofas are a mainfocal point in the home,whether you opt for cornergroups with big cushions, orsomething chic with bolddesigns, sofas certainlymake an impact!

But don’t forget about allthose extras which completethe whole look.

Coordinate your curtainsand cushions, rugs, lampsand vases by using the samecolours in slightly differentshades to give depth andcharacter while stillmatching.

With people spending somuch time in the lounge,don’t forget that the digitalswitchover is fastapproaching and, if you needa little advice, check out ourpage providing helpfulinformation on what youneed to stay tuned.

If you’re thinking of a bigchange, installing a newkitchen or bathroom can notonly add value but create awhole new feel and look foryour home. Think aboutincorporating space-savingstorage and key features youreally want.

Maybe you’re planning oncreating a whole new room,with either an extension orconservatory? There’s plentyto plan and think about soit’s best deciding what youwant to use the extra spacefor and how it will benefit

your family. There’s no pointin creating more space andthen not using it to its fullpotential.

With autumn already here,now’s the time to ensure youhave all those odd jobscompleted before the winterreally kicks in and that little

bit of damp is suddenly a lotof damp!

Make sure you can reallyenjoy your home whiletucked away this winter andcreate the ideal environmentto relax in, while stillenjoying that contemporaryedge.

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Page 3: Home Style, Autumn 2009

3Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Why home is where the hearth isWITH winter just

around the corner, itis time to think

about getting your homecomfortable and cosy, andwhat better way to create awarm welcome than with afireplace?

As well as providing anattractive focal point to aroom, a fireplace also serves apractical purpose, offeringlight and heat.

Choosing a fireplace can bedaunting with such a hugeselection of styles available. Doyou want a cool, contemporarylook? Or are you hoping forsomething a little moretraditional? How about a realfire? Or are you happycreating the effect of a real firewithout the hassle?

Don’t be overwhelmed by thechoice on offer. Instead, doyour homework, take yourtime and you will get thefireplace of your dreams.

Look at the size of your homeand the size of room. You wanta fireplace that produces theappropriate amount of heat tokeep the room cosy but notoverheat it.

The finish is important.While you might choose astone fireplace, there arevarious types and colours toconsider. Do you want marble,granite, limestone, or large,natural stones?

Consider the architecture of

your home and the decor ofyour room. You want thefireplace to enhance thehome’s natural structure andblend with your interiordesign. In other words, boththe exterior and interior of thefireplace should enhance thehome.

Think about accessories andwhich ones you would benefitfrom most. For instance, doyou want a fireplace that has aremote control, full speedblower, and so on?

In addition to the fireplacedesign, you need to thinkabout the mantle, the hearth,and the overall look of thefireplace.

The main thing is to takeyour time when selecting afireplace. By looking aroundand considering all youroptions, you can save moneyand end up with an amazingheat source for your home.Remember that you want yourfireplace to wow people whenthey walk into your home.

Add warmth and character to any roomWE all know fires make beautiful focalpoints, but that doesn’t mean youcan’t be creative with other heatingdevices in your home.

Do your radiators look old, tired andquite dated? Well nowadays there areplenty of other options apart from thestandard rectangle, with spirals, tall,thin space-saving radiators andbathroom shelving. There are a wholehost of other shapes and sizes soyou’re sure to find the perfect one foreach room in your home.

You can also get your heatingappliances in a number of colours,whether it’s the polished stainlesssteel look, or something on the brightside such as greens and purples,there are plenty of choices available.

Even though many people use firesas a feature in their sitting room,central heating is usually used towarm up the house, so maybe weshould be paying more attention tothose forgotten boxes on the wallsand use them to show off our creativeside.

There are chic stylish radiators,unusual shapes, or Victorian style withgreat character, so why not take a lookaround and see what’s available toadd a little charm to your walls?

● Opt for something contemporary to heat your home Picture: Aestus

● Perfect for creating charm in period propertiesPicture: MHS Radiators

● Contemporaryand compact,there is a choiceof cleverlydesignedfireplaces, idealfor smaller spaces

Picture: Ecosmart

● There is a wide choice of more traditional fireplacesavailable Picture: Haddonstone

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Page 4: Home Style, Autumn 2009

4 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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Page 5: Home Style, Autumn 2009

5Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

But baby it’s cold outside ...CREATING that cosy feel in your home is at least one goodthing to look forward to in the dark nights approaching.

With many of us spending more time indoors to escapethe grey clouds and rain, evenings spent relaxing on thesofa can often be a welcome retreat, so make sure yourliving space is just how you want it.

This season, deep reds and purples are key stylestatements, while chocolate browns and golds are also

making an appearance. Remember notto go too dark if you only have a smallroom, it may be best to keep your wallsneutral and accessorise your home forthe winter.

Cushions are a must to create beautifulfeatures in your room as well as adding atouch of comfort.

Throws are also a great buy, whetheryou choose to have them stylishly draped overyour sofa or decide to have it on hand tosnuggle under, it’s ideal.

Getting the lighting right is essential to createthe perfect ambience. You want a warm andcosy feel to the room so opt for soft bulbs inlamps and a few candles to make a lovely glowfor the evening.

Many people have blinds on their windowsnowadays, but they don’t always stopthose draughts getting through, sosome thick fabric curtains are great toclose over during the evening.

So, give your living space thatcosy touch and you’ll soon be settlingdown in the warmth of your home.

● Create a stylish autumn look with deep reds andpurples, from thick curtains to sumptuous rugs

Picture: Marks and Spencer ● Add a cosy touch witha few stylish candlesPicture: Marks and Spencer

● Capture the warmth under your feet with a contemporary rug Picture: House Couturier

● Bring in touch ofcomfort to your livingspace with plump,modern cushions

Picture: House of Fraser

● Bring some winter-look artificial flowersinto your home toensure long lastingcolourPicture: Jane Packer at Debenhams

● Create aperfect softambiencewith the rightlighting

Picture: Next

Light the lights toset the right moodGETTING the lighting

just right is crucial tocreating the desired

ambience in your home.Whether you are looking for

soft, romantic lighting orsomething a bit morefunctional, the possibilities areendless, so, before you getoverwhelmed with the choiceson offer, you need tohave a think aboutwhat you want fromyour lighting.

First of all, eachroom serves adifferent function,from chilling out inthe living room tocooking up a stormin the kitchen, andthe lighting needs toreflect these uses.

In the kitchen andbathroom, yougenerally needfunctional lightingwhich is brightenough for you to seewhat you are doing.

If, like many busy families,you have a dining kitchenwhich is used for a variety ofpurposes, then you need yourlighting to be a bit more

flexible. Think about havingspotlights to help illuminatethe areas where you arecooking but why no have softerlighting for the dining area?

