Royal Homes Summer 2023

Hi everyone, It’s hard to believe another edition of Royal Homes magazine has come around. Since the first edition was published it has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted by the positive response it has received from everyone.

In this edition we will have some great tips and advice on how the get the best from “Royal Homes” for the Summer season. We have Interior Design tips including How to Style your home using Sheer Voiles and following on from that, How to protect your Curtains & Soft Furnishings from Sun Fading. Top Wallpapers Trends for 2023, How to Colour Coordinate & Keep a Flow Throughout your Home. These are just some of the fantastic articles we will have in this edition.

A very interesting survey was carried out recently and did you know that six out of ten people don’t know what their home’s BER rating is? We will look at the findings in more detail inside.

Don’t worry, we are not forgetting the garden. We will have tips and advice from David Skelly of Ramor Landscaping on how to get the most from your garden this season.

As always, it has been a lot of hard working getting this edition of Royal Homes out to you, our loyal readers, and we really hope you enjoy the end result.

Until next time, take care. Sinead

Inside this issue

Page 6

Page 10

Top Season Trending Designs

How to Colour Coordinate Your Home

Page 12 Prevent Sun Dmage To Soft Furnishings

Page 16 A Sheer Expression Of Elegance

Pages 18 / 19 Make The Most Of The Space In A Small Bathroom

Page 20

Page 22

Page 26

Wallpaper Trends

Stunning Staircases

Trees to Treasures Exhibition

Pages 28 / 29 Guide To Wooden Floors

Page 31

Native Trees

Page 33 Protect Our Pollinators

Page 34 Make The Most Of A Small Garden

Top Season

Trending Designs 2023

Colour is probably one of the most impactful ways of affecting the overall feeling of an interior space.

Colour has become the New Neutral! Those walls that have been a shade of white will now be painted in shades of your personality!

We will see lots of bold prints such as tropical artwork and some stunning abstract this year.

Choosing abstract artwork for your interior scheme is a

FEATURE PANELED WALLS: are a huge interior trend right now and simple to achieve.

This type of paneling looks great behind the sofa in your

NAVY IS THE NEW BLACK:

Pushing black out of the way, navy blue has taken the role of being the dark neutral we all want in our homes because of its understated style.

Bring sophistication to your kitchen cabinets by painting the cabinets in Navy Blue complimented with gold hardware. Complete the look with a complimentary

great way to pull out your primary, secondary and accent colours for your scheme if you spend time finding the right piece. Your home should reflect your personality so don’t be afraid to put a splash of colour on a feature wall or add exciting wallpaper to your home.

So whatever you do, don’t hold back, we are here to help you find the right colours and designs for your home!

sitting room, or in a boot room / utility room, even behind the bed! Choose a deep colour to accent the paneled wall in rich teals and navy.

Roman Blind in your kitchen window or add a window seat with accent cushions!

Why not update your kitchen very easily by using our Sanderson or Zoffany Paint brands available to purchase through our shop or website. Visit www. junerayfus.com

These stylish and durable paints give an amazing finish to any kitchen woodwork.

June Rayfus

Made to Measure Curtain & Blind Specialist

C URTAINS

Get the look in your home with our premium quality curtains by June Rayfus. With over 30 years creating beautiful curtain designs we have a real passion for designing and creating Curtains for your home. Personalised attention guaranteed.

FABRICS

Choose fabrics for Curtains & Roman blinds from our range of designer collections such as Clarke & Clarke, Zoffany, Sanderson, Harlequin, Andrew Martin and many more... W e offer competitive prices on all fabrics per metre.

I NTERIOR DESIGN

We offer a complete package for custom made curtains & blinds to help you choose the right fabrics, wallpapers and colours for your home! Call us today to book your One To One Consultation for Curtains, Blinds & Interior Design.

BRING YOUR HOME TO LIFE: Another good way to introduce colour into a neutral interior scheme just like your sitting room is to use accent fabrics and wallpapers in striking botanical prints from leafy wallpapers to animal prints.

