Q. The worktops in our kitchen are looking very tired. Is it easy to replace them? If so, which material should we use?
A. The look of a kitchen is defined largely by the worktop style. After a few years, the kitchen units are often still serviceable, but the worktops start showing their age. Thankfully, it is easy to update your worktops to give thenn a newer look, and there is a wide variety of choice depending on your budget. A favourite for worktops is granite because it's available in a wide range of colours and qualities. Over the past few years engineered products have become popular too, with Corian and Silestone leading the market. These worktops are produced from a template that is taken after a kitchen is installed. Retro fitting is easily done, but you do need to be aware that it can be expensive. Prices start at around £200 a metre. For a quick and easier solution, Granite Transformations will fit a 6mm granite top to your existing worktop. A cheaper alternative to this could also be high quality laminate. Bushboard do a good selection, including products that look like engineered stone. Whatever you choose, consider using an up-stand rather than a tiled splash-back. This gives a more contemporary and cleaner look.
Q. With autumn approaching, how easy is it to give my home a new look for the new season?
A. You can easily achieve a new look by making a few simple changes. As the days get shorter using autumnal colours in your home will provide a very comforting feel over the winter months. The quickest and easiest way to update your interior is to review and renew the accessories. If you have storage space you can store the summer accessories away and change them with the season. This will help to keep your interior fresh. Using rich berry tones for the soft furnishing is a good idea. Another easy thing to do is replace lighter curtains and voiles with heavier interlined curtains for the winter. You can also easily repaint one wall in the home to add a splash of colour. These easy tips will give your home a new look without the difficulty and expense of total redecoration.