It is not just in the kitchenthat lighting has to be flexible.Within each room there areoften a number of differenttypes of lighting required so

adaptability is key.Take the living

room for example. Aswell as chilling outand watchingtelevision andchatting with familyand friends whilstrelaxing on the sofa,the living room couldalso be used forreading the papers orcatching up on somehomework, so, again,more than one typeof lighting is neededhere.

Why not invest in astylish chandelierfor the living room?

As well as being practical, achandelier helps to create areal focal point for the roomwhich is both attractive andtimeless. At the same time,you may want to add a

standard lamp as a finishingtouch which can give much-needed lighting for reading.

Areas such as halls, stairsand landing, requirefunctional lighting simply soyou can see where you aregoing, so anything goes here.

In the bedroom, keep lightingsoft and romantic to create therequired vibe and, for addedeffect, add some dainty tealights or fairy lights to reallyfinish it off to good effect.

● Chandeliersadd glitz to anyroom

Picture: Debenhams

● A standard lamp offerslighting versatility Picture: Matalan

Page 6: Home Style, Autumn 2009

6 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Join the space racewithout moving onIF you can’t sell your

house at the moment,or can’t afford to move

to a bigger property, whynot maximise the spaceyou already have availableto you?

The first thing manypeople think about whenlooking to increase space inthe home is a physicalextension to their property.If you have space to the rearor side of the house then itmay be the best way tocreate extra rooms for yourhouse.

This sort of thing can be abig operation though. Apartfrom bringing the architectsin and having your houseturned into a building sitefor a while, you also have tosubmit your extension plansto the local council and waiton both planning andbuilding regulationspermissions.

If you are going by theextension route but want tominimise the building workadding a conservatory is agreat way of adding anotherroom, which can bring theoutside in.

Another popular idea is tocreate a summer house orother recreational roomsomewhere within thegarden. Unconnected fromthe house, such a buildingcan give you an extra roomto use as an office, a studioor just a place to relax. Somepeople even opt to create anentire teenage suite to givetheir kids a little freedom.

But you don’t necessarilyhave to go down theextension route. If you havea loft or a cellar these can beused to better advantagethan just places to fill withjunk.

First things first, get inthere and have a big clearout. You may even findthings that you can sell onand it’s a good excuse to getyourself over to a car bootsale or make some quickcash through eBay.

Whether you’re intendingto go up to an attic space ordown to the cellar, makesure you have a safestaircase in order to accessthis other floor.

You should proof againstdamp getting into yourcellar and your loft should

be well insulated andboarded too to ensure it issafe to walk upon.

It might also be an idea tofit Velux windows into yourloft space in order to batheit in natural light. Also, ifyou convert a basement or

cellar in your home it’spossible you could add 20%to the value of yourproperty.

So act now and createanother space in your homefor you and your family toenjoy. ● A loft conversion could give you the extra space you need Code: NA

● Adding a conservatory is a cost-effective way to addvalue and space to your home Picture: www.cantifix.co.uk.

Page 7: Home Style, Autumn 2009

7Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Time to put your foot down in styleWHETHER you prefer

the soft feel of aluxurious pile carpet

between your toes or thecontemporary look of classicwooden, hard-wearing tile ormodern laminate flooring, thelatest flooring styles ensurethere’s something to suit alltastes, budgets and life-styles.

In recent years, naturalshades have been the mostpopular hues for carpets andthe trend looks set to continueinto 2009/10, with creams,

beiges, chocolates, browns andsandy shades dominating thelatest carpet styles.

Such classic, neutral colourscreate a clean, contemporaryfeel that suits most homes andhelps make rooms appearmore spacious.

A natural coloured carpetalso provides the perfectneutral base to experimentwith colour in other aspects ofyour décor, like brightlycoloured walls or accessories.

Laminate flooring hasenjoyed a huge surge inpopularity, however, demandfor this modern flooring seems

to be declining, with carpetnow appearing to be theflooring of choice.

Indeed, carpet sales nowaccount for some 50% of themarket.

Whatever type of carpet youprefer, it’s crucial to choose astyle and material that’ssuitable for your home andyour family’s lifestyle.

In areas like hallways, stairsand lounges, which are subjectto a lot of wear and tear, opt forhigh-density pile carpetsdesigned especially for heavydomestic use. Whilst in lowerfootfall areas, like bedrooms,

carpets with a soft, deep pileprovide a more luxurious feel.

In the current climate,homeowners want flooringthat will stand the test of time–both in terms of quality andstyle so it’s not surprising thenthat tiled flooring, which isrenowned for being hard-wearing, is becomingincreasingly popular.

Interestingly, many of us arealso now choosing to use tilesin rooms other than the usualkitchens and bathrooms.

Ceramic, marble and natural-coloured tiles all look set to bepopular in 2009/10, whilst

mosaic glass tiles provide afashionable alternative forthose keen to create strikingdecorative features inkitchens, bathrooms and en-suites.

As we all become moreenvironmentally aware,flooring made with tropicalwood like Brazilian rose woodand mangrove is emerging as asustainable alternative toendangered timber species.Packed with sumptuously richcolours and beautiful patterns,tropical wood flooring is sureto prove popular withhomeowners keen to boost

both their green and stylecredentials.

Alternatively, if you’relooking for a morecontemporary flooring tocomplement an edgy décorscheme, then consider thelatest clean resin flooring. Ahighly durable material, resinflooring is a stylish choice andis often available in matt, glossand even shimmering finishes.

Whatever type of flooring youchoose, it’s always wise toinvest in the best quality thatyou can afford to ensure itstands the test of time.

● Flooring madefrom tropical woodssuch as mangroveand Brazilian rose-wood (left) offers abeautiful alternativeto using thetraditionalendangered timberspecies Picture: Amtico

● Resin floortechnology canprovide a seamlessfloor in matt or glossfinish

Picture: Barefoot Floor Couture ● Marble tiles are timelessly elegant Picture: Cargo Granite

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Page 8: Home Style, Autumn 2009

8 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Page 9: Home Style, Autumn 2009

9Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Take a seat andstart relaxingTHINK of a sofa and the

first thing that probablypops into your head is

whether it’s comfortable ornot.

However, as the biggest pieceof furniture in most of ourliving rooms, sofas are muchmore than just somewherecosy to plonk ourselves whilsttaking in the latest episode ofCorrie – they’re a focal pointof the room.

Whatever the style of yourlounge, the right sofa canmake or break the whole lookso it’s crucial to choose asettee that’s as chic as it iscomfy.

For the upcoming year, sofatrends include: natural printsfused with sleek,contemporary design – thinkbold floral or leaf patterns onminimalist sofas; retro stylinggiven a modern twist – thinkclassic chesterfield with anuber-contemporary patternedfabric; and sofas in rich

purples, reds, browns andburnt oranges.

