Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the
Owning a property isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s also a significant investment into your future. Whether putting your home on the market is already in the works, or climbing the property ladder remains a distant spot on the horizon, making changes that increase the potential
It’s fair to say that many of us know by now what to do to make a bathroom look amazing, but what shouldn’t we be doing? What are some common blunders to avoid making? If you think carefully and learn from the mistakes of others, your bathroom – not to
The development of new technologies has brought numerous innovations in the field of interior decoration. Epoxy resin-based 3D floors can be used in all interiors and space types, both commercial and residential. For ease of maintenance, they can also be found in production facilities. Whether you want to refresh your
When you purchase a new home, or even as someone who’s been living in a home for a long time, there are always improvements or projects that need doing in an effort to make it your own. And when you’re not actively renovating or remodeling, there’s a need to clear
It would not be wrong to state that out of all the other rooms in the house, the kitchen would most probably be the busiest one. A kitchen is not just a place where food is cooked; it is a place where families spend time, it is a place where
By deciding on a freestanding kitchen design, you can look forward to cooking in a more creative and relaxed kitchen environment. While a contemporary under-counter sink in a modern fixed kitchen gives an attractive appearance, a freestanding design offers flexibility, allowing you to rearrange your freestanding units whenever you like.
Do you want to renovate your house or flat but you cannot do it on your own? If you do, it is worth to hire some specialist in this field. A professional painter or even decorator who will change your flat into a unique place. However, there is a question
Many small business owners are unsure of what they need to know about asbestos. The material is widely known to be dangerous, but there are many misunderstandings about it, and what businesses are required to do about it. This is especially true of smaller businesses who may have only recently
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company has seen a huge surge in demand , with Zoro’s staff working non-stop to keep UK industry moving and people at home fully occupied. Chris Matenaers, marketing director at Zoro said: “Compared to the same period last year, we have seen demand across some products more than double. “Our office staff are working from home and staff in our warehouse are using appropriate PPE with strict social distancing rules in operation. Our teams are working longer than usual hours to get the much-needed supplies out of the door, to keep UK industry workforces safe.” An NHS nurse commented: “Had a hard time looking for a respirator (I am an ITU nurse in NHS and currently taking care of COVID-19 patients) and I am lucky enough to buy one from Zoro. It arrived after 2 working days (free shipping) and as expected. Thank you very much. Now I am more confident to work.” Zoro are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and customers are being advised to expect a slightly longer delivery time due to the unprecedented demand. Matenaers said: “Delivery times are a little longer than usual as the pandemic takes its toll on both supply chain and demand on courier companies. We appreciate the patience of our customers while we work to get products out of the door.” Although delivery times are slower during this time, a customer on TrustPilot commented: “A lot of sites have increased prices on certain items considerably since lockdown! This company has not! Excellent prices and quick delivery […] highly recommend.” The buying team is focused on finding replacements for out of stock items and working with suppliers to identify new products, such as signs for social distancing signs. Marcus Nelson, managing director of Zoro said: “We are monitoring the situation daily, listening to government advice. The safety of our workforce is of paramount importance and I’m extremely proud of their dedication and hard work every day during this difficult time. “We are proud to be supplying NHS nurses and front line key workers with PPE. I want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to keep the stock that is in high demand coming into our warehouse, then getting it out of the door as quickly as possible.” For more information visit www.zoro.co.uk.
