Beautiful Wooden Flooring

One of the best qualities of timber flooring is its trouble free cleaning feature where the particles of dust can be easily cleaned by mopping or vacuuming over them. Spills over them can also be quickly and easily wiped in just a few seconds, without any stain or patchy mark. Timber floor looks elegant in each and every room of a house be it your kitchen, dining area or your bedroom. It is good for your kitchen and dining room which are likely to get food spills, and you can mop them in secondsand give a sparkling look. Though, it can be conveniently kept sparkling clean, it does not reflect like a vinyl paint that can be harsh on your eyes. It is also a good choice for entertainment room which can be kept sparkling clean without reflecting on eyes.

Timber flooring looks good in bedroom as well as it blends perfectly with bedroom furnishing. You can also put a small mat beside your bed over the floor, so that when you get down after your sleep, you may get a soft feel under your toes. It is also used in bathrooms and laundry, only if they are treated well to keep out the damp. People who are prone to allergies can safely use timber floor in their house as dust particles that usually cause allergies are not loaded in it, which usually are present in carpets.

Timber floor is ideal for both winters and summers as it is cool to walk on during summer and at the same time give a very good insulation during cold winters. You can get a wide range of choices of natural shades of timber floor, that range from sand color or pale euro to darker and richer shades of brown. Timber floor is a natural product, so the colors or designs are not uniformely laid all over the surface, and this is the very beauty of the product. The best part is that when you see the flooring laid on a house, the lighter and darker shades mix together perfectly with each other and give a great look to the surface.

One of the main problems, according to Halifax Home Insurance, is that many people don’t know what they are doing. Research conducted by the company found that two thirds of men admit they only do DIY due to pressure from their partners or a sense of duty. Contrary to popular belief, men are not natural ‘DIYers’. Despite this many may be planning to attempt ambitious and potentially dangerous home improvement projects this Easter involving building, gas or electrical works. Halifax figures show that over a quarter of men have attempted electrical wiring at home, while almost a quarter of men have attempted to fit an entire new kitchen.

Without the proper qualifications or experience these people risk invalidating their home insurance policies if things go wrong. “TV home makeover shows make it all appear so simple, and it’s easy to forget that these are highly skilled professionals. In reality, trying to tackle certain areas you are not qualified for, such as electrics or plumbing, could invalidate your home insurance policy, leaving you liable for any subsequent damage. We’d recommend using a reputable tradesman rather than going it alone,” explains Halifax Senior Claims Manager Martyn Foulds.

Allianz Insurance figures reveal that 55% of those surveyed claimed to have started a DIY job without the correct tools and almost 50% said they had started a DIY job without really knowing how to do it.

“Thankfully people can add accidental damage cover to their buildings and contents insurance to cover them for paint spilt on carpets or hammering a nail into a pipe,” says Simon Coughlin, spokesperson for Allianz Insurance.

Accidental breakage to some parts of the home such as sinks, baths, ceramic hobs and fixed glass in doors is included in most buildings insurance policies. However householders many need additional accidental damage cover to protect against common DIY disasters, such as drilling through water pipes, spilling paint on carpets or putting feet through ceilings.

So before you get bitten by the DIY bug this weekend make sure your policy covers all eventualities, otherwise it could prove to be a very expensive weekend. “We suggest DIY enthusiasts should check to see if their insurance policy covers them for accidental damage in case the job goes horribly wrong,” says Simon Coughlin. “The average cost of a claim for DIY related damage is £600 and our claims staff expect to be busier than usual following a Bank Holiday weekend.” And, if in doubt, get an expert in to do the job!

Save Energy

• Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent and typically saves around £55 per year. If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when required rather than all the time.
• Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F.
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors.
• Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Don’t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.
• If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads.
• Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you’re using an electric kettle).
• A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they’re fully turned off!
• Use energy saving lightbulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb. This saving could be around £65 over its lifetime if you’re replacing a high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day.
• Do a home energy check. Just answer some simple questions about your home and we’ll give you a free, impartial report telling you how you can save up to £300 a year on your household energy bills.

Source: The Energy Saving Trust  http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Most people would not think of insuring their bicycle but when they can often be worth hundreds of pounds it really should be given consideration.