Following on from thesuccess of TV shows likeKirstie’s Homemade Home, itseems we’ve all been inspiredby the homemade, countrifiedlook, and upholstery with adistinctly crafty, country-cottage feel is huge this year.

In contrast to the earnestappeal of country-cottage-styleupholstery, all-white rooms areanother of 2009/10’s maintrends. Sleek, chic and oh-so-minimalist, an all white roomis undeniably tranquil andstylish. Whether you opt for awhite leather or fabric sofa,

this style is great for thosewho favour theclutter-free,contemporarylook.

However, ifyou feel an allwhite room is abit too clinicalfor your tastes,

why not use a white sofa tobalance out bright accessoriesor a boldly wallpapered accentwall?

Perhaps in response to thegrey and oh-so-gloomy currentclimate, designers have alsofavoured bold and brightupholstery for the comingseason, with vivaciouslyvibrant sofas featuring inmany 2009/10 collections. Toadopt this look for your home,the key is to keep the rest ofyour décor quite simple, so asnot to clash with yourdazzlingly bright statementsofa.

More subtle 2009/10 designtrends include sofas withsoftly rounded edges to createa plush, comfortable feel;vintage-inspired floral printsand sofas with retro shapes –think of the iconic 60s eggchairs with contemporaryupholstery.

Whatever the style of yourlounge, with so many new andexciting styles to choose from,you’re sure to find the rightsofa for your home amidst thelatest collections.

● Make a style statement with a vibrant hued sofa. Picture: Rume.co.uk

● Clean, sleek and clutter-free, all-white rooms are a major trend for the coming yearPicture: Harveys - The Furniture Store

● Pair aclassicChesterfieldsofa with uber-moderncushions for astyle-savvyliving room

Picture: Next

● Traditionalfurniture gets acontemporarytwist this year

Picture: John Lewis

● Choosecontrastingpatterned/plainsofas from thesame colourpalette for aneffortlessly chiclounge

Picture: Marks & Spencer

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Page 10: Home Style, Autumn 2009

10 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Are you ready for the big digital switchoverWITH just six weeks to go untilthe digital switchover begins inthe North West, are youready?

Firstly, don’t panic, you don’thave to rush out and buy abrand new, expensive flatscreen TV (although I’m sureit’d be nice!), most people canstill use the TV they have. Plusmost people are already tunedin and won’t have to do athing.

The digital switchover willsimply see analogue channelsswitched off, startingNovember 4 and beingpermanently switched off fromDecember 2, and will bereplaced with digital TV,meaning crisper pictures,better reception and a greaterchoice of channels.

Many people are alreadyusing digital whether they havecable TV, satellite TV or adigital/Freeview boxconnected to their existing TV,if so you won’t have to makeany changes.

Anyone buying new TVequipmentshouldlook for

the ‘digital tick’ logo whichidentifies equipment designedto work before, during andafter switchover.

Remember though,depending on where you livethe signal strength will bedifferent so even if you optfor a new TV with freeview builtin, or a digital box you willprobably still need a digitalaerial in your loft or on theoutside of your home to get allthe channels without anyinterference. This doesn’tapply if you get/have cable orsatellite TV.

There are three main ways tobring digital into your life –subscription and non-subscription options available:● Convert your existing TVwith a digital set-top box● Get a service like satellite,cable or broadband TVinstalled for you● Get a new TV with digitalbuilt-in (eg Freeview, Freesat)● For more information callDigital UK on 08456 50 5050, or log on towww.digitaluk.co.uk or for the

Switchover HelpScheme forthose over75, in a

care home, on disabilitybenefits or registered blind orpartially sighted, call 0800 4085 906 or visitwww.helpscheme.co.uk● The switchover roadshow istravellingaround theNorth Westand, onSeptember28, will be inChapel Street,Southport,from 9am to5pm.

● Take a good look around your property or work place and try to spot any weaknesses.Would-be thieves can take advantage of any opportunity, so it's essential to carry out athorough evaluation Code NA

Keep the burglarsout in the coldWITH reports of

burglaries andbreak-ins seemingly

on the rise, making yourhouse secure can seem like adaunting process.

Fortunately burglary is oneof the easiest crimes toprevent and, by taking a fewsimple precautions to improveyour home or work security,you can dramatically reducethe risk of falling victim tothis crime.

At home, start by taking agood look around yourproperty and try to spot anyweaknesses. Perhaps your oldfront door has seen betterdays? Or maybe you'veaccidentally left a ladder inthe back garden? Would-bethieves can take advantage ofany opportunity so it'sessential to carry out athorough evaluation.

Windows and doors are ofcourse the most commonentry points for burglars soit's important to fit allexternal doors and windowswith strong locks and keepthem closed when you’re inthe garden or not at home.

'Bump proof' locks inparticular are becominglyincreasingly popular and canhelp protect against 'bumpkeys' which allow thieves toopen a wide range of lockswithout any sign of forcedentry.

It could even be worthinvesting in a set of newwindows and doors. Many newmodels feature strongerlaminated glass and thickerwoods or UPVC – justremember to make sure thatthey are certified to BritishStandard BS7950 (windows) orPAS 24-1 (doors).

A letterbox cage can also be

a helpful tool to stop thievesreaching through andgrabbing your keys, or youmight want to install a doorchain and door viewer. Anexcellent way to bolster yoursecurity, a door chain anddoor viewer allow you tosafely see who is at the doorand prevent intruders fromgaining access.

Outside the home, why notconsider installing somesecurity lights to the front andrear of your property?

Easy steps such as keepingyour garage and shed lockedat all times can also protectyour bikes and tools. And it'swell worth investing in an

ultra-violet marker to write onyour valuables, as well astimers for your light switchesto give the impression thatthere's someone at home, evenif you're away.

Remember that mostburglars prefer to operate inthe darkness as well, so it'sessential to equip yourproperty with sensor lightsand remove any potentialhiding places such as bushesand bins.

However you choose toprotect your home, there are ahuge range of DIY shops andprofessional security firmsthat can help.

● There are a wide range of simple steps you can take tokeep your home and workplace safe and secure fromburglars Code NA

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Page 11: Home Style, Autumn 2009

11Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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IF you are over 60, live inFormby, and enjoy dabblingin a spot of DIY then makesure you pay Total Timber avisit on Friday, October 2.At the launch, as well as acup of tea and Danish pastry,you will receive a discountcard which entitles you to10% off hundreds of topname brands at the timberand DIY store.

Loyal customer,Arthur Sutton, a Formbyresident for over 80 years,always buys his DIYmaterials at Total Timber.He said: "They alwayshave everything I need ata good price, all the staffare helpful and willing togive advice on the bestproduct for the job I amdoing, and now with thisnew discount day I cansave money too!"