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the industry in the UK, around 90p remains on-shore, and on top of that, 99.9% of businesses in the sector are classed as SMEs.[1] But large main contractors and public sector organisations are operating under increased demands for accountability, and that means requiring high standards of conformance from every business in their supply chain. How does that look for a medium sized, niche organisation? Founded nearly fifty years ago, Wiltshire manufacturing company Audience Systems is the UK market leader in a very specialist industry – retractable and auditorium seating. Employing around 120 people in the UK, Audience Systems turns over around £11m, with a growing export presence, particularly in North America and Australia. The company tends to work directly with main contractors on new builds and major refits, and with venue managers in sport, education and the arts on refurbishments. Many of its projects are in the public sector. “Ten years ago, the quality landscape was very different for us,” says Managing Director Keith Ritson. “We had strong relationships with clients, and healthy scores on contractors’ databases based on a good record of work. Our products were tested to the relevant standards, and we had an internal quality systems and training schemes in place, supported by industry-wide training such as CSCS.” “But main contractors are being asked by their clients to hold their entire supply chain to the same standards which apply to themselves, and this means that smaller businesses are being held to the same rigorous obligations as large corporate organisations.” Change has come from multiple directions, and Audience Systems has had to innovate to keep up. Some changes have benefitted them – for example, when the Department for Education issued their latest design brief for school premises, it included a requirement for auditorium seats to conform to the relevant British standard at the highest level. That gave the company an immediate advantage. They had always emphasized strength in the design of their products, and most of their range was already certified to that level. Other requirements have proved more onerous. “In the UK, many of our clients have moved to Constuctionline Gold accreditation as a minimum requirement for subcontractors. It’s been a jump up from the Silver accreditation we already had, asking about issues from BIM to GDPR to modern slavery, and although the vast majority of the work has been around creating more official documentation of processes we already had in place, it’s still a big undertaking for a small management team.” Another unexpected challenge was the exclusion of the seating installation trade from the general CSCS scheme. Audience Systems had to innovate quickly, leading the industry in creating a bespoke NVQ programme for all site staff to ensure ongoing access to sites. Again, a major project for a medium-sized manufacturing business to take on. The compliance landscape continues to evolve and work is ongoing across the company, from R&D to Quality to Purchasing to anticipate and meet future requirements. “Of course, much of this work brings benefits – the NVQ scheme for instance, is far more fit for purpose than the old CSCS card scheme. Developing products that conform to US standards has helped us open up a major new market. But it’s also essential for us to still have time to do the things that enthuse us – improving products, developing new products and applications and continuing to expand our export businesses. We don’t just want to be meeting requirements, we want to be doing the exciting things – and doing them well. “The key to it is to make sure that where our customers ask more from us, we accommodate them in a way that works for us. That’s the only way we can avoid being overwhelmed by compliance issues, and use them to our advantage.” [1] https://www.bsigroup.com/Global/BSI%20UK%20SME%20Landscape%20Report%20-%20Stage%201.pdf
Owning a property isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s also a significant investment into your future. Whether putting your home on the market is already in the works, or climbing the property ladder remains a distant spot on the horizon, making changes that increase the potential for profit should be on everyone’s radar. There are many ways you can upscale the value of your house before selling. One effective method is to install new flooring for the property. Not only can new floors significantly increase the value of your home, but they can also increase its aesthetic appeal. Solid wood floors stand out as a fantastic choice for homeowners hoping to maximise their return now, or in the future. Read more to find out why. 1) They are Attractive Floors are one of the first things you notice when entering a new home, even if you are not aware of yourself doing it. They can truly make or break a room, and transform any space from tacky to luxurious, or lacklustre to modern. Solid hardwood flooring is classic yet understated, bringing a certain elegance to your home and, in turn, increasing its future value. 2) They are Versatile There is nothing more off-putting for potential buyers than home furnishings that tie them into certain colour schemes or aesthetics. A bold, coloured carpet, for instance, is incredibly limiting from an interior design perspective. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, harmonises with anything and everything. So, not only does it look better, but it also makes the property more appealing to buyers, as it gives them creative liberty. As a result, the value of your home is increased. 3) They are Practical Solid wood floors are also a popular choice because they are easy to clean, and non-allergenic. Other floorings like carpet will absorb spillages, leading to staining and possibly bacteria cultures. Moreover, carpet fibres can trap dust motes or pollen particles, which can result in allergic reactions. Wood floorings do not have this problem, as spillages remain and easy to mop up, and anything else can be brushed away. This level of practicality and ease of upkeep means they look better for longer, boosting the overall value of your home. 4) They are Durable Perhaps the most notable selling point of solid hardwood flooring is its hardwearing nature. It’s made from a sturdy block of wood and a simple lacquer coating to improve its water resistance and prevent scratching. This makes it ideal where there’s high foot traffic, such as in hallways and kitchens, and in areas where furniture is moved around a lot, such as the dining room. On the other hand, carpet and laminate flooring are more susceptible to wear and tear. If your flooring is durable, it lasts longer and doesn’t lose its lustre. This boosts the overall appeal, and the value of your property. So, invest in some solid hardwood flooring to see the benefits yourself. “Hardwood floors are a typical redesign that can enhance the worth of a home. Tragically, they can not exclusively be costly to place, yet expensive to supplant. Individuals usually think that they’ll have the option to submit a claim on their homeowner insurance policy if their cherished hardwood flooring gets harmed. Actually, it relies a great deal upon the type of home insurance they have, and how much inclusion they bought. When you put in new hardwood flooring in your house, It’s imperative to check your current home insurance features. On the off chance that current house insurance doesn’t come as of now, have flood and water damage coverage. At that point, redesign insurance quickly to make sure you can claim for your hardwood flooring in future without any problem. ” Solid hardwood flooring brings a luxurious feel to any home, harmonises with all kinds of aesthetics and colour schemes, is easy to maintain and lasts for twenty-five years on average. It’s a cost-effective investment that’s bound to turn a profit.