Insure your bicycle are one company that could help.   Insure Your Bicycle provides comprehensive and cheap bicycle insurance cover in the UK.  They are part of Loyal Insurance Ltd and their bicycle insurance policy is backed by Fortis.

Their bicycle insurance will cover you against theft, loss or accidental damage so protect your 2 wheels today.

Extending a lease

1. What Is A Property Lease?

A lease simply means the right to occupy a property (usually a flat) for a period, which is generally set at 99 or 125 years. At the end of this time, although you can stay on as a tenant, the freeholder (freehold enfranchisement) will own your property.

2. Can I Extend My Lease?

The good news is that, as long as you have owned (but not necessarily lived in) your property for at least two years, you have a right to a lease extension for an additional 90 years at a peppercorn (zero) ground rent.

But there are exceptions. You can’t force the freeholder to extend a lease if:

- The majority of the leaseholders have applied to obtain the freehold

- Your lease has already ended

- You have sublet your home on a lease of at least 21 years

- The lease was originally granted for less than 21 years

- The freeholder is a charitable housing trust, the National Trust, the Crown (although they may agree), or the property is in a cathedral precinct

- If your freeholder wants to demolish or redevelop the property (in which case you would be entitled to compensation)

Should your freeholder refuse to extend your lease for any other reason than those listed above, get advice – they may be wrong (more on advice below).

3. Why Extend? Value

The most immediate reason for extending is that a short lease can seriously affect the value of your property.

A a flat with a lease of 100 years is worth roughly the same as a property on a freehold. But an apartment on a lease of 60 years, could be valued at approximately 60 per cent of the freehold price.

In practice, however, property values are more likely to be worked out at the freehold price, minus the estimated cost of extending the lease.

But bear in mind that if you wait until you have less than 80 years to go, buying lease extensions becomes more expensive (under 80 years and you have to pay so-called Marriage Value – more on this below).

4. Why Extend a Lease? Saleability

The second reason for extending a lease is saleability. Wealthy home hunters looking for a London pied-à-terre are more likely to accept a shorter lease, and can usually access specialist mortgage lenders who are happy to lend on short leases. But they are in the minority.

If you’re selling a flat in Fife or an apartment in Acton, most buyers will be scared off by a short lease, and they may also find that they can’t get a mortgage from the high street lenders.

A quick phone around reveals that the Woolwich doesn’t lend on property with a lease less than 30 years longer than the term of the mortgage (making it 55 years on an average 25-year mortgage).

The Halifax asks for 35 years longer (so, 60 years), and the Bristol and West draws the line at 70-year leases.

So, particularly if your lease is less than 70 years, it may make sense to apply for an extension before marketing your property.

5. Saleability and Assignment

Buying an extension is a costly business, and it can also take anything between two and six months – not good news if you’re low on funds and in a hurry to sell your flat.

There is another way, known as assignment. The seller begins the legal process to extend the lease, but assigns the right to the incoming leaseholder, who can complete it when they take ownership.

So, instead of having to wait two years to extend a lease, the purchaser can buy an extension straight away, which should leave both buyer and mortgage company happy.

6. How To Extend

There are at least two professionals whose services you’re likely to need when extending a lease.

Firstly, a valuer, usually a surveyor. A surveyor will be able to provide you with best and worst case estimates on the value of an extension, advise you on the amount of money you should offer the freeholder, and help you to negotiate an agreement. If you can’t agree a figure, the valuer will represent you at a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT).

Secondly, you will need a legal representative – either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. The solicitor or conveyancer will prepare the information you need for the application, serve the notice on the landlord, answer requests for information, and conveyance the new lease. There are also various specialist companies who will do the whole lot for you.

7. How Much Will It Cost?

How much the extension is worth is difficult to estimate accurately.

The value consists of three main amounts. The first two are to compensate the landlord for loss of ground rent during the rest of the existing term of the lease, and for not receiving possession of the property at the end of the term.

Thirdly, where the lease has less than 80 years to go, there is what’s known as a ‘marriage value’, which is arrived at by deducting the value of the property before the extension from the value afterwards, plus the value of the landlord’s interest.