We all know nature can have a big impact on our wellbeing so why not create a space in your home to enjoy. For a quick an easy update, choose a mix of cushions with botanical patterns, as they will work really well on a plain sofa!

ROMAN BLINDS: More than ever we are making made to measure Roman Blinds to suit all styles of windows for our customers. This type of blind is so popular because you can choose from a vast range of fabrics and you can let the blind down in sections so you can enjoy it different times of the day. This type of blind works great in kitchen windows as you can then tell a story with coordinating fabrics for patio door curtains, scatter cushions at the kitchen table or seat pads, also co-ordinate with custom made bar stools and you can continue your story of gorgeous fabrics into your boot room or utility room!

LIVEN UP YOUR BATHROOM: Bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with your pattern and colour and to try something out of the ordinary. The greatest thing about trying a new wallpaper or wall colour in the bathroom is that pretty much anything will work in this space. Why? Since there is not much furniture and fabrics in your bathroom, it’s pretty easy to make a floral wallpaper work great with no competition. If you are afraid to take the plunge elsewhere, take a risk in your bathroom – you definitely will not be disappointed.

Why not make an In-Store Appointment at our Studio in Navan town to browse our large wallpaper library! Ph: 0469022696

“IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRICS FOR YOUR HOME SIMPLY GIVE US A CALL ON 0469022696 TO BOOK AN IN-STORE OR HOME CONSULTATION! C

FOR

ON OUR BESPOKE BAR STOOLS, DINING CHAIRS, CUSTOM MADE WINDOW SEATS AND CURTAINS AND BLINDS”

How To Colour Coordinate Your Home

Nothing is more exciting than buying your first home or getting the chance to revamp a room in your home!

When working with a blank canvas we always recommend creating a mood-board to get the right look and feel for your space.

If you are working with existing furniture, we like to look at the style of furniture in place and find

ways to give it a new lease of life and create a new style for your room.

We recommend choosing your fabrics for curtains and soft furnishings first especially if you would like to introduce patterned fabrics into the scheme.

From there we can choose your primary and secondary colours for walls and artwork. Finally accent a colour throughout with accessories.

How to use the 60/30/10 percent rule Keep the colour scheme flowing

When choosing colours for your new scheme try out this easy to follow approach to help create a wellbalanced scheme.

In a scheme 60 percent is the main colour for your room.

Most likely the 60 percent in a living room would be most of your walls and large accent pieces like rugs and sofa.

Your 30 percent is the secondary colour. So this could be curtains, accent chairs, bed linens, painted furniture, or even creating an accent wall.The idea is

that the secondary colour supports the main colour, but is different enough to set them apart and give the room interest. The real fun comes with the accent colour you’ll be adding next.

Your 10 percent is your accent colour. For a living room, this is yourscatter cushions, decorative accessories, and artwork. For a bedroom, this could be accent pillows on the bed, lamps on the bedside table and candles. Your accent colour can be pulled from artwork in the room, or from a printed fabric.

Once you've selected a colour scheme for the main room in your home, choose one colour from it to carry it throughout your home.

You can always add other colours to the main colour

when moving from one room to the next.

Using this strategy will keep your home décor flowing and cohesive without being too similar in every room.

CHECK OUT ALL OUR LATEST DESIGN TIPS FOR YOUR HOME OVER ON OUR BLOG WWW.JUNERAYFUS.COM/BLOG

IF YOU NEED HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRICS AND WALLPAPERS FOR YOUR HOME SIMPLY GET IN TOUCH TO BOOK AN

How to Prevent Sun Light Damage to your Curtains & Soft Furnishings

PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE

• Arrange your décor so fabrics are kept out of direct sunlight, and try to rearrange regularly to reduce constant exposure of one side.

• If your furniture has removable cushions, make sure you flip and rotate them regularly to minimise exposure of one upholstery surface.

• For Curtains, make sure the track is wide enough so curtains can be pulled well back from the window.

• Use a good quality Curtain lining. Not only does this provide insulation, but it will help

to protect your curtains from sun damage.

• Swap curtains occasionally from one side of the track to the other, to avoid having one edge constantly exposed to sunlight.