It’s fair to say that many of us know by now what to do to make a bathroom look amazing, but what shouldn’t we be doing? What are some common blunders to avoid making? If you think carefully and learn from the mistakes of others, your bathroom – not to mention your bank account and precious time – will surely thank you for it. As fun as selecting taps and wall paint can be, it’s still important to take the design part seriously to ensure you end up with a functional, beautiful area that you’ll enjoy using every day. Let’s look at a few mistakes to avoid when you design your bathroom. Falling in love with the showroom version Many of us spot a freestanding bathtub or double sink vanity when visiting a showroom and believe it’s perfect for our own bathroom. Yet, it’s still important to consider the dimensions and layout of your space before splashing out on a new bathroom fixture. An enormous bathtub that should be a statement piece could actually end up being more of a nuisance, as it may be too large for easily bathing your children, take too long to fill up, and be a bit trickier to get in and out of than you might have thought! Something more practical is usually far better than a fancy showroom piece. Not thinking about the future Even though it’s not always fun to consider, it’s a good idea to think about the future when renovating your bathroom. Especially if you’re in a house you believe will be yours for the rest of your life, make sure the bathroom is functional as everyone in the home gets older. Grab handles, non-slip surfaces, walk-in showers, and even the reliable shower mixer taps from Grohe that are made for a lifetime of use, are all touches you should add now that will save you headaches down the line as you age. Not having enough counter space Some homeowners prefer the idea of installing just a sink for a smaller bathroom, without the vanity included. Don’t forget, however, that you’ll still need counter space. There are makeup items, shaving tools, and all sorts of creams and gels that are best kept out of the way in storage or on the countertops. Another tip is to include a mirror that doubles as a cabinet with space behind it. A lot of items can collect in a bathroom over the years, so extra storage space is never a bad thing. Choosing natural materials for an accent wall One trend that many bloggers and magazines love is the idea of an accent wall, which is essentially one wall that is made from natural material that stands out. This could be brick, marble, wood, or even tile. While this can look really stunning, if your tastes change… it’s not that easy to tear it down again. Switching up wall paint or even eye-catching bathroom wallpaper is a safer bet if you’re a bit prone to flip-flopping on your design choices.