Leasehold Advisory Service, the information service for leaseholders, gives an example of a flat with a 68-year unexpired lease, on a ground rent of £50 pa, with a current value of £150k, and an improved value of £165k. An extension of 90 years is likely to cost £8,250.

But the same property, on a lease with only 35 years to run, could set you back a whopping £55,368.

However, if the current lease is 95 years (and therefore attracts no ‘marriage value’) the cost of an extension would be only around £734.

In addition, the leaseholder is liable for both parties’ legal and valuation costs, unless the matter ends up at the LVT, who may apportion the costs differently.

Although it may be an expensive business, remember that you are adding value to your property, and, in addition, you will no longer have to pay ground rent.

8. Valuation Problems

Stories abound of leaseholders who have successfully negotiated the cost of a lease extension down, in some cases to half of the original figure.  It can be useful to engage a Lease Extension Specialists when negotiating with landlords to minimse the cost.

But if you can’t agree on a price, you can turn to the LVT – The Leasehold Valuation Tribunal. They will come up with a figure based on what they consider reasonable, including making a costs order if either party is acting unreasonably.

9. Bought A Flat With A Short Lease?

As a new leaseholder you don’t have an automatic right to an extension but, if your freeholder is amenable, you can try and negotiate one before the end of the initial two-year period.

If you face problems agreeing a figure, however, you won’t be able to turn to the LVT for help.

10. Use It, Don’t Lose It!

Remember – if you wait until your lease ends your freeholder will be under no obligation to negotiate an extension, and you could become an assured tenant, rather than the owner of your home.
Nikki Sheehan

© Find A Property 2000-2007

decking oil

•Clean
•Restore
•Protect

Discolouration is the obvious problem – all un-stained timber outside eventually turns a grey colour. Protective action can help to allay this problem, which is caused in the main by fine dirt particles entering the microscopic ‘pores’ of the timber.

The timber itself loses colour as ultra violet rays from the sun react with the timber. In this case, simply cleaning your deck will not restore the original colour. Though it will make it more attractive!

Discolouration of the deck timber has many causes – dependent upon the area in which you live – together with a number of biological causes.

• Dirt by way of atmospheric dust particles, overhanging tree debris, bird droppings, BBQ debris!
  Biological degradation of decks include, fungal activity, moulds, decay, and in shaded areas algae or moss.
  Stains from unsuitable fittings can also cause problems such as un-galvanized nails, screws and bolts.
  Problems that can be prevented are those often associated with placing planted containers and furniture on the deck. Planted containers – great deck assets – should have a moisture-proof stand underneath. An please do your planting and re-planting either off the deck, or with a good protective groundsheet under the work area.

Before treating any deck, the deck should be thoroughly cleaned.

How to Clean a Deck
There are several preparations available fro DIY stores or Decking Specialists which to clean your deck. Go for the brand names, or reputable DIY stores own brand. Do not attempt to treat your deck or stain it without firstly cleaning it.

An alternative, is to use a weakened solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) which can be obtained from any good paint shop. (It is used by pro painters to clean paintwork). Add a little household washing-up liquid to ensure a deep penetration. Try a small area first, and use as directed on the container.

Do not use any chlorine based bleach, for whilst this will clean your deck of algae and mildew in particular, it will also break down the lignin in the deck timber – which holds the wood together!

A weak solution of Citric Acid will help to ‘brighten up’ old greyed timbers. Most important 0 – it is a non hazardous way of cleaning your deck. There are also some proprietary brands of wood bleach available, that will do the job.

Hydrogen Peroxide – which also has other lightening uses – will do wonders for lightening old timbers and in particular is good for the older darker deck timbers. It evaporates away, leaving no residues.

Most fungal growth can be treated with a general garden fungicide! If you use a combined Fungicide/Insecticide to clean your deck, then you can also kill of many ‘hidden’ insect pests lurking under the timber. This treatment does nothing to lighten the wood or to actually clean it of dirt – simply fungi/mildew and insects. It is not for cleaning the deck – simply to rid it of any infestation

A jet washer can be used for cleaning decks BUT it must not be a heavy duty one. Something smaller than 1500 psi with a wide fan jet will be suitable for most deck cleaning jobs. Anything more powerful will leave the timber with a ‘wooly’ finish, as it will destroy the wood fibres. The result will be a deck that is very difficult – if not impossible – to clean or to treat.

