House & Home

With over 35 years experience designing bathrooms, the team at Ripples understands that the process can sometimes be daunting. Its designers are experts on all aspects of bathrooms and here, Designer Erin White from the award nominated Ripples showroom in Towcester answers some of the most commonly asked bathroom-related questions. With Pinterest, Instagram, and other great tools, can’t I just design my bathroom myself? Do I really need a bathroom designer? Although there are a lot of great tools out there to give you style inspiration these days, there are so many other things to be considered when designing a bathroom. Considerations around plumbing, electrics and room layout are best handled by a professional. If you are anything like me, you will have a lot of images on your Pinterest boards or magazine collection, encompassing a number of different styles. A Ripples designer can work with you to narrow down..

Check out those checks! Decorating using checks is an interesting way to add pattern and colour to your space. Whilst once a staple of traditional or country interiors, the vibrant, edgy look they create coupled with their versatility, enables them to complement both classic and contemporary schemes. Whatever your look, there’s a colour and scale of check to suit. Whether you have a period property in the countryside or a modern flat in the centre of town, checks will add personality and structure to your home. The geometric nature of the design makes it useful as a tool to balance fussy interiors, juxtaposing an orderly check with a whimsical floral for example, or adding a check as a way of enlivening a neutral scheme that lacks vibrancy and interest. As with any pattern, it’s critical to ensure that the look of the room stays balanced. Checks can be layered with..

With the frenzy of Christmas behind us, January is a great month for hunkering down, relaxing and enjoying the long nights of winter. Where once, January was my least favourite month, now I relish the opportunity to stay in and surround myself with soft lighting and textured cushions and blankets, retreating from the world for just a few weeks more before the activity of the spring and the demands of the longer days kick in. Of all the rooms in the house, our bedrooms make the best sanctuaries. Much of our homes are now either open plan and multifunctional, or are spaces dedicated to working from home. Being able to escape to our bedrooms to find solace, and peace and quiet away from the noise, is quite a luxury. A bedroom is the perfect place to transform into a snug setting and it can be done easily, effortlessly, and economically,..

The proper lighting, colour palette and space-saving design elements all help create a bathroom that you will not only want to shout about but contribute towards creating an environment that you rush to retreat to after a very demanding day. Erin White Designer at Ripples Towcester offers all the inspiration you need, along with practical advice on how to get that Instagrammable bathroom you’ve always wanted. Since bathrooms are designed to be a place of relaxation, integrating a minimalistic design can work well in achieving this goal. To incorporate a touch of luxe, brushed brass fixtures and fittings are a great place to start, from the taps and shower, all the way through to the toilet roll holder and vanity handles. When it comes to colour schemes, there are many choices. Gentle neutral hues highlight the spa-like atmosphere, whilst bold and vibrant colours provide a more visually compelling setting. A..

Cost of living crisis or not, it seems that when it comes to Christmas, we love to spoil our pets, writes Sammy Jones. In 2022, three in five pet owners went shopping for Fido and Fluffy, and retailers will have been barking with delight – with more than £870 million pounds spent on our much loved companions. It's understandable; they are constantly by our side, provide unwavering love and they make us feel good, don't they? Buying my animals Christmas presents has always been a thing – Joseph and Minnie even have their own Christmas stockings which are filled with tasty treats and toys that will invariably be discarded under the sofa within the first 10 minutes, only to be rediscovered at Easter! This year, I will make the same trip to the pet shop to buy the fur babies something, but this time we'll be redistributing some of that..

As winter approaches and the cost of living continues to rise, finding ways to stay warm without breaking the bank is a top priority. At T&K Home Improvements, they not only understand the importance of keeping your home cosy but also how to make it energy efficient. Here are their tips to save on energy bills this winter… Efficient Heating Habits: Over half of energy bills go towards heating and hot water. Consider changes such as only heating occupied rooms, lowering your thermostat, and investing in quality draught proofing. T&K Home Improvements can enhance your home's insulation with services like double glazing, reducing energy consumption and saving you money. Smart Kitchen Practices: Simple changes in the kitchen can make a big impact. Things like boiling only the water you need, and regularly defrosting your fridge freezer will increase energy efficiency. T&K's focus on insulation also extends to energy-efficient windows, helping..

There has been a significant rise in demand for electric fires in recent years. A fantastic design feature for modern interiors, electric fires afford the user a state-of-the-art, ultra realistic flame display with the added bonus of little to no maintenance compared to other fireplace options. Modern components give the appliance an indefinite lifespan and so it’s important to ensure that you select an electric fire that is right for your home, and your needs. We spoke to Andy Hitchman, Managing Director of Solution Fires, who advises on several key considerations to be made in choosing the perfect electric fire. Sizing Up Everyone’s homes and room configurations are different, and there are an array of different sizes and widths to choose from, however it is important to pick a fire that is right for your space. There is a fire to suit every home within the new Solution Fires LUX..