The development of new technologies has brought numerous innovations in the field of interior decoration. Epoxy resin-based 3D floors can be used in all interiors and space types, both commercial and residential. For ease of maintenance, they can also be found in production facilities. Whether you want to refresh your old floors or are in the process of building your home from scratch, epoxy coatings are one of the more and more prevalent trends in interior design. However, it is not just the beauty and quirky appearance that sets these floors apart. Although it may not be the cheapest solution, the epoxy surface has many advantages that make it worthwhile to install it in your house or office in the long run. You can find more on making this material on this web source. You can even use this type of coating on your walls and furniture (countertops, tables, beds). Durable Floor Protection Floors that have a 3D effect are not only beautiful but also very strong and sturdy. Epoxy as a material is wear-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about moving furniture or dropping things that can scratch the floor. Epoxy resin belongs to the category of warm surfaces (like parquet) and has all the characteristics of solid floors. It means that this material has a high degree of thermal insulation. You don’t have to put a rug or carpet on. That makes this resin-based material the right choice for rooms and facilities that require constant temperature (children’s room, bathroom, hospitals, labs, etc.). This 3D surface has smoothness and resistance to mechanical damage. When the epoxy is installed correctly, its color and shine will not fade over time. It’s also highly resistant to harsh chemicals, acids, and cleaning agents. It also has a high limit on compressive and flexural loads. You can freely place massive furniture or any heavy load on it. Attractive and Polished Look These floors owe their attractiveness to the chemical composition of the basic ingredient, which is resin. Its chemical composition is such that it permits the mixing of various pigments to obtain the desired color and structure of the surface. A floor structure can be done depending on aggregates in the mixture. Their proportion determines the final appearance, which can be a completely smooth surface with a high polish or a rough, matt covering. In most cases, industrial epoxy flooring reflects the light, so the room looks brighter. You can customize the color of the epoxy floor by painting the underlayment. Aggregates added to every layer provide it with the subtle and glossy finish, which gives the 3D effects and makes the surface look even more attractive. This process requires some hard work and some particular materials, so it is best to hire professionals to do the job right. Slip-Resistance Since this floor consists of several layers (from 4 to 6, although two are sufficient in residential buildings), the degree of protection of the concrete below is very high. Because concrete is abrasive, it can start to crumble over time. The epoxy surface prevents that from happening. Also, floors with resin-made coatings are not slippery, although, at first glance, they seem too polished. In fact, they have a relatively high degree of friction with a surface that touches it. These are safe to use in children’s rooms, kindergartens, schools, etc. Ease of Maintenance The reason why most commercial buildings have epoxy floors is that they are easy to clean and do not absorb fluids. When a large number of people are walking around, they bring all kinds of dirt. When mixed with moisture, it hardens and creates stubborn layers of debris. But that can’t happen on the polished surface of the epoxy floor. Any dust and dirt that gets caught in there are easy to wipe away with a damp mop. Also, epoxy surfaces do not absorb liquids. There’s not even a chance of oil or any greasy stains to stay on it. So think about installing this coating over the concrete or tiles in your garage or workshop. The liquid remains on the surface and is easily removed with a cloth. Floors made of this type of resin have no fugues, which makes them hygienic and resistant to the appearance of mold. For this reason, you can also incorporate epoxy coating into the shower cabin. It will create the effect of deepness, and bring you the feeling like you’re in a pool. It’s easy to maintain and does not change its appearance due to moisture exposure. Epoxy Installation Requires Flooring Experts Almost every construction job has a DIY form. However, not each of them is feasible to do without professional tools and expertise. Epoxy is quite demanding to install, so even seasoned DIY-ers seek help from experts. The primary reason is that they use professional equipment in their work that is necessary for floor installation. Also, knowledge of the material and experience are on the contractors’ side. Epoxy is not a finished product that can be purchased at the store and does not have its DIY option. This material takes at least one day to harden and dry. If you try to replace it with some cheaper alternative, you won’t get the same effect. This resin-based material is made up of multi-component systems that have their mixing and application rules, which is not something you can make at home. For a non-skilled person, this procedure would require a lot of learning and training, and this would take too long. On the page below, read why you should consider hiring contractors to install the epoxy floor in your facility: https://furnacefriend.com/benefits-of-hiring-epoxy-floor-contractors-oh-professionals/. Epoxy coatings can look amazing and bring warmth to the rooms. It’s available in a variety of styles; it all depends on your idea and requirements. Its sparkly look and sleekness can make space really stand out, especially when the resin is mixed with some attractive color. The deep shine, when the flooring is done professionally, gives a fantastic finish and a