Once the deck is clean – then and only then – you can think about a long term treatment regime to enhance the colour and longevity of your deck. Even after a suitable treatment application, regular cleaning of your deck is important to maintain the colour of the deck timbers.

Wood – like all living things – is made up of a honeycomb of minute (microscopic) cells. Whether softwood or hardwood, the cells are there – empty, waiting to be filled up with whatever is available! Deck boards are different in one main respect to other timber structures outside. Deck boards lay horizontal – not vertical like walled structures – so dirt and dust is not readily washed off. It simply lays on the deck until it finds a home. If it is larger than the cellular structure of the wood, then it will eventually wash off. If it is dust-like and smaller than the cell structure, then it will fill the available cell!

This cell structure can be ‘capped’ by using Decking Oil.

The fact that your deck has been pressure treated in the manufacturing stage, does not mean that it requires no further treatment to alleviate stains and grey-coloured decks.

Ordinary deck stain, simply colours the surface area of the timber. It does not fill up the cells, so dirt is still able to fill the spaces! A Deck Sealer is required to do the job – usually by way of a decking oil.

Decking oil is a special treatment/preserver that – whilst applied as a liquid – has a high potential ’solids’ content, so that when it dries it solidifies thereby filling the pores/cells. Deck oil has high penetrating properties, so that it can enter and then solidify in the individual cells. Some deck stains simply coat the cells, still leaving room for the dirt to accumulate.

Penetrating oil finishes are much better for deck maintenance than polyurethane or varnish type finishes. Oils do not crack as the timber expands and contracts with the varying weather patterns. Deck oil treatments actually improve the structure of the timber, for once dry, the solids are stronger than the individual wood fibres that they bind together. Decking oils actually replace the natural oils and resins that get lost over time with deck timbers.

Decking oil should be applied after the deck has been thoroughly cleaned. We do not advocate the use of pressure sprayers, for if used indiscriminately a pressure jet can ruin the surface structure of the timber – leaving it with a ‘wooly’ feel – difficult to clean.

Application

The oil should be applied in two coats using a soft-haired paint brush. The soft-haired option will allow for even spreading of the deck oil and also act as a sponge to mop up any surplus deck oil, which can then be used further along the board.

The oil should be applied thinly and well brushed out to ensure no puddles of surplus oil is left on the deck. This is particularly the case with grooved deck boards, as surplus oil can linger in the grooves, giving an unsightly appearance, and also taking a long time to dry.

With a thin application, the first coat will normally be touch dry in an hour in ideal weather conditions. A second coat is necessary to further protect the timber and also to enhance the colour if using a tinted oil.

If you decide to opt for a coloured oil – and it really does add impact to your deck – then always choose a lighter colour if you are uncertain. It is easy to ‘darken’ a lighter colour by oiling with the darker colour subsequently. It is virtually impossible to ‘lighten’ the colour after using a darker coloured oil.

A 5 litre can of oil normally covers around 50 sq metres of deck with 2 coats.

freehold enfranchisement

A lease is a wasting asset. Although a flat owner may have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds acquiring their lease, in fact it becomes less valuable each year. This is because the term of the lease expires by one year annually. To remedy this inherent unfairness, individual flat owners have the right to ask the building owner to extend their lease. In addition, a group of flat owners acting together can collectively ask to purchase the freehold from the building owner. Owners of residential flats can now force their freeholder to sell the freehold provided at least 50% of the tenants participate. This is known as freehold enfranchisement or collective enfranchisement.

After enfranchising, each participating flat owner owns a share in the freehold and will usually receive a lease extension at no extra cost. Purchasing the freehold or extending a lease will come at a cost, but also serves to protect the value of the property.

In order to participate in a freehold enfranchisement the tenancies must originally have been over 21 years in length and at least two thirds of the flats must be qualifying tenancies. Less than 25% of the building can be commercial space. The building must be self contained and structurally detached.

A freehold enfranchisement can be made unsuccessful or more difficult by such factors as a resident landlord or where three or more flats are held by one individual.