As well as a huge range of top quality timber atcompetitive prices, the store stocks everything youcould possibly need for your DIY projects - whetheryou’re planning to refurbish your home, garden, loft orgarage. You’ll find lots of tools and building materials,from MDF and plasterboard, to stone and cement andan excellent range of ironmongery. Painting and deco-rating is well catered for with all shades of paint fromthe main manufacturers including Dulux and Crown,and for your garden, there’s decking and fencing. Youname it - Total Timber stocks it. And if you can’t findwhat you’re looking for. The timber merchant has ahuge list of catalogues and contacts and is able tosource the materials or parts that you need. "If we don’tstock it, we know where to get it," is their motto. Andyou don’t have to be a DIY enthusiast to visit TotalTimber. The store has lots of friendly experts on hand togive you advice on your home projects, no matter howbig or small. Don’t be too embarrassed to ask! The

store is also in the process of upgrading its website atwww.totaltimber.co.uk which will be offering top tipsand DIY advice. The store is one of the largest suppli-ers of plumbing materials in the area stocking every-thing from boilers and bathroom suites to guttering andpiping. Resident plumbing expert, Pete Woods, is onhand at the store to answer any plumbing queries youmay have, meanwhile, Phil Jones specialises in rooftrusses and offers a full measuring service. As all staffare local, they can point you in the direction of recom-mended local tradesmen too. The store offersextremely competitive prices, having recently suppliedmaterials for a loft conversion in London because thecustomer was impressed with the level of quality andreliability and even as far afield as France! Nothing istoo much trouble at Total Timber which is totallycommitted to providing its customers with excellentservice and value for money.

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Page 12: Home Style, Autumn 2009

12 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Cook up a stylish new kitchen look!

● Kitchens are often the heart of the home and are a great investment –the country-chic look is always in fashion Picture: The Bohemian Company

IF you cringe inembarrassment at youroutdated units, or can't

bear cooking on yourancient oven – it could betime to invest in a newkitchen.

Often the heart of thehome, the humble kitchenis one of the mostimportant rooms in thehouse and, from dinnerparties to general familyliving, it's required to fulfila wide range of roles.

Perhaps you're anaspiring Marco PierreWhite and want to kit yourkitchen out with a range ofultra-modern appliances?

Or maybe you loveentertaining and have yourheart set on creating anopen plan dining andkitchen area?

With so many fantastictrends to choose from,there's something to suitevery taste and, as manyshops offer a professionaldesign service, you can besure that you're making themost of your kitchen.

For those who prefer themodern look, contemporarykitchens are tipped toremain one of the maintrends for 2009 and a stylishnew kitchen suite is aninstant way to give yourhome that distinctlydesigner feel.

Key styles include sleekgranite worktops, darkwood units (great for hidingmarks) and high gloss unitswhich are an excellentchoice for more compactkitchens thanks to theirreflective surfaces.

Black and white – oncesynonymous with the 80s –is also back with a modernday twist or you could eventry mixing your kitchenunits to achieve a unique,slightly quirky style.

Not a look for the faint-hearted, make the most ofthis highly individual trendby keeping the same doorfronts and sticking to justtwo main colours with aneutral worktop.

Alternatively,sophisticated country-chickitchens are also a hugelypopular trend for moreperiod properties andinstantly create a warm,homely atmosphere.

From rustic oaks, pinesand exposed brick tosumptuous ivory units,vintage-style Belfast sinksand hand-painted units thatcreate a bespoke look, it's aclassic style that you canrely on to stand the test oftime.

In addition, state-of-the-art energy-efficientappliances and eco-friendly,sustainable materials are atthe top of any cleverkitchen shopper's list and,

whether it's reconstitutedwood or recycled-glasssplash back tiles, it couldn'tbe easier – or more stylish –to do your bit.

If you don't have the cashto invest in a new kitchenthere's no need to miss outeither. Iconic, retro-styleappliances, statementcooker hoods or bold andprinted tiles are a fantasticway to bring your kitchenbang up to date.

So, whether you fancy anultra modern kitchen to testout your culinary skills orneed a family-friendlyspace, there's something tosuit every home, whateveryour budget.

● High gloss units are one of the biggest kitchen trends this year Picture: B&Q

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Page 13: Home Style, Autumn 2009

13Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Get the kit and join thehome-baking revolutionWHETHER you've been

inspired by baking-goddess Jane Asher

or seduced by Nigella's sultryrecipes, it seems more andmore of us are grabbing ourpinnies and heading back tothe kitchen.

A fantastic way to save thosepennies – not to mention relaxand enjoy ourselves – baking isquickly becoming one of theUK's fastest growing hobbiesand from young professionalsand yummy mummies toretired ladies of leisure, homecooked goodies are enjoying awell-deserved renaissance.

Maybe you fancy impressingthe in-laws with a deliciousdeep-filled apple crumble? Orperhaps you’d like to get thelittle ones involved by bakingsome gingerbread men or fairycakes? It could even be abirthday cake or celebrity-stylecupcakes that you fancy tryingyour hand at.

Whatever it is, there's nothingquite like the feeling of placinga cake in the middle of the tableand watching others enjoy yourhard work.

For those who haven't kittedout their kitchen with thenecessary equipment – don'tworry – the shops are filled

with a fantasticselection of bakingaccessories.

Any goodcollection shouldstart with bakingtins, muffin traysand utensils andit's well worthinvesting in a high-quality hand-mixer.

Silicone cakemoulds are alsobecomingincreasinglypopular, and there

are a fantastic range of chic,vintage-inspired mixing bowls,scales and cake standsguaranteed to make you feelevery inch the domesticgoddess.

So, what are you waiting for?Why not roll up those sleevesand try your hand at somehome baking!