• Invest in Sheer Curtains that remain closed during the day, not only does this reduce the effects of the sun, but provides privacy as well.

By taking some of these simple steps, you could extend the life of your soft furnishings and upholstery and keep it beautiful for years to come.

Then look no further than Garolla. Transform the appearance of your exteriors and improve the security of your home all in one by updating to a Garolla garage door.

Handmade by a team of skilled craftsmen, every Garolla garage door is made from only the very best materials and to your home’s exact specifications. From start to finish you will only work with your own local installer, guaranteeing no pushy salesmen in sight.

As well as installing your garage door, your local installer will also conduct the initial survey of your property and will always be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Offering style as well as substance, Garolla electric garage doors are available in 21 colours and come in two different slat sizes to perfectly fit any opening. Avoid any hidden charges with Garolla, where an instant quote comes inclusive of measuring, fitting and VAT.

For more information visit their website www.Garolla.ie, or, alternatively, give them a call on 046 90 07885

MASTERING YOUR MORTGAGE WITH DROGHEDA CREDIT UNION

At the beginning, it’s difficult to know just where to start with it all. Mastering your mortgage is something most people wouldn’t even try to contemplate in the early stages of the process, but we want to change that!

Drogheda Credit Union’s Mortgage Expert, Mark Smith, has put together a guide to mastering your mortgage, an essential checklist to help you become mortgage ready, and have you in your dream home much sooner than you think!

A GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR MORTGAGE:

1. Identify how much of a mortgage you are eligible to borrow - It’s important to know the figure you can borrow at an early stage to ensure you don’t get your hopes up when looking at houses. Drogheda Credit Union can help you to calculate this figure easily using their mortgage enquiry form, which is available on www.droghedacu.ie

2.Speak to a dedicated Mortgage Advisor - Be practical, talk to a financial provider such as Drogheda Credit Union who can advise you

about what is the best course of action for you to take on your mortgage journey. There is a lot of criteria to meet when it comes to getting a mortgage so having a good handle on this early on really helps speed up the process.

3.Start Saving - It’s a must when it comes to starting your mortgage journey. Start saving as early as possible and establish regular monthly savings for a period of at least 6 months. It’s important to demonstrate your repayment capacity and helps accumulate funds towards your deposit.

4.Prepare the Paperwork – It helps if you organise the paperwork required before applying for your mortgage. Many lenders like Drogheda Credit Union can provide you with a mortgage checklist and take you through the various documents that will be required.

5.Factor in Extra Costs – When buying a property there are always additional fees that first time buyers don’t factor into their home costs. Valuation fee, stamp duty, home insurance, estate agents fees, legal

fees, property taxare all ones to be aware of when totting up your figures.

If you already have your Mortgage but considering a switch, then Drogheda Credit Union should be on your list. As interest rates continue to rise across the banking sector, it’s important to remember that Drogheda Credit Union is not linked to the ECB, which means that that no sudden rate increases will apply.

*Loans are subject to approval. Terms and Conditions apply.

Warning: if you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Warning: If you do not keep up repayments, you may lose your home.

A mortgage, one of many big life decisions, can be daunting until we get to grips with what exactly needs to be done to attain it.

A Sheer Expression Of Elegance

Gently diffusing the light, sheers drape exceptionally well and offeradesired level of privacy. As seasons and trends change, combine the timeless beauty of sheers with complementary lined curtains.

Synonymous with stylish simplicity, these light weight sheer fabrics are available in a range a plains, textures and colour.

So Why are Sheer Voiles so popular in todays Interiors?

1. PRIVACY

Voile Curtains range from sheer to being near enough to opaque to allow for increased privacy. There is no getting around it, if you have a large sliding door or L Shaped Patio Door, chances are you will feel a little exposed at some point during the day or evening.

2.LIGHT CONTROL

The ability of a voile curtain to filter light allows you to keep a room bright as the fabric acts as a light diffuser, which softens the natural light. Light is great but can be a bit of a nuisance if you’re trying to watch television, creating a

strong glare on your screen. Creating flexible décor will help guarantee that your curtains not only serve their purpose, but help keep the room comfortable and functional at all times. You want to be able to react to the elements and control the light shining in.