When you purchase a new home, or even as someone who’s been living in a home for a long time, there are always improvements or projects that need doing in an effort to make it your own. And when you’re not actively renovating or remodeling, there’s a need to clear out accumulations of stuff that overtake the house either when it gets to be too much or during a seasonal cleaning. The result will most likely be a massive amount of waste that will need disposal. An issue that a lot of households run into when investing in a skip hire service such as Impala Skip Hire is which size bin would be adequate for their needs. In many cases, judgment is off, and you underestimate the amount of debris that needs to be taken away, ending up with a container that is far too small. Usually, when doing any kind of declutter or household jobs, there tends to be so much more waste material to deal with when it’s over than anyone anticipates. Sizing up is always advantageous. Investing In Domestic Skip Hire The time savings that a waste management system allows is invaluable, not to mention the fact of the physical exertion that’s required in bagging up, carrying, and loading all the waste in order to transport it yourself. The materials can be hazardous as far as broken glass or sharps, heavy for any one person to lift, and overall an unsafe process, particularly when you realize the incredible amount that you have to handle. The number of times you need to travel from your home to the recycle center may prove exhausting. A skip bin proves to be an ideal solution for the home environment, whether there is a garage that’s being used to store massive amounts of clutter, and you want to now clear it out to use it as an actual garage. Or if you need an extensive renovation project that will result in significant debris. Having a container situated on your property to dispose of the materials will allow you to focus on the work as opposed to worrying where you’ll put the remnants. Sizing Your Domestic Skip It’s critical to obtain a skip in the size that is equal to the goals of your project. Everyone wants to make sure that they use every square inch of the bin in order to obtain full value, which means filling it to the top. ‘Chain’ skips are typically available in a broad range of sizes beginning with two yards and ranging up to 16. A ‘RoRo’ is available in only two sizes with a 20 yard (ca. 18 m) and a 40 yard (ca. 37 m). In many instances, the company that you hire can give you a ‘bin-bag value’ for the skips as a measurement to provide you with an idea of what size may work for you. For a smaller project, the bins that are within two yards and four yards are ideal. You can clear out a garage or do seasonal cleaning projects where you can be sure the accumulation of junk is going to be more than you can handle with your vehicle but not enough for a full-size container. To learn what happens to the waste material put in the bins after it’s picked up go to https://medium.com/@WasteDisposal/what-happens-to-the-waste-in-skips-319fec76b124. A ‘builder’s skip’ or six-yard container is among the most popular for those who are engaged in a mid-sized renovation as with cleaning out old furniture in favor of new or working over the kitchen. The measurement comparison is that this bin can hold approximately 60 bags or waste to that equivalent. For heavier construction debris, an eight-yard skip would be the best bin for the job as with rubble, concrete, and soil products. Anyone doing a more significant type of remodeling job on their home or renovation would want to invest in this type of container. The waste accumulation will fill a bin of this size. When you get into the more significant ranges of bins, they’re better suited for bigger scale building works and house clearing. It’s essential to be mindful of the weight restrictions. Despite their size, driving a lorry carrying more than the legal weight is an offense. The type of truck will depend on the limitation, and the chains are not capable of supporting large amounts of weight. A skip hire service helps to make the project that you’re working on much more straightforward, cost-effective, and time-saving. The convenience of having a container for your waste that the professionals will dispose of for you is invaluable considering how much clutter and debris that can accumulate with any given situation. Without it, the project could turn into a safety hazard, dangerous undertaking, or a very sore back from heavy lifting.
It would not be wrong to state that out of all the other rooms in the house, the kitchen would most probably be the busiest one. A kitchen is not just a place where food is cooked; it is a place where families spend time, it is a place where socializing is done during birthdays, dinners, and parties, it is the place where you go to check the fridge in the middle of the night, it is a place where a lot of memories are made. But there comes a time when you grow out of your house and are faced with two options – move into a new home or renovate and make extensions. Research shows that an increasing number of people are opting to renovate and add extensions to their homes instead of moving into newer ones. Along with internal factors, external factors like economic conditions and rising property prices also play their part in the decision making of people to move or renovate. A kitchen extension will not only provide you with a room that is a hybrid of a diner and a kitchen with a bright and light-filled atmosphere, but it can also give you a wow-factor when you’re trying to sell your home. When you do renovate your kitchen, you are increasing the square footage of your home, resulting in an increased value of the property. A kitchen extension could potentially cost you £30,000, with the cost depending on flooring, size, and kitchen type, among other factors. There are a lot of ways you can go about your kitchen extension, and they depend upon the type of property you have, what you want the kitchen extension to be used for, how much you can spend, and of course, how creative you are. Here’s a list of some tips which you can use to make the perfect kitchen extension that is best suited to your needs. Use your space wisely Unless you are living in a massive estate with acres of land at your disposal, there is a high chance you are working with a limited amount of space. It is imperative that you use this place wisely to make the extension efficient and