● From cupcakes to apple crumbles, baking is becomingone of the UK's most popular pastimes Picture: Matalan

● There are a fantastic range of vintage-inspired baking accessories guaranteed tomake you feel every inch the domesticgoddess Picture: John Lewis

● Kids love baking, so why not get them involved as well?Picture: Lakeland

● Vintage-style scalesadd retro-chic

Picture: John Lewis

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An immaculate semi-detached house located in a quiet culde sac on a modern development built in 1998. Theaccommodation which is installed with gas central heatingand double glazing briefly comprises; entrance vestibule,lounge, breakfast kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroomcombined with w.c. Outside there are gardens to the frontand rear with off road parking to the side. Internalinspection very highly recommended and ideal for a firsttime buyer..................................................£143,000

Sandown Court, Southport

Ideally placed for local amenities of Southport Town Centre thisfully refurbished apartment is located to the seventh floor andsold with the benefit of no ongoing chain. The accommodationbriefly comprises: Telephone security entry system, communalentrance hall with porter's desk and access to rear car parkarea, stairs and two lifts leading to all floors, personal frontdoor to apartment, lounge with patio doors to balcony, newlyfitted kitchen, bedroom and newly fitted bathroom withseparate shower cubicle. There is resident and visitor parkingto the rear of the development..........................£119,950

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A rare opportunity has arisen to purchase a delightfuldouble fronted semi-detached Victorian semi-detachedhouse within walking distance of Southport towncentre, beach, Promenade, Lord Street and other localamenities. The accommodation which is installed with agas central heating system briefly comprises; hallway,lounge, dining room and kitchen to the ground floorwith three bedrooms and bathroom/w.c. to the firstfloor. Outside there are gardens to front, side and rearwith off road parking to the rear..............£215,000

Ideal for first time buyers this bright and well presentedsemi-detached house is installed with a gas central heatingsystem and double glazing.The accommodation briefly comprises: enclosed vestibule,hall, lounge, dining room with French doors leading to therear garden, kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroomcombined with w.c. Outside there are gardens to front andrear with off road parking to the front. Internal inspectionvery highly recommended.............................................................£143,950

Page 14: Home Style, Autumn 2009

14 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

How to create a place for everything

● Create more storage space with high wardrobes and matching drawersPicture: Harveys the Furniture Store

WE all enjoy a goodnight’s sleep, butif you have to

battle past piles of clothesand boxes of toys to getthere, it seems to take thecharm out of relaxing inbed.

Your bedroom should be atranquil haven, so maybenow’s the time to give it athorough clean and sort outto ensure you can let yourhead hit the pillow and fallstraight into sleep.

Organisation is key. Sortout your drawers, baskets,wardrobes and anythingelse you may have, then getrid of things you don’t need– everything, even oldmake-up.

Next, give your bedroom adeep clean. When was thelast time you vacuumedunder your bed and washedyour curtains? A thoroughclean will get rid of anyunwanted dust and dirt inthe air that may bedisturbing you while yousleep. Don’t forget aboutyour bed – give yourmattress a vacuum, too!

Now you need to makesure you have enoughstorage to ensure every-thing has a place in yourbedroom. Plus, if yourdrawers have seen betterdays and keep collapsing, itmay be time to replace

them – you’re trying tocreate a stress-free haven,remember!

If you don’t have a lot ofspace in your room thentall wardrobes are ideal.Everything is neatlyenclosed, and you often getmore shelving space tostore items.

You can also get eitherplastic or cardboardstorage boxes to put within

your wardrobes, where youcan put your shoes or out ofseason clothing to makemore hanging space.

Under-bed drawers arealso great space savers, andyou can now get bothtraditional divan-style bedsand also contemporaryversions with deep drawerswhich are perfect forstorage.

Think about bedside

tables, dressing tables andottomans, too. These are allideal for creating storagespace and giving youritems a ‘home’ within yourbedroom – aim for clutter-free surfaces!

If you do want some itemson display, then selectmodern shelving to showthem off, whether it’sbooks, ornaments orphotographs; but rememberto keep it simple anduncluttered.

Bespoke built-in bedroomfurniture could also be agood choice. This willensure it fits your roomperfectly while providingall the storage space youneed. You don’t have tothink of the old-stylefurniture, either –nowadays there are plentyof bedroom specialists thatoffer a wide choice offinishes, whether you’reafter something sleek andstylish or traditional withcharacter.

If you choose built-infurniture you can often alsodecide on what shelvingyou want, how muchhanging space and whetheryou have drawers withinthe wardrobe.

Make your bedroom aclutter-free oasis and you’llenjoy your room and sleepa lot more!

● Storage boxes come in handy to store everythingfrom hairbrushes to letters and magazines Picture: Matalan

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Page 15: Home Style, Autumn 2009

15Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Sweet dreams for babyTHERE’S nothing more

exciting than bringingyour bundle of joy

home from hospital.But what do you need to do

in order to make your homeready for baby?

One of the first consid-erations will be where babywill sleep. For the first fewmonths, many parentschoose to put theirnewborns into a Mosesbasket or crib which can beplaced near their own bed,before moving them into acot in their own room.

A cot bed is always a goodinvestment as it serves as acot while your child is ababy but can be turned intoa bed when they’re older.

Rob Chambers, commercialmanager of woodenfurniture at Mamas & Papas,advised: “You need to thinkabout the activities that aregoing to take place in thenursery – sleeping, chang-ing, playing, storing, etc.”

You will probably needplenty of storage space, soit’s always a good idea to kitout the nursery with awardrobe, storage chests,bookcases and dressers.Interior storage boxes andbaskets are popular. Anotheruseful item is a comfy chairor rocking chair for mumsand dads to feed baby in.

When it comes todecorating the nursery, thereare a variety of options –

whether you want to create acalming environment withsoothing colours or a morecolourful and fun space andof course, your choice will beinfluenced by the sex of yourchild. Lots of stores offercomplete nursery rangesfrom wallpaper and bordersto matching accessories suchas curtains, lightshades andrugs. You will also find lotsof fun accessories tostimulate your child’s sensesfrom cot mobiles and clocksto pictures and bookends tofun tie backs.

Sonia Kelly, head ofinteriors, toys and gifts atMamas & Papas, revealed:“Generally, if you don’t knowthe sex of your baby when

you come to decorate,choosing something quiteneutral with hints of colourworks well.”

It is vital that baby is keptat the right temperature inthe nursery, so when itcomes to bedding, manyparents are opting for babysleeping bags. As there’s noblankets to kick off, it meansbaby won’t wake up feelingcold, so the whole family geta better night’s sleep.

Another important factoraffecting your baby’s sleep islighting. Many parents findblackout blinds and linercurtains useful to keep outthe light and ensure a darkand peaceful room.

Sweet dreams all round!

● Create a calming environment for your baby using soothing colours, soft toys and cushions Picture: Mamas and Papas

● Lots of fun accessories will stimulate your child’s sensesPicture: Mamas and Papas

Friendly, efficient help for home-buyers

SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS

We have the experience and can help with■ Buying for the first time■ Finding a Surveyor or a Lender■ Organizing your Home Information Pack (HP)■ Fitting sale and purchase together to suit you■ The special requirements when buying or selling a flat

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24 Hoghton St. SOUTHPORTTel: 01704 534034 • Email [email protected]

20 Station Rd. AINSDALETel: 01704 574144 • Email [email protected]

143 Cambridge Rd. CHURCHTOWNTel: 01704 211649 • Email [email protected]

Page 16: Home Style, Autumn 2009

16 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Create your own garden of EdenWHILE autumn is traditionally

the time for putting thegarden to bed for winter, it

is also a really good time for lookingat landscaping jobs when sectionsof the garden are bare. It is easier tosee the garden layout and makechanges for the coming spring. Andalso, it means flower beds aren’tdamaged by foot traffic and wheel-barrows.

