Enter a trade or a company name
My postcode is

Welcome to the Blogs

Made of Stone

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 09:14 on 24 Jul 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

London Stone Paving has scoured the globe to put together a collection of natural stone to inspire you. Regardless of whether your project is a small residential patio or a high specification commercial installation, London Stone Paving can provide the ideas and the expertise to transform your outdoor space into an oasis.

Its Middlesex showroom is ideally located, just minutes from junction 14 of the M25.

Top of the tree

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 14:42 on 16 Jul 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

Building fantastic climbing frames that manage to be both attractive and exciting, JC Gardens can custom-build  to your own specifications,  featuring slides, suspension bridges, scramble-nets, monkey-bars and more. Fresh from exhibiting at The Chelsea Flower, JC Gardens is offering readers two great deals: a significant 15 per cent off all climbing frame orders placed during July, and its handmade tree-swing for just £100.

Chair weather friends

Avatar
Posted by James Mace at 09:50 on 04 Jun 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

I've heard a whisper that this summer promises to be a cracker, and while last year has certainly taught me caution, it still pays to be prepared where the British summer is concerned.

This Rattan Patio set from Fantastic Furniture, for instance, is perfect for whiling away those long summer evenings we all dream of, and looks just like original wooden weave. However, it is made from a completely weather-proof replica material called 'pe', so if the weather does turn it can stay it will not be damaged. Likewise, you can leave it outside all year round without having to worry.

Shaftesbury Shutters

Avatar
Posted by James Mace at 09:45 on 04 Jun 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

A stylish and chic alternative to nets and curtains, shutters offer you complete control over the amount of light you let into a room. A favourite of mine, Shaftesbury Blinds & Shutters, has a huge range of affordable shutter styles to choose from in a range of designs and finishes.  But what sets Shaftesbury above its competitors is the unique colour matching service for both wood blinds and shutters that it offers, blending these  perfectly with your home.

Bathing Beauty

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 08:32 on 21 May 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

When your bath looks like it will make you dirtier not cleaner, something needs to be done and Bath Studio can help.

Cabin Fever

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 08:28 on 21 May 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

As the credit crunch continues to grind, there has never been a better time to invest in your home - and what better way to do it than by adding living space at the end of your garden?

From Cabins UK HQ in West Sussex, this family run log cabin specialist has been providing its clients with outstanding expansion solutions for over 20 years.

Grand Designs Live

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 08:40 on 07 May 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

If you haven’t yet visited this year’s Grand Designs Live show at ExCeL, you only have four days to make sure you don’t miss out. Hosting over 450 exhibitors, a huge range of free seminars and of course, a certain Mr Kevin McCLoud, this is the destination for home inspiration.

And if that wasn’t enough to spur you on, you can exclusively claim half price tickets, making entry just £9. The offer is valid on advance bookings only.

Freebie of the week - B&Q competition

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 08:30 on 01 May 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

A bicycle can help you get fit and go green but where do you safely store it?

Freebie of the week - spring showers

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 08:35 on 23 Apr 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

Spring showers are notoriously unpredictable; however with the innovative ilux Digital  Shower and bath fillers range, you can be in complete control – in the bathroom at least!
 
DW Burns (www.dwburns.co.uk) has one of the largest showrooms in Surrey, housing a vast range of sophisticated bathrooms, creative kitchens and stylish accessories. It is offering readers the chance to win a new, state of the art exclusive ilux Digital Shower system worth £925. 
 




London for less

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 15:56 on 07 Mar 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

I have been writing about bargains for years now, yet, up until now, the wonderful London Warehouse has somehow eluded me.
 


Fair trade celebration

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 12:15 on 07 Mar 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

To mark Fair Trade Fortnight (25 Feb- 9 March 08), luxury bedlinen company LUMA is hosting a Fair Trade Celebration day at its new shop in Barnes. The event takes place on 9 March (10.30am to 5.30pm) and will see a wide range of seconds and ends of lines reduced by up to 50 per cent. Organic cotton, fair trade home textiles as well as vintage fabric accessories and reclaimed wood furniture will all be up for grabs, with complimentary Fair Trade wine and artisan cheese   available to all.

Eco gardening tools

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 14:21 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

The recent bout of good weather has given the perfect excuse to tackle neglected gardens. An ideal buy for the green minded gardener, this eco friendly garden set (£62) from http://www.biomelifestyle.com/ includes a recycled plastic trug, a beechwood soil dibber, a fork and two trowels with ash handles, special gardeners’ soap and more.