effective. There are many innovative ways to use up every square inch of the area. For instance, you can use the storage space efficiently to free up more floor space for other things. There are a lot of storage systems you can get from the market at reasonable rates, which use the space available in an optimal way. By freeing up extra space in the kitchen as a result of smart storage, the room can be used as a social focal point to spend some quality time with your friends and family. Hire an architect Architects are professionals who specialize in the designing and practical usage of available space and resources for a building, and there is no argument that a professional architect will bring the best out of your kitchen extension. If your extension is simple or straightforward, an architect is not essential because builders and structural engineers can take care of that. However, if you plan on making your extension project a fancy and complex one, it is better to use the services of a professional architect. Not only will an architect create the best use of the available space and make the space aesthetically pleasing, but they will also make sure that the electrics and plumbing are done in the right places, and the plans for the kitchen extension are structurally sound. Therefore, if you plan on building a fancy kitchen extension and have the budget, it is best to hire the services of a professional architect. Maximize the light in the kitchen extension Excellent and bright lighting can prove to be one of the essential components of making your kitchen extension a success. Lighting is not only crucial for good and clear visuals, but it also helps create an atmosphere that is social and entertaining. Your kitchen extension can potentially displace a part of the natural daylight that would have otherwise reached the other rooms, so the lighting might need to be supplemented. You can do this by adding a roof lantern, or a series of roof lights. A roof lantern can be an excellent tool to flood the kitchen extension with light. For a more intimate setting, you can also opt for mood and ambiance lighting for the kitchen. This setting can be achieved by task lighting, under-counter spots, and specialty lamps. The market is flooded with contemporary, minimal, and efficient lighting fixtures that are cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Use bi-fold doors to connect your kitchen with the garden Bi-fold entries can be helpful to make your kitchen extension awe-inspiring. If you have a garden in front of your kitchen, you can use bi-fold doors that open fully to make the garden a part of your kitchen. Not only will your kitchen feel connected with nature, but it will also add even further extra space, and provide you with endless new ideas. There are multiple things you can do then. You can have a nice open-air breakfast with fresh food directly from the kitchen, host a dinner for friends, or hold a birthday party. All of these events and functions will become richer in experience due to the free-flow provided by opening up your kitchen to the garden. Make good use of colors Do not be afraid to use colors. You do not have to go monotone or play safe. You can experiment with bold colors, try unusual color combinations, and give the whole place a playful vibe. The color theme of your kitchen extension does not necessarily have to follow the general color theme of your home, and by experimenting and playing with colors you can separate it from the rest of the house and give the kitchen extension its own distinct personality. Conclusion It is not just the economic conditions and rising property prices
By deciding on a freestanding kitchen design, you can look forward to cooking in a more creative and relaxed kitchen environment. While a contemporary under-counter sink in a modern fixed kitchen gives an attractive appearance, a freestanding design offers flexibility, allowing you to rearrange your freestanding units whenever you like. Ten flexible ideas to bring fresh fashion and stylish flair to your freestanding kitchen design include the following: 1. Natural Country Cottage Style Charming country cottages have always posed a problem for designing workable fixed kitchen designs. With their attractive nooks, crannies and unusual shapes and angles, these interiors are ideal for freestanding kitchen designs. Once you select your free standing cupboards for kitchens and other separate units, you can arrange them any way you like. You can move them around as needed to accommodate several home chefs at work at the same time or when you prepare holiday meals or party food. Rustic antique pieces in beautifully grained natural timbre or painted in charming distressed white style can lend timeless charm when combined with some free standing kitchen cabinets. A freestanding island, double-sink unit or roll-away trolley may be ideal and you can find a variety in Murdoch Troon bespoke kitchen store. 2. Spacious Open Shelving You may like the look of fixed kitchen cabinets while preferring the freedom provided by an unfixed room interior. By choosing a fixed floor-to-ceiling cabinet or cupboard and some hanging wall-mounted units, you can enjoy both the visual appeal and casual, movable design that you like. These shelves add great storage space while making the room seem larger. With free standing cupboards for kitchens plus appealing wall-mounted shelves, you will have plenty of space for storing china, cookery, glassware, small kitchen appliances, utensils and jars of condiments or spices. By adding colorful vases and other arty ceramic bowls, hand-carved wooden items and decorative teacups, you will brighten and enliven your entire kitchen decor with its stand alone kitchen units. 3. Add Character with Natural Wood By using freestanding kitchen units made of natural wood, you will add character and a sense of natural enchantment to your cooking spaces. A handsome oak, cherry or maple wood movable sink unit, kitchen island, wheeling serving cart, beverage cabinet or wine rack can add warm, glowing surfaces and textures to enhance your kitchen interior. Including creative handcrafted freestanding units in a farmhouse kitchen design will provide pleasing rustic style and the perfect amount of casual comfort for your new or renovated interior. You may be amazed at the number of different stylish kitchen designs you can create just by rearranging one or two units of your versatile free standing kitchen designs. 