It is worth bringing in the expertsbefore embarking on any majorlandscaping project. It is a highlyskilled job which in the wrong handscan go horribly wrong!

While it is great to have your ownideas about how you want the gardento look, it is advisable to get aprofessional in to give you an idea ofhow realistic your plans actually are.If you have a small town garden youare not likely to be able to recreatethe Hanging Gardens of Babylon, sokeeping it real is vital.

A landscape gardener will be able towalk around the garden with yougiving you advice and pointers andtaking on board your ideas. They willthen go off and draw up plans for thegarden and once you are happy withthese plans, they can go ahead andturn your dream garden into a reality.

Landscape gardening has come along way in a short space of time andthe possibilities are endless. The onlylimit is your own imagination!

It isn’t just about giving yourgarden a new look for next yearhowever. There are some essentialrepair and maintenance jobs whichneed to be done during the autumnmonths to ensure that your garden is

blooming lovely for spring.The lawn benefits from attention

during late winter and into earlyspring before new growth starts.Re-seed areas where growth is sparseand treat the grass itself to encouragegrowth in spring.

Remember not to carry out anywork if the grass is actually frozenbecause footprints made on frozengrass can cause it to turn brown. Thereason for this is that the cells withinthe leaves are full of ice rather thansap in cold weather.

Keep dead-heading roses forcontinued flowers and start cuttingback other shrubs. Prune evergreenhedges and cut out diseased, dead anddamaged wood in shrubs.

Finally, cover over the pond withnetting to prevent leaf falls gettinginto the water.

● Landscaping is a great way to addvalue to your garden Code: NA

Page 17: Home Style, Autumn 2009

17Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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Page 18: Home Style, Autumn 2009

18 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Prepare your garden before winter bitesTHERE’S still time,

before autumnwinds reach their

height and the cold biteof winter comes, to makesure your garden isprepared for the worst ofthe weather.

It is imperative that youact now in order to preventdamage to your gardenand to many of the plantsyou’ve grown over theyear.

First things first. Makesure that summer gardenfurniture is brought insideto store or is at leastcovered up to protect itfrom rain and frost.

Keep on top of any deadleaves or other debrisaround the garden andcontinue this process overthe autumn and winter toprevent a build-up whichcould cause slipping

hazards if the ground getsvery wet or frozen.

Cut back any plants thatmight be caught in highwinds or that may damageproperty, and make sureany cracks in paths or thedrive are filled to preventrain and ice getting in andworsening the problem.

The cold weather canreally damage the plantlife in your garden. Frostis a particular culpritcausing plants to go blackand droop. One of theproblems is that as the sunrises, frost-frozen plantsdefrost too quickly and aredamaged. Even hardyperennials and evergreenscan be badly damaged bythe cold weather.

The best advice is to lookat the plants that may bemost at risk and try andmake sure they areplanted in sheltered spots,

such as under trees oragainst walls.

Also, make sure to leaveold growth of plantsunpruned to better protectthe main body of the plantfrom the worst of the frost.

You can further protectplants by covering themover with fleece-coveredframes or such like.Manure, straw and deadleaves can all be used tostop the soil around plantsand bulbs from freezing.Very tender plants shouldbe moved to pots and takeninside over the worst ofthe winter period.

If you prepare now forthe worst that the weathermay throw at your gardenthis autumn and winter,then you can be moreconfident that your lawnand borders will burstback into beautiful bloomnext spring.

● Get those dead leaves swept up before winter comes and the frost begins to bite Code: NA

Simple finishing touchesTHE simplest of creative touches in yourhome can help to set off a room, catch the eyeto really show off a certain feature or justincrease the sense of size or accentuate thefeel of the room.

It’s really a good excuse to get creativearound your home, adding flourishes here andthere and, if you feel confident enough, to getmucky yourself with paint brushes, stencilsand the like.

But, even if you don’t have the slightestounce of artistic flair you can still indulge inadding the occasional objet d’art around theplace to put your own individual stamp on aroom.

Whether you buy art prints, choose beautifulphotographs, or adorn a mantelpiece with aclock or candelabra – such small touches canbring real life and joy to a room.

So don’t be scared to try something, just alittle bit different, inject some originality andindividualism into the design of your homeand, hopefully, wow the neighbours next timethey come round for a coffee.

● Get creative in your homePicture: Joanna Trading

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Page 19: Home Style, Autumn 2009

19Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Page 20: Home Style, Autumn 2009

20 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Work out at homeWE all know the feeling. It's

dark outside; the weather'smiserable; you've had a

long day at work and the last thingyou want to do is go to the gym.

So if you're one of the many peoplewho's bank balance is the only thinggetting smaller by that monthlymembership, why not considercreating a home fitness suite instead?

An excellent way to make the mostof your time and resources, creating ahome gym is an easy and convenientoption for many would-be-gym-bunnies.

Whether it's your spare room thatwould make the perfect work out area,

or even the back of yourunused garage – all youneed is a bit of space andwhile it may cost a littlemore to set up, a homegym could help save youmoney in the long run.

Start by thinking aboutwhat you could fit intothe room and decidewhat you want toachieve.

One of the best thingsabout creating a homegym is being able todesign a space that suitsyou and your lifestyle.

Fromrunningmachines to get those legstoned to a multi-gym andwork bench to hone thoseabs and biceps, you cantailor the room to matchyour exact requirements.

State-of-the-art crosstrainers, exercise bikes,treadmills, rowingmachines, steppers andcelebrity favourite – thePower Plate® – are allexcellent choices toimprove cardiovascularhealth and tone-up thosewobbly bits.

While weight machines,boxing equipment andwork benches are greatoptions for those lookingto improve their muscledefinition. And of course,no home gym is completewithout a free-weightsarea, soft mats, abdominalcurlers and exercise ballsto warm up and cool down.

Don’t forget to leave anarea with enough space for

your gym ball and yoga or pilates mat.You don’t want to be squashed into asmall area while trying to unwinddoing yoga.

Think about making one arearelaxing where you can cool downafter your work out or carry out yogaand pilates.

You could even add a splash ofglamour with a flat screen TV, DVDplayer and music system. A greataddition to any home-gym, imaginebeing able to pound the treadmillwhile watching the latest episode ofCoronation Street, relax with yourfavourite yoga DVD or work off excessinches to your favourite tunes.

Remember to make the room asbright and cheerful as possible as well.From good lighting, colourful muralsand mirrors to motivational posters,make it somewhere that you want tospend time in – even in the depths ofwinter!