3.FABRICS YOU´LL LOVE

Dress your windows and glass sliding doors with sheers that you will love. While white, champagne and grey seem to be the most popular choices, you can find this material in navy, green and many other colours. Sheer Voiles are most commonly custom made to suit our window requirements.

4. PAIR WITH LINED CURTAINS

Sheer voile curtains can be used in combination with outer lined curtains which is often a favoured choice when decorating a room. The sheer material can be used to allow in light during the day while the heavier curtains may be pulled in the evening time to make your room warm and cosy.

Pair your Sheer Voile or

Lined Curtain Dressings with our contemporary range of Silent Gliss Metropole.

Silent Gliss are delighted to present their new, elegant Metropole curtain pole range. But what differentiates

Metropole from traditional curtain poles?The precision engineered profile contains unique twocomponent gliders that avoid the need for curtain rings, giving the appearance of a pole but with a new modern contemporary finish.

Metropole available in 4 shapes and sizes ranging from 28m to 50m and up to 15 colours continues to ensure customers are spoilt for choice. Whether hand, cord or electrically operated, straight, or

curved, Metropole makes a defining design statement to any window.

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Luxury Bathroom Renovations

Size isn’t everything with your bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, but very often it’s the smallest. So, if you’re pushed for space and are considering upgrading your bathroom, but can’t increase the space, here are some small bathroom ideas to give you some inspiration.

1. WALL MOUNTED TOILET

Save floor space and legroom with a wall mounted toilet, but check first that you have space in the walls to build in a toilet tank. As well as saving space, it’s also an easier solution if you are laying tiles and for clearing thereafter.

2. WALL MOUNTED SINK AND VANITY

Look for narrow washbasin designs and for the newer thin edge sinks build into a wall mounted vanity unit with drawers or cupboards for storage.

3. MIRRORS

A large mirror can make a small bathroom look much larger, especially above the vanity unit. Mirrors are also really effective along one side of a narrow bathroom and are great for reflecting light from the window or light fittings. They really add to the overall ambience of a small bathroom.

4. LOSE THE BATH

As baths take up twice the amount of floor space than showers, you may want to lose yours. Showers or wet rooms are great for small bathrooms and are suitable for all ages.

5. FRAMELESS SHOWER PANELS

Easy to install and maintain, shower panels are perfect for small bathrooms. They can be either fixed or hinged to swing. You can fold hinged glass panels inward when the shower is not in use as well. Avoid sliding glass panels which require top and bottom tracks and are more difficult to clean.

6. OPEN SHELVING

In small bathrooms, storage is key, and if you’re short on floor space for freestanding units, then utilise the walls. If there are any recessed areas, they can be lined with rows of open shelving to create high level storage.

7. DECORATING

If you are tiling a small bathroom, then use the same tiling on the wall and floor to create a seamless look. Or either stick to one colour if painting. Alternatively, a bold feature wallpaper can create a feeling of extra space. Another option is panelled woodwork with all round shelving which looks great, as well as adding additional shelving for storage.

8. LIGHTING

How you light your bathroom can make a huge difference to how big it feels. With the right choice of bulbs and fittings, in the right place, your small bathroom will feel more spacious. For overhead lights, choose bathroom spotlights and downlights with LED positioned evenly across the room. LED bulbs give a clean, bright light and last for an average of 15 years, so you wont need to worry that more lights mean changing more bulbs.

9. HEATING

A radiator can take up too much space in smaller bathrooms, so opt instead for a towel warmer. They are available in narrow options for tight spaces and in wall mounted sizes. They also do away with the need to fit a conventional towel rail, thus saving more space.

10. CLEAR THE CLUTTER

With a smaller bathroom, you must keep it clutter free. Have a place for everything and tidy toiletries. Keep toilet rolls and cleaning products neatly away from view.

