Home & Garden

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6 tips to double your living space

1. Use large wall mirrors to bounce and reflect light.

Using light-infusing paint colours or silk/satin paint will also help bounce light around. 2. Use the same flooring throughout the whole of your downstairs to give the impression that rooms are bigger. 3. Use glass or see-through furniture for side tables and coffee tables. 4. Opt for multi-use furniture such as ottomans or footrests with hidden storage. 5. Don’t over clutter rooms – keep accessories to a minimum and make sure items are tidied away regularly. 6. Stick to a simple colour palette – ideally using just a couple of colours to create an illusion of space.

THE DO’S & DON’TS OF LAUNDRY

DO…

• Wash your clothes less frequently – try airing them instead (outside if it’s nice) • Wash your clothes inside out which will help minimise colours fading • If an item is particularly dirty, put it on a pre-wash cycle in the washing machine without detergent and then put it on a normal cycle with detergent. • Mix whites and colours when washing at 30°C or below.

DON’T…

• Put too many clothes into your machine. You should be able to get two fists on top of the pile easily. • Use fabric softener when you wash your towels as it makes them less absorbent. • Leave your clothes in the washing machine for too long once the cycle is finished. It only takes 24 hours for fungus to start growing.

THE BIG SPRING CLEAN MADE EASY

• Make a schedule and don’t try to tackle too much in one go; one room at a time is great and finish it before moving onto the next. • Before you tackle a room, aim to declutter it first, making piles for loft storage or the charity shop. • Wash bedding, duvets, pillows and throws and pack them away, swapping these for lighter (and brighter) bed linen and soft furnishings. • Dust from the top-to-bottom – vac away cobwebs in corners and dirty marks on walls. Top up with a new paint job if needed. • Don’t forget to wipe down light switches, mirrors, windows and doors – these are often forgotten but are usually the first to show signs of dirt. • Throw open the windows and let some natural air into your home.

MONDAY

Orpington 5.30pm and 7pm Toni 07841 366244

TUESDAY

Petts wood 9am and 10.30am Debra 07986 969404 Farnborough village 9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Bev 07931 109756 Orpington 5.30pm and 7.30pm Debra 07986 969404

THURSDAY

St Paul’s Cray 9.30am Beverley 07500 232416 Orpington 9.30am Michelle 07927 134103 Orpington 5pm and 7pm Michelle 07927 134103

FRIDAY

Orpington 9.30am Michelle 07927 134103

WEDNESDAY

Biggin Hill 10am and 6pm Sophie 07929 365228 St Paul’s Cray 5pm and 7pm Beverley 07500 232416

SATURDAY

Bromley 8.30am and 10am Katie 07496 730008 Orpington 8.30am and 10am Toni 07841 366244