So whether you want to improveyour health or tone up for thosefestive parties, there's no better timeto get started and create a home gymin the comfort of your home!.

● From treadmills to multi-gyms, there is a fantastic range of exerciseequipment to get you in tip top shape Picture: John Lewis

● By creating a home gym you can design aspace that suits Picture: John Lewis

● Whether it's your spare room, or even the backof your unused garage, a home gym could be justwhat you need Picture: Argos

Get ready for winter weatherWITH the harsh weather on theway getting your home ready forwinter can often be a big job, sonow’s the time to start.

From garden fences, slippedtiles, blocked gutters tosqueaking gates and stoppingdraughts there’s plenty to keepyou busy.

Now’s the time to ensure yourgarden fences are painted tostop the rain damaging thewood, a fresh coat of paint orwood protector will keep themlasting longer and looking goodthrough to spring.

It’s also an ideal time to paintthe outside of your house, backand front, if it hasn’t seen asplash of paint in a few years.It’ll give a fresh, clean lookduring winter instead ofseeming tried and dull.

Remember to check yourguttering now as well, you don’twant to have to climb a ladder inthe wind and rain to unblockmoss from your guttering. If thisis something you can’t doyourself there are plenty ofhandymen that areprofessionals and know exactlywhat they’re doing, but see ifyour friends can recommendsomeone to ensure they’rereputable.

It’s also a good time to ensureall your roof tiles are firmly inplace. Take a visit up to your loftand see if you can spot any gaps.You don’t want strong winds to

pull any off, or rains to seepthrough and start causingdamage.

It’s also time to start thinkingabout where to store gardenfurniture and barbecues tomake sure they don’t rust anddeteriorate, so if you don’talready have one why not get ashed to store everything safelyaway?

If there are bigger jobs thatmay need undertaking it may beworth trying to get things sortednow before it gets worse. Dampis a big problem in many homesand if it’s not sorted quickly itcan often spread and becomemuch worse than you firstthought, so call in the experts tosee if they can tackle your damp.

Get your home in order bothinside and out and you’ll enjoythe benefits throughout winter.

● Get your home ready for the winter weatherand find safe storage for your garden furniturewith a new shed Picture: Tesco Direct (right)

Page 21: Home Style, Autumn 2009

21Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Homestyle

Going green will make yourhome more energy efficientWHETHER you’re looking

to do your bit for the en-vironment, reduce your

household bills or make your homea more attractive preposition topotential buyers, there’s neverbeen a better time to make yourhome more energy efficient.

From home improvements whichprevent your house from losingheat, to clever appliances that runon less power than older modelsand even gadgets to help youmonitor your family’s energy orwater usage, there are a wealth ofways for your household to gogreen.

As well as giving you that warmand fuzzy feeling inside becauseyou’re doing your bit for theenvironment, being green couldalso help make your home moreattractive to potential buyers –especially since the introduction ofEnergy Performance Certificates(EPCs) and Home InformationPacks (HIPs), which give buyersenergy efficiency information at aglance.

According to the Energy SavingTrust, the average UK householdcould save as much as £340 and 1.5tonnes of carbon dioxide per yearby making their home more energy

efficient – which is no small sum inthese cash-strapped times.

Having your old, somewhattemperamental boiler replacedwith a new A-rated boiler with afull set of heating controls couldsave a whopping £235 a year in theaverage three-bedroom semi-detached house.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to getyour energy from a renewablesource, why not install a groundsource heat pump, a solar waterheating system to work alongsideyour conventional water heater, ora biomass boiler?

A carbon neutral fuel, biomass ismade up of plants and untreated

wood, which can be burned in aspecial boiler to power centralheating.

You can also boost your property’sgreen credentials by fitting energyefficient light bulbs and usingenergy efficient appliances, whichwill help save money on fuel bills.

From wide screen TVs todishwashers, vacuum cleaners,washing machines, irons andfridges, these days there’s animpressive selection of energyefficient appliances on the marketto help you cut energy costs andreduce your carbon dioxideemissions.

Other improvements include

installing double glazing to allwindows and doors to prevent heatloss and ensuring your property isproperly insulated.

According to the Energy SavingTrust, about a third of all heat lostin un-insulated homes is throughthe walls, so if you want to appealto potential purchasers or cut downheating costs, it’s worth makingsure your property has cavity wallinsulation.

Insulating pipes and water tanks,draught proofing and topping loftinsulation up to at least 270mm canalso help to improve householdrunning costs, boost your home’sgreen credentials and ultimately,make it more attractive to potentialbuyers.

As well as home improvementsand using energy efficientappliances and heating systems,there are countless other ways youcan boost your home’s greencredentials, including recyclinghousehold waste; compostinggarden waste; using shower timersto ensure you don’t use too muchwater; cleaning with products madewithout harsh chemicals andchoosing furniture or decorativeaccessories made from recycledmaterials.

● Colour coded, durable bags make recycling easier Picture: Drinkstuff

● An electricity monitor, above, andshower timer, below, could help you savemoney Pictures: Green Stamp (above) and ECOutlet

To meet the needs of our customers The Kitchen Sink

have created a sister company; TKS Building Services,

enabling us to offer the complete home package.

We specialise in:

Extensions Kitchen Installations

Bathroom Installations Garage Conversions

The Kitchen Sink Showroom TKS Building ServicesTel: 01704 546505. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01704 547614. Email: [email protected]

for moreINFORMATION

VISIT OUR‘BRAND NEW’

WEBSITE

the complete home package

Large Contemporary Studio

10 Full Size Kitchen Displays

Designer Radiators & Tiles

Experienced Installations Team

Exclusive supplier to the North West

Family run business

Designer Tiles - New ranges now in

Appliances

Designer Radiators

(see bottom)

visit our brand new website! www.the-kitchensink.co.uk 111b Eastbank Street, Southport, PR8 1DG(Rear of ‘Southport Carpets’). Open 7 days (Sun appt. only)

Page 22: Home Style, Autumn 2009

22 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

WHELDON UPHOLSTERYA full re-upholstery and repairservice using the finest fabricsand craftsmen money can buy

Call Simon on01704 896615 or 07979 726330

K & J BUILDERS Est1976

Tel: 01704 577266 • Mobile: 07950 157736

• Building Work• Extensions• Roofing• Pointing• Plastering• Guttering• Lofts• Dry Lining• Fascias and Soffits• UPVC Windows Fitted• Cavity Wall Ties & Damp Course

All work guaranteed – justring for a free quotation

WEST LANCS

GARAGEDOORS

Tel: Gary Heaton01704 893780 Day01704 226570 After 6pm07889 454 663 (24 hours)www.westlancsgaragedoors.co.uk