Wallpaper Trends for 2023

Wallpaper has been referred to as “Clothes For Walls” by top designers in the industry. That is because it allows you to create a unique ambiance in your home that no other wall finish can accomplish. 2023 offers a wide selection of wallpaper choices that range from traditional floral patterns to modern art deco designs. Today’s wallpaper patterns can be mellow and subdued or bold and dramatic.

BOLD FLORALS: Be bright, be bold, be you! Florals are, quite literally, bigger than ever for 2023. Large-scale prints are the hero-floral for the seasons ahead. Captivate a room with a feature wall of flourishing foliage. The trend for Renaissancestyle brooding dark backdrops with rich jewel tones is very much a key style to look out for.

Image: Bold Florals – Marsha wallpaper available at June Rayfus Interiors

SLEEK METALLIC: One of the most stunning wallpaper options at the moment is the metallic effect design, which looks very fashionable and elegant in any interior. You can find plenty of modern wallpaper options with all kinds of amazing designs mixed with a metallic colour, and this kind of combination looks very luxurious and graceful.

Image: Sleek & Metallic – Scroll demask metallic wallpaper available from June Rayfus Interiors

WALL MURALS THAT FASCINATE

Falling foliage is the look of the moment for 2023 and we have some exquisite designs that narrates their own blissful fairy tales.

Allow yourself to be transported to the enchanting world of nature, where a gentle breeze delicately ruffles the leaves of a weeping willow, while an uplifting spectacle of graceful birds take flight in a colourful display of feathers.

Mural 1 – Fig Blossom/Apple/Peony

Mural 2 – Bleached Coral Floreana

Mural 3 – Create a magical backdrop for your home at June Rayfus Interiors

Mural 4 - Need help choosing the right wallpaper for your home? Book a free instore consultation at June Rayfus Interiors

TEXTURED WALLS: You can see and feel wallpaper. Textured wallpaper is designed to display a fabric like appearance.

This type of paper can be used on all walls in your room to give a harmonious style throughout your home of office.

Image: Textured Walls – Book an appointment at June Rayfus Interiors to full our large range of stylish textured wallpapers.

TROPICAL AND BOTANICAL

PRINT: Tropical and botanical prints are the leading trend for 2023 wallpaper designs.

They are attention-getting and so striking in any interior. As with other similar patterns, they can bring a sense of nature into the home.

Image: Tropical & Botanical

PLAYFUL MURALS: Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town! Step into this wonderful world of joyous characters and intricate illustrations, performing under the flag topped roof of our striped big top.

Share stories full of life, inspired by the unbelievable acts and colourful fairground rides within this showstopping wallpaper panel. Perfect for feature wall in playroom or children’s bedroom.

Stunning Staircases

Gone are the days when the staircase in your home was viewed as something practical, as a means of travelling up and down the floors in your home. While there’s a great choice of styles and designs in the banisters and spindles, the stairs themselves are coming into their own, with a variety of funky ways that they can add to your interior.

Forget about carpeting them from top to bottom, unless that’s what you really want to do, and have a look at some of the novel ways you can bring the WOW factor to the stairs themselves. All you need is some paint and a bit of imagination to transform your treads, but preparation is key.

There are so many great staircase painting possibilities, once you put your creative mind to it.

You could go for a bright block colour on every step, or if you are adventurous you could introduce alternating colours on each tread.

Try painting the treads and rises into complimentary colours for a contrast or get clever with the masking tape and create a bespoke “faux” carpet or runner up the stairs.

Decoupaging the rises with wallpaper or patterned napkins for using stencils

can create a really dramatic effect that can turn your staircase into a fantastic feature.

Cover with a coat of clear varnish to protect your handiwork.

Before you begin, have a read of our handy guide to create your very own heavenly staircase.

PREPARATION

Before you start, make sure that your stairs are in a good stage and if not, repair any loose or broken parts and fill in any dents.

You can paint both bare wood and painted wood but if the stairs are very old and have many layers of paint on, you might want to strip them back before using a fresh paint.

Once prepared, sand the surface then make sure the stairs are clean and free from dust. On bare wood you may want to use a resin and knot blocking primer.