4. Create a Pleasing Central Island Focus For a central kitchen island, you may choose an intriguing antique wooden kitchen island with a polished butcher’s block countertop as one of your stand alone kitchen units. An ornate shabby chic design restyled from an antique mahogany chest-of-drawers and topped with a lustrous marble slab can also produce a stunning kitchen centerpiece. By choosing a movable kitchen units island for your free standing kitchen designs, you will add welcome versatility to your food preparation and cooking areas. Since kitchen islands are often moderate to large in size to provide adequate prepping and serving space, the option of moving them when needed can be a great benefit. These islands as free standing furniture for kitchens are usually frequent gathering places for family and friends for casual chats over drinks and snacks. Often designed to include bar stools or tall chairs, an island can be wheeled to one side of the kitchen to double as a relaxed dining table as well. 5. Timeless Popularity of Butcher’s Block The use of butcher’s block counters and benchtops is popular in all design modes, from traditional to shabby chic, farmhouse, cottage and contemporary casual. Even basic minimalist and industrial interiors for kitchens may feature smooth, appealing and functional butcher’s block for food prepping and chopping surfaces in your furniture kitchen design. You can add some free standing kitchen cabinets as well if you like. Butcher’s block is especially popular for use in any design of free standing kitchen furniture with strong rustic or handcrafted emphasis. For kitchens that have adjoining breakfast nooks or charming café style tables and booths, butcher’s block tabletops can be attractive and practical. If you find a vintage butcher’s block tabletop at a local auction or antique sale, you may want to paint it to match or enhance your kitchen cabinets or overall colour scheme. 6. Use Kitchenware for Cheerful Colour Pops Even white, black, dark or neutral kitchen decor can benefit from small pops of colour to enhance your free standing furniture for kitchens. By hanging kitchenware and utensils on the walls above your splashback or beside your cabinetry, you can add some welcome spots of brightness. Copper pots and pans along with copper, iron, stainless steel and enamel-coated stirring spoons and ladles in bright, cheerful hues can do wonders to create a unique sense of style in your kitchen. You can also display these colourful cookery items and utensils on open wooden shelving or on your freestanding cupboard shelving. Many home dwellers also install cookery hanging racks suspended from the ceiling above their kitchen island areas. Your bright, attractive pots, pans and cooking tools also add warm and casual style as decorative decor on exhibit for your new free standing kitchen. 7. Save Space with Wall-Mounted Cabinetry If you have an older home with high ceilings, wall-mounted cabinets are ideal as space savers in your furniture kitchen design that includes free standing kitchen units. Some homeowners even install rows of cabinets stretching up to the ceiling and reachable by a folding or detachable track ladder. Even in kitchens with low ceilings, there is usually plenty of space to install a single row of wall-mounted cupboards and cabinets for your new design of kitchen furniture. Especially in kitchen interiors with irregular shapes, a combination of wall cabinets
Do you want to renovate your house or flat but you cannot do it on your own? If you do, it is worth to hire some specialist in this field. A professional painter or even decorator who will change your flat into a unique place. However, there is a question – which painter on the market is good? Read this article and find out about the ways which will help you to find the best painter in your district. 1. Preparation before you start looking for specialist 2. Ask for pricing more than one painter 3. Don’t be afraid of asking Preparation before you start looking for specialist Before you start looking for a professional on the Internet or ask your friends for instructions, make a list of things that need to be done, taking into account the necessary preparations. Thanks to this, the painter will be able to prepare an accurate estimation cost. What is more, you will be able to answer all the person’s questions and make the schedule of the work more accurate. Ask for pricing more than one painter It is highly advisable to ask for a quote from at least three different painters. If it is possible, invite them to your home to see the rooms that need to be painted. As a result, they will take into account all stages of work including preparation for painting and some additional works as well. Don’t be afraid of asking Before you sign the agreement with the painter, it is recommended to ask as many questions as you can regarding the renovation. What is more, it is worth to write them down in the agreement to avoid misunderstandings in future. Some of the important questions worth asking are following: – Who will rearrange the furniture and protect it and clean it after painting – some companies provide only painting services, they do not clean and rearrange the furniture after the work is done. – Is the service covered by a guarantee – every reputable company should provide the guarantee, if you hire a small one, it is worth to check it. – Is the painter insured – in case of accident, you can have some problems regarding healing the worker. – Can he provide references from previous clients – references should be verified before you sign the agreement. – What is the estimated working time – it should be also included in agreement. – Is the painter responsible for purchasing the paint or the customer should do it on his/her own – if the painter will buy it, it is also worth to set the details. Article prepared in cooperation with Ignas Limited – Painters and Decorators in London.
Many small business owners are unsure of what they need to know about asbestos. The material is widely known to be dangerous, but there are many misunderstandings about it, and what businesses are required to do about it. This is especially true of smaller businesses who may have only recently opened a business premises. Businesses are governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 which hold a number of strict rules regarding what is to be done in order to control the substance and minimise the risk of exposure. It is absolutely vital that companies adhere to these rules, not only because asbestos can be extremely dangerous, but also because your company can be heavily fined if you do not follow the rules. In this article we take a look at the facts about asbestos and how this relates to small businesses. Asbestos use is illegal (but you can still find it) Asbestos was officially and completely banned in the UK in 1999, making it illegal to use the substance in any kind of work on residential or commercial buildings. However, this has led to a misconception that this means that asbestos no longer exists in properties in the UK. It is important to note that the ban was on the use of asbestos – there was no requirement to remove or destroy any current asbestos. This means that it is still present in many buildings that were built before 2000. So unless you operate from a property that was built after 2000, there is a chance that it could contain asbestos. The risks of asbestos exposure Asbestos has a reputation for being very dangerous, and this is well-founded. According to asbestos specialists Crucial Environmental “when materials containing asbestos become disturbed or damaged, they release microscopic fibres into the air. Once these fibres have become airborne, people working around the area can then inhale the particles into their lungs”. When these fibres get into the lungs, they are extremely difficult to remove, and while the damage doesn’t result in immediate danger, the damage is done over a long period. Ultimately, symptoms may not present for in excess of 20 years after exposure – but asbestos exposure is considered the direct cause of a number of conditions including various cancers and conditions affecting the lining of the lungs. It is necessary, then, for you to take asbestos very seriously. If you own a property… If you are the landlord of a business property then you have a duty of care to ensure that the risk of asbestos exposure is minimised to you, your employees, and any members of the general public. Ultimately this means establishing whether any asbestos is present at your property – usually through an asbestos survey – and having a plan in order to minimise the risks. If you have recently bought a property you should have details of any known asbestos provided to you by the seller. However, it should be noted that asbestos is not always known about. If you are leasing… If your business is leasing a property then it is important that you should check with the landlord over who is responsible for managing asbestos at the property. Once again, any asbestos found should be detailed to you by the landlord. However, you may be required to correctly maintain and supervise the asbestos under the conditions of the lease. You need an action plan If you are responsible for the asbestos in your property, then you need to have an action plan in place. This plan should detail any known asbestos on the property, provide insight into the condition of the asbestos, and also have a plan to ensure that the asbestos is not disturbed or to ensure that it does not deteriorate. In the majority of cases, asbestos in good condition is not a threat to health. It is only when the fibres are disturbed that it becomes dangerous. You can’t do it all yourself It is important to note that no matter what you need to do about your asbestos, you will need expert advice and guidance. Asbestos specialists can provide you with information not only about the asbestos and its condition, but also in establishing a plan that puts in the necessary precautions to keep every in your business premises safe.