FREEESTIMATES

WE WILL BEATANY LIKE FORLIKE QUOTE

All leadingmakes fitted andreplacedCable Repairsa SpecialityFull Guaranteeon all fitteddoors & repairs

4

Quality work at an affordable priceFree Estimates • No Call Out Charge

Tel: Chris 01704 537273or 07906 407 514

BLUE CROSS PLUMBING& ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Bathrooms, Kitchens andEnergy Efficient Hot Water Systems

BAMBERSREMOVAL SERVICESBAMBERSREMOVAL SERVICESSpecialists in moving single itemsFor the complete removal package ask for Gordon

Tel: 01704 227300(24hrs)

Mobile: 07711 773090Fax: 01704 841116

5

Gates byGates byDrive GatesSingle GatesSecurity GrillDisabled Hand Rails

127a Bispham Road, Southport

Tel: 01704 224222www.dsweldingservices.co.uk

MACKAY BROTHERSJOINERY SPECIALISTS

Doors, door canopies, staircase spindles,loft ladders & all types of joinery.

Now showing kitchens.

Showroom at 127 Eastbank Street Southport(opp. Kwik Fit)

01704 540772 or 07818 653 704

I.

STEWART & SONSROOFING

Slating, tiling, flat roofs, chimneys, veluxwindows, UPVC guttering & cladding, general

building services.TEL

01704 56356707518 099 855

[email protected]

Kennedys UPVCLock Shop

Tel: 01704 568642

STOCKISTS OF UPVC LOCKSAND HARDWARE – SAVE £££’s

Unit 3a, George Business Park,Cemetery Road, Southport

Locksmith and Repair Service available01704 883873 or 07950876365

Domestic, Office& CommercialCleaningOne off deepcleans &regular cleans

CHORES UK LTD

Page 23: Home Style, Autumn 2009

23Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Make a splash with bathroom chicHomestyle

● Create a bathroom with plenty of charm Picture: Fired Earth

IT may be the smallest room of thehouse, but your bathroom is mostlikely one of the most used.

And as well as being a great place tochill out and indulge in a spot ofpampering, a stylish bathroom can addreal value to your home so it’s worthspending time creating a desirable andfunctional washing space.

First things first – arm yourself withan array of interior magazines to lookat the latest styles and trends.

Consider who will need to use thebathroom – is it for a young family orwill older or less able bodied membersof family be using it?

You also need to consider any legaland planning requirements. Contactyour local authority for details ofventilation and layout planningrequirements.

Think about your basic floorarrangements and where you want toposition your toilet, sink and bath soyou have enough room. A well designedbathroom features space and goodstorage.

Wet rooms are really popular rightnow, but not all house have the spacefor a walk-in style, open plan showerroom.

Recent trends have seen baths placedin the centre of the bathroom, whichlooks stylish if you have enough space.Alternatively, you could opt for adramatic claw-foot roll top path, ordeep wooden or steel tubs. Or for theultimate in indulgence, opt for aWhirlpool tub.

Taps are the focal point of the bathand simple, square shapes are popular.

Place the taps on the wall at the centreof the bath for that elusive spa feel.

Show off with a shower that has areal ‘wow’ factor. A floor-standingshower is simple and stylish but youcan achieve the same effect with alarge showerhead protruding straightfrom the wall or ceiling.

Bowl sinks set in wooden drawerunits are very en vogue with the addedbonus of providing muchneeded storage space.

Keep floor andwallcoverings simple.That means plain tiles,polished concrete, darkwood, or stained orpainted floorboards. Fordrama, use a dark stain orpaint.

Paint your walls in acolour that really sets offyour bath. A bold blackwall works well if thefloor has been painted tomatch. Choose wipeablepaints. Wallpaper behinda glass panel, colouredglass or tiles looks greattoo.

Large tiles make abathroom seem morespacious – opt for slate-effect tiles for a reallymodern look.

Finally, those all-important accessories canreally make yourbathroom somethingspecial. Splash out on anenormous mirror andgood lighting to make it

as light and bright as possible and ifyour budget allows, a glam wall-hungheated towel rail. And don’t forget yourmatching toothbrush holders andtowels!

Accessories come in a whole range ofstyles whether you’re after somethingsleek and stylish or a more traditionalVictorian option there’s plenty to getthat ideal look to create the perfectbathroom haven.

● Combine style and Victorian featuresPicture: Fired Earth

Pearl Bathroomsof Formby

Pearl Bathrooms Ltd

SPENDOVER £1000

BATHROOMSTO SUIT ALL

BUDGETS

It does not matter if you ar lookingfor a budget bathroom or if you wishto indulge in some of our excusivedesigns from suppliers such as...

Roca, Laufen, Vitra, Dansani,Ambiance Bain, Grobe, Hansa,

Eurobath, Roman, Kudos, Acovaand Geberit.

We are here to please,with free advice and information.

Just call for a free no obligationb bathroom quote

on bathroom productsand receive a FREEClarity Star Mirror

RRP over £200

105 Altcar Road, Formby (next to Formby Cycles)

Telephone:01704 871115

TescoRecycleCentre

FormbyCycles

Form

byBy

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Estate

Altcar Rd

WEARE

HEREE: [email protected]

Showroom:The Well Barn Little Crosby, Liverpool L23 4TS

Bespoke Kitchens and Furniture of Distinction

Individually made to order usingtraditional cabinet makingtechniquesDesigned and made in our ownworkshopTraditional face frame kitchensHand painted finishes available

Kitchens can be made in varioustimbers, Oak,Walnut and MapleSpecialists in Curved Island UnitsAll drawers are dovetailedLarge selection of kitchen &dining furniture

handmade, contempory & traditional kitchens...

an be made iin vava iiririririououououousssss

AEG PremierPartneroffering a FREE 5year warranty onany Premier AEGproduct bought.

Pleaseca

ll

for a brochure

T: 0151 924 4499 F: 0151 924 4499

Page 24: Home Style, Autumn 2009

24 Mediamix Supplement ● Wednesday, September 23, 2009

DEMONSTRATIONLISTENING ROOM

(BOTH BRANCHES)

LCD PROJECTOR/ SCREENSCOMMERCIAL &DOMESTIC

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HOME CINEMA SYSTEMSPLASMA & LCD TVs

Grananda Region Switchover: 4/11/09Switchover Specialists

37″ PLASMA TVPanasonic TX-P37X10B

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42″ FULL HD PLASMA TV

37″ FULL HD LCD TV

Panasonic TX-P42S10B

Hear it! Ask for a demonstration!

JVC LT-37DV1 JVC LT-26DE1

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8 PRINCES STREET, SOUTHPORT 01704 536901 98 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROSBY 0151 9247287

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