CHOOSE YOUR PAINT

While you can use any wood paint, it’s best to use a floor paint as they are more durable as it will be walked all over, as well being less slippery.

If you do opt for a wood paint, then a satin finish will be best for the treads, whilst gloss can be used on the risers.

TOOLS

To paint your stairs, you will need rollers and trays, a paint brush, sanding and cleaning equipment and masking tape plus stencils if you are creating patterns.

TIPS

Start early and preferably when everyone is out for the day. You need to factor in drying time which will be at least a few hours and be touch dry and longer before you should be walking on it.

For a smooth finish use a small roller but cut in with a paintbrush. If may sound obvious but start at the top and work down so you don’t get stuck upstairs.

Welcome to our world of Interior Design trends for 2023.

Here are some popular styles and ideas that have been making waves in the design industry. Remember, trends are meant to inspire you, but it's essential to design spaces that reflect your personal style and preferences. Feel free to mix and match ideas to create a unique and inviting environment that suits your needs and taste. Happydecorating!

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN:

With a growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, sustainable design is at the forefront. Incorporate eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and natural textiles, into your interior spaces.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN:

Bring nature indoors by integrating greenery and natural elements. Create living walls, incorporate indoor gardens, and use organic patterns and textures to establish a connection with the outdoors.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES:

Maximising functionality is key in modern design. Create adaptable spaces that serve multiple purposes, such as a home office that can transform into a guest bedroom or a dining area that doubles as a workspace with something as simple as an elegant room divider.

BOLD COLOURS AND PATTERNS:

Vibrant colours and daring patterns are gaining popularity. Experiment with bold hues, like jewel tones and rich earthy shades, and incorporate eye-catching patterns through wallpapers, fabrics, and statement pieces.

MIXED METALS:

Embrace the art of mixing metals in your decor. Combine brass, copper, gold, and silver finishes to add visual interest and depth to your space. Don't be afraid to mix different metal tones and textures.

MINIMALISM WITH WARMTH:

Minimalist design remains timeless, but with a twist. Combine clean lines and simplicity with warm and cozy elements like soft textures, warm lighting, and natural materials to create inviting and serene spaces.

SMART HOMES:

Integrating technology seamlessly into your living spaces is becoming increasingly popular. Embrace smart home systems, including voice-controlled assistants, automated lighting, and energy-efficient appliances, for added convenience and comfort.

RETRO REVIVAL:

Retro-inspired designs are making a comeback.

Incorporate nostalgic elements from the '70s, '80s, or '90s, such as geometric patterns, bold colours, and vintage furniture, to infuse your space with a touch of nostalgia.

Trees to Treasures: Exhibition Showcases

Ireland's Expertise in Furniture Making

ATU student, Matthew Coyle from Trim is one of a few selected students at ATU who is part of the exhibition in Dublin. His Ornamental Table made from Elm and Maple is part of the Trees to Treasure exhibition at Farmleigh Gallery in Phoenix Park.

Mathew is studying B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Design, Making and Technology at ATU Connemara. Trees to Treasures exhibition highlights the remarkable work being produced by the students, staff, and graduates of ATU. It focuses on the transition of trees into beautiful and treasured creations, drawing influence from numerous sources, including experience, aesthetics, functionality, and the exceptional natural beauty of the campus's location on the west coast of Ireland.

The exhibition will run until the 27th August at Farmleigh Gallery in the Phoenix Park.

The launch event was attended by a large audience and was officially opened by Rosemary Steen, CEO of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland who encourages the public to visit the exhibition over the summer, “The Trees to Treasures exhibition is an unmissable exhibition for lovers of Irish craft and design. The dynamic nature of the programmes available to students at ATU are reflected in the show. It’s an exhibition which

demonstrates how creativity can really come to life in the outstanding pieces on show.”

“This exhibition not only showcases the impressive work by students, graduates and staff of ATU. But it also illustrates, through sustainable means and materials, how exhibitions of high quality can be

produced. We at DCCI are very proud to have been involved at the launch of this wonderful exhibition and encourage all those with an interest in the sector to visit it.”

Over the last twenty years, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has worked with ATU Connemara, starting with work placement

students and progressing to collaborative projects and exhibitions for Government Departments, Historic Houses, and Museums.

For those interested in learning more about the programmes delivered at the ATU Connemara campus, the public can visit the Trees to Treasures exhibition at Farmleigh Gallery, Farmleigh House, which will remain open until the 27th of August.

Further information is available from the website www.atu.ie

Matthew Coyle from Trim is one of a few selected students at ATU who is part of the exhibition

laying a wooden floor

handy tips to transform your space with wooden flooring

There’s nothing that can transform a room or open space in your home more than a wooden floor. It can make a room appear bigger, warmer, and just adds a really homely look throughout, as well as being easier to maintain and clean, especially with a large family and little kids.

Spills that might ruin a carpet can be easily mopped up and cleaned away in minutes, and it’s hard wearing solution that will last for years to come.

Whilst it’s essential to get it fitted correctly, with most people bringing in the professionals is the best step to take. However if you think you are up to the job, here are some handy hints to transforming your space with wooden flooring.

You can choose from solid wood flooring which is, as it says on the tin, a solid piece of week from top to bottom, whilst engineered wood consists of a layer of wood veneer on top of a plywood base.

The type of wood flooring you choose and the way you install it depends on the type of sub-floor which is the base floor underneath your wood floor.

CHECK YOUR SUB FLOOR

There are three common types in your property. This is the base floor that will sit beneath your wood flooring. There are three common types of sub-flooring

1) Concrete/cement/stone: you can use solid wood which can either be nailed down on the battens or glued to the sub floor or choose engineered wood flooring which can be glued down or installed to float.

2) Plywood/chipboard: again, you can use nailed or glued down solid wood or float or glue down engineered flooring.

3) Particle board: wood flooring must be glued down and engineered flooring can be glued down or floated. Underfloor heating

If you have under-floor heating you should choose engineered wood flooring over solid wood. This is

because it’s more durable and able to cope with extremes in temperature and can either float or be glued down.

you apply to the sub-floor. Then simply lay your wood flooring.

If you have a concrete sub-floor you should lay a two part damp proof membrane to prevent damp from rising.

LAYINIG YOUR FLOOR

Whatever method you choose, to get a really great result, lay your planks in the direction that leads the eye to a certain focal point of the rooms, like a lovely fireplace or other main features in the room.

Glued down flooding is very secure and all you need are the sections of flooring and a suitable adhesive. Your flooring retailer will be able to recommend a bonding agent, which

Allow your floor to settle as long as possible before walking on it so that the adhesive is completely bonded. Floating flooring: this is the easiest DIY flooring method, which is perfect if you’re laying your first floor. First you need to put down a underlay to act as a moisture barrier and as

insulation. Then apply PVA glue to fit the tongue and groove parts together as you lay your flooring.

Nailed down flooring is an ideal way to securely fit new wood flooring. Although it’s time consuming and hard work, it’s very effective and straightforward.

To save time it might be worth investing in or hiring a nail gun, especially if you are installing wood flooring in a large space. Another tip is to use a ply foam underlay to hold flooring securely in place and to prevent squeaking floorboards

Six in Ten Don’t Know What the BER of Their Home Is

One in three homeowners cannot afford to make their properties more energyefficient “Environmental benefits of retrofit homes are no match for the motivation of cheaper energy bills”

Most homeowners (60pc) in Ireland do not know the BER rating of their home and one in three (34pc) cannot afford to make their properties more energyefficient, despite the potential of such a move to slash their energy bills long term.

A new survey by property advisor, Savills Ireland, of over 1,000 adults nationwide, which examined awareness of, and attitudes towards, the Building Energy Rating (BER) of homes found that almost a quarter of those asked have recently made improvements to improve the BER of their home, while a further 23pc have plans to do so over the next 12 – 24 months.

But while environment benefits have come to the fore of public discourse in recent years, cost savings are by far and away the key driver behind Irish homeowners making their homes more efficient.

Commenting