With over 500 burglaries daily in the UK, there is no better time for T&K Home Improvements Cyber & Police approved Windows & Doors With crime rates on the rise and over 500 burglaries nationwide a day, T&K Home Improvements brand new Smart Accredited and Police Approved windows and doors couldn’t be more perfectly timed, to ensure customers are safer and more secure in their homes in 2023.Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety. They seek to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks, and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements. SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification - a product-based accreditation..

The term objet d’art was, unsurprisingly, coined in France and originally used to describe works of art that were small, three dimensional and finished in a fine render to accentuate the aesthetics of the piece. But in 1997, a new exhibition set out to challenge people’s perception of art and brought international attention to a group of young British artists with diverse artistic visions. Charles Saatchi’s controversial Sensation exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts began with a disclaimer at the entrance, ‘there will be works or art …. which some people may find distasteful’. Amongst the exhibits were Damien Hirst’s shark (suspended in formaldehyde), Marcus Harvey’s Myra (a mosaic made using casts of an infant’s hand), Marc Quinn’s self-portrait (a frozen head made with pints of his own blood) and Tracey Emin’s tent titled ‘Everyone I Have Ever Slept With’. This was closely followed a year later by her..

An award-winning Northamptonshire business coach has been chosen to mentor Love Island winner Jess Hayes. The reality TV star, who shot to fame in the first-ever series of the ITV2 show in 2015, is now in the process of setting up her own property business with fiancé Zeb. Industry expert and construction coach Parm Bhangal has been working with the couple for the last six months, using his extensive knowledge of the property and construction industry to help them establish their company, putting essential systems and processes in place. The company, Eminence Properties, is based in Oxfordshire and sees Jess, 30, and Zeb running a property sales business, which is slightly different to a conventional estate agency. A mutual acquaintance put Jess and Zeb in touch with Parm and the trio, quickly hit it off. Parm said: “Jess is a lovely person, and we get along really well. She is..

T&K Home Improvements are excited to share the launch of their smart lock window and door technology, which they are offering a free upgrade if you have all your window and doors changed. Smart sensor windows are making their way into our homes and offices. These intelligent and automated windows offer a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and enhanced security features, revolutionising the way we interact with our living and working spaces. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, smart devices have become an integral part of our lives, enhancing convenience, efficiency, and security. Let’s check out just a few of the incredible benefits that smart sensor windows and doors have… Enhanced Security The system allows you to monitor all windows and doors in your home that has smart sensor security. This means: • Telling you when any doors or windows have been left open or unlocked before you’ve even left your..

Multi-award-winning T&K Home Improvements are leading the way with innovative roof styles that will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only do they look great, but they also significantly reduce energy costs from older roofs. T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof System is made from quality materials that are designed to last for years without needing repairs or replacement. Plus, they come with a 10-year warranty! Now that the hotter weather is upon us, having a conservatory that is kept cool is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a cool conservatory ensures a comfortable and enjoyable space for relaxation and recreation. This can be achieved by adding thermally efficient transparent vents to your roof. They create more light and circulation of air, meaning homeowners can utilise their conservatory all year round, even during the hot summer months. Increased security and noise reduction are also..

Multi-award-winning T&K Home Improvements are leading the way with innovative roof styles that will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only do they look great, but they also significantly reduce energy costs from older roofs.  T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof System is made from quality materials that are designed to last for years without needing repairs or replacement. Plus, they come with a 10-year warranty! Now that the hotter weather is upon us, having a conservatory that is kept cool is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a cool conservatory ensures a comfortable and enjoyable space for relaxation and recreation. This can be achieved by adding thermally efficient transparent vents to your roof. They create more light and circulation of air, meaning homeowners can utilise their conservatory all year round, even during the hot summer months.  Homeowners can now enjoy the beauty of..

This month Rosie Kinsella explores the often neglected yet crucial aspect of interior design: the hallway. Rather than focusing solely on individual rooms, consider the entire house as a cohesive unit. Hallways, often regarded as transitional spaces, have the potential to make a lasting impression and serve as stunning entrances. From flooring choices that connect different areas to clever storage solutions, this article explores some practical tips for maximising your hallway's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it highlights the significance of lighting, mirrors, and incorporating elements from adjacent rooms to create a harmonious flow. By treating the hallway as a distinct space and giving it the attention it deserves, homeowners can transform it into a remarkable entrance that sets the stage for the rest of the home. Whether you are moving into a new house or renovating your existing one, it’s easy to concentrate on the interior design of each..

Why not save a little bit of money this month and celebrate Valentine’s Day at home? If it’s your first or your fifty-first Valentine’s Day with your beau, February 14th is the perfect occasion to crack out that cocktail shaker hidden at the back of your cupboard. Whether it’s an intimate 3-course dinner or more of a casual occasion, swap out your usual Mojito or Passionfruit Martini for something a little bit more special this year. Local cocktail designer and enthusiast Sunday Cocktail Club has created 3 bespoke recipes for you to try out and enjoy this year. Despite looking particularly eye-catching, these three cocktails are pretty low-maintenance. They only take a few minutes to shake up and require just a handful of ingredients. However you choose to celebrate V Day, Pulse Magazine has got you! Grab your ‘on the rocks’ glassware and then let Cupid take care of the..