Planting box crate

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 12:20 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

Londoners without their own garden don’t have to miss out on the pleasures of gardening with these planted container gardens from Plantabox. Spring plants include Narcissus, Tulips, Hyacinth and Primulas, whilst its collection of herb planters include a choice of eight culinary herbs. You can also choose to have crates stencilled with your own choice of words, making these a great spring present. Prices start from £40 (plus p&p) for a fully planted crate, or can be sold empty and ready to plant from just £10.

Eco cleaning products

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 12:13 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

Make a start on the spring cleaning early with this newly launched range of eco cleaners from www.bethstevens.co.uk. This Cucumber Spring cleaner (£3.95), can be used throughout the house to clean everything from walls, floors and doors to lawn and patio furniture.  Completely non-toxic, simply spray and wipe for a home that smells sweetly of Spring. Call 01329 848 248 or visit http://www.bethstevens.co.uk/

Spring clean

Discount quality antiques

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 12:07 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

If the good weather has inspired a drive out to the country this weekend, it is worth planning your route around Drummonds Architectural Antiques architectural sale, which continues until 29 February. Sale items include antique brassware, doors, windows, fireplaces as well as planters, cisterns, garden statues and furniture. There is something to suit most budgets with stone urns such as these reduced from £5,500 to £4,150 for the pair, or smaller ticket items such as its Tulip Urns, down in price from £385 to £340.  A rare opportunity to buy quality antiques at a discount.

Fantastic kitchen offer

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:56 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

As bank balances recover from the Christmas shopping splurge, you might be looking towards your next investment. And where better to invest than your kitchen?
 
If you are based in London or the Home Counties, a first port of call is the wonderful GLK Kitchens. GLK stocks over 48 different kitchens and cabinets made from the best quality materials, including FSC certified wood and recyclable metals. And don’t forget the free design and planning service…
 




Bath re-enamelling system

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:51 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

A chipped, stained or worn out bath is never a good look, but Bath Studio can help.

Quality handmade furniture

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:47 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

Offering outstanding quality and value for money, Sussex-based furniture maker Anderson Bradshaw manufactures and imports handmade solid wood furniture at less than half the price of its High Street competition.
 


Stylish bookends

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:38 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

Alberto Giacometti wasn’t known for practicality, which makes these book ends from Joanna Wood an interesting talking point. Inspired by the elongated shapes and rough moulding of the Surrealist sculptor’s signature style, these really look the part. And at just £37 for the pair, you can afford to invest in a few classics, fitting of such elegant shelf-fellows. Bookworms should also watch out for the Imagine Children’s Literature Festival, taking place at Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 (14-22 February 08). Call Joanna Wood on 020 7730 5064.

Carpet cleaning professionals

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:30 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it hundred times: newspapers leave marks on the carpet. I’m fighting a losing battle in my house, so to maintain my sanity, I always keep a good carpet cleaning service on speed dial. http://www.carpetcleaningserviceslondon.co.uk/ is a professional, reliable and reasonably priced service that combines modern and powerful equipment with good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Chopping and dicing machine

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:24 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

I love cooking - but I must confess that it’s not for the chopping, dicing and slicing - so my ears pricked up when I heard about the Nicer Dicer from JML. Simply lift the lid, place your food flat side down and away you go. The twenty eight razor sharp blades will make short work of that chopping and with a little bowl screwed in to catch the bits, there’s no mess either. The Nicer Dicer costs £29.99. Avialable at ASDA, Woolworths and JML. Call JML on 0871 2222 631 or visit http://www.jmldirect.com/

Retro lampshades

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:14 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

As fabulous as the David Bowie album it shares its name with, Hunky-Dory Home is finally back. After a brief pause in trading, the website is back in business and the collection has lost none of its pizzazz. Seventies sunflowers and retro duck lampshades join candy-covered cushions in an eclectic range that doesn’t disappoint. Prices start at £14 for cushion covers and £18 for lampshades. Visit http://www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk/ for more details.

Hunky dory

Holiday home

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:08 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

If you’re caught in two minds between starting your next redecorating project and heading off on a hard-earned break, here’s your chance to do both. Look Interiors is offering a special deal, whereby for the princely sum of £1,650, it will redecorate four rooms of a standard sized London home and throw in two return flights to Spain for a week. You work on your tan, while the team works on your walls, ensuring a stress free, mess free, expertly decorated home.

Wood Venetian Blinds

Avatar
Posted by Alison Cork at 10:50 on 19 Feb 2008
Category: 
Really Useful

If curtains and blinds are too “2007” for your next makeover project, these Wood Venetian Blinds from Luxaflex (http://www.luxaflex.co.uk/; 0800 652 7799) are a solid alternative. Prices start from £159 per square metre for the Venetian wood blinds, with a choice of exotic hardwoods and painted blinds on offer in a variety of styles and sizes. Better still, Luxaflex is giving away £500 to spend on its blinds to two lucky readers.