Freehold enfranchisement is a complex matter and requires careful planning and expert advice so if you would like to take advantage of a free initial consultation please call Charles Tellerman MRICS on +44 207 792 9950.

Modern modular deck construction

New code of practice for raised timber decks endorsed by NHBC

The Timber Decking Association (TDA) has announced the publication of a new Code of Practice (CP) for the design and construction of raised timber decks. The CP has been produced to help raise the standard of deck design and construction amongst homebuilders and is tailored specifically to the quality and performance requirements expected by the National House-Building Council (NHBC), the UK’s leading standards setter and insurer of new homes.

The CP provides homebuilders with guidance on the specifications required to create raised timber decks capable of delivering a service life of 60 years – a key requirement of the NHBC.

The development of the CP dates back to autumn 2007 when NHBC announced that it had major concerns about the quality and safety of the timber decks that were beginning to feature on new homes. At that time NHBC said it was minded to ban the use of wood as a structural material for any deck more than 600mm from the ground.

According to Steve Young, operations director of the TDA, it was important to correct perceptions that wood was no good as a structural material:
“ We were concerned that wood was being made something of a scapegoat for poor design, materials selection and installation practices. Our first priority was to get the NHBC to give wood the benefit of doubt and allow us to develop a code of practice that met their quality and performance requirements. We were the only timber industry body to lobby the NHBC on this issue and are delighted that they have accepted the TDA Code of Practice which will now become part of NHBC standards.”

The specifications in the CP provide for significantly increased load bearing and 60 year service life assumptions compared with current practice and this is reflected in the specifications recommended. Housebuilders will find detailed guidance about timber selection, component sizing, make up and spacing, footings and saddlestones, bracing, balustrades and stairs.

Code of Practice TDA/RD0801: Raised Timber Deck Structures on new homes is being made available free of charge as a pdf download to all NHBC Registered Builders, architects and professional building control officers.
“A Code of Practice like this would normally be sold for £30 or more. However, in the interests of good design and specification practice we are making it available free of charge to those organisations who have a major interest in getting it right first time” says Steve Young.

To obtain a copy, apply online via the architects help desk on www.tda.org.uk

Further information contact: 01977 558147 Steve Young
The TDA’s code of practice contains detailed visuals, span tables and component
specifications.

The Timber Decking Association is part of the Timber Decking & Cladding Association Ltd.

5C Flemming Court
Castleford
West Yorkshire
WF10 5HW

Home Insurance

Home insurance is a basic term for two different types of insurance policy. Buildings insurance to cover the construction of your property and home contents insurance to protect your valuables and other household objects.

The problem is that not all home insurance policies are created equal making it difficult to compare like with like. The areas and level of cover provided vary from policy to policy along with the premiums. So having a definite idea of what you need to insure and for how much will help minimise the overall time and money spent buying it.

TIP 1: Cut the risk, cut the cost

All insurance policies protect against the risk of financial loss. So to cut the cost, cut the risk to the insurer and you’ll get a lower premium. To give you an idea, here’s a quick summary of the most effective tactics…

Contact your home insurance company or local neighbourhood watch scheme and they will send you a list of steps to make your house more secure and less likely to be targeted by thieves.

Fit locks to all windows and level 5 (BS3621) mortise deadlocks locks to the doors. Most insurance companies will give you up to 10% off your home contents insurance if you have these kind of locks fitted around your house.

Having a good alarm fitted by a recognised alarm fitter, which your insurance company can recommend, can give you up to 10% off your policy. Bear in mind that these are expensive alarms which require an annual check up.

Higher policy excess. You will usually have to pay the first £50 of any insurance claim, but if you’re willing to pay more then, your premium will fall now.

Neighbourhood watch schemes. Some home insurers offer discounts if you live in a neighbourhood watch area; however this is less common.

No claims bonus. As with your car insurance; a record of no previous claims will reduce your premium. If you need to make a claim, consider whether it may be cheaper to pay for the loss yourself and avoid an increase in premiums.

Your age. Statistically, the older you are, the less likely you are to make a house insurance claim. So if you’re a lower risk this will be reflected in your premiums. Some companies offer extra benefits to those over 50 such as Saga.

Extra security. Declare any special safety precautions you’ve made for your valuables such as a home safe.

Your lifestyle. If you have a dog, are teetotal and don’t smoke, be sure to declare this as such factors are used by some insurers to reduce premiums.

Occasionally applying to your existing insurer as a new customer can reduce your premiums. Many insurers offer discounts to new customers which won’t be repeated when you come to renew.

If you can apply online you will normally get a discount of around 5%.

Before you carry out any security improvements to your home, always check with your home insurance company first. They will confirm which improvements will have the biggest cost cutting impact.

TIP 2: Know what home insurance you need

Working out an accurate figure for the buildings and contents insurance value can be awkward, which is why a lot of homeowners are either under insured or paying for levels of cover they don’t really need.

Buildings insurance covers the re-build cost of your property not its market value. The re-build value of your home is the cost of re-building it in the event that it is destroyed by fire or subsidence for example. The re-build value of your home can usually be found on your mortgage agreement, or property deeds. The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) produces a range of detailed information on the cost of rebuilding houses and flats together with a re-building cost calculator.

Alternatively, you can opt for a policy that has an unlimited or high standard buildings sum insured so you don’t have to worry about insuring the right amount.

Then there is the home contents insurance which covers almost everything else you would take with you if you moved house. Make a list of the rooms in your house and write down all the items contained in each with there value. Then, total the individual amounts to see what contents insurance protection you need. Remember to value items such as music CD’s, videos and clothing as their total cost is often missed or under insured. Whether your wardrobe is full of jeans or designer labels, make sure you include the cost of replacing them.

TIP 3: Look at separate buildings & contents insurance

If you need both buildings and contents insurance, get quotes for separate policies for maximum potential savings. Most insurers do provide them as separate policies and just because one is cheap for buildings cover doesn’t mean they are equally competitive to insure the contents. Find the cheapest providers for each component and consider buying each from different insurers.

TIP 4: Shop around for home insurance

Shopping around will yield the biggest savings on home insurance.

Firstly, don’t simply opt for the home insurance supplied by your mortgage lender. They can be convenient when your busy sorting your mortgage but they’re often over priced and chances are they won’t have been compared against other policies on the market.

When shopping for insurance you basically have three options; go direct to the insurer, browse the web or use a broker. If you have the time and commitment you can do all three, but the fastest and most effective route is to log on and use the reach of the internet.

The best insurance websites compare dozens of brokers and home insurance companies in minutes. You only have to fill in one form to get a list of premiums displayed on your screen from major insurers and brokers. However, if you have unusual or very specific requirements the final premium may increase when confirmed direct with your chosen insurer.

TIP 5: Ask for a bargain

Home insurance has a margin of profit built into it which can be negotiated down if you’re armed with the right information. Not all insurers will buckle and concede an additional discount but if you don’t ask you won’t know.

• First, find the cheapest quote after using internet comparison sites and phoning a few brokers.
•  Select the cheapest quote and contact your existing insurer first asking them to beat it. If they won’t budge contact the second cheapest insurer and do the same.
•  If after your best efforts, the insurer won’t budge, ask them to throw in some extra cover to sweeten the deal or move on to the next home insurance company and repeat the same steps.

Bathroom Design

As any interior designer will tell you, it is all very well choosing the right fixtures and fittings, but it is the finishing touches and how you dress the room that can draw a scheme together.

Lighting

Consider a staged lighting scheme so that you can choose lighting to suit your mood. Bright halogen downlighters will flood a room with white light creating a feeling of space. However, if you want a relaxing bath you may want something a little more subtle.

Floor level lighting shining on tiling or simple wall lights can help to create a subtle ambient light perfect for creating the feeling of a sanctuary. And don’t forget the mirror. Downlights can cast awkward shadows on the face when you look at your reflection. Wall lights mounted either side of a mirror create the ideal light for shaving or applying makeup. A three staged lighting scheme will help increase the versatility of your room.

For a more elaborate, period ambience your lighting may need to be more flamboyant. A dramatic chandelier in a large traditional bathroom is a real winner and will help to create an instant feeling of opulence. However, if you don’t have enough space, simple wall sconces can give create a similar effect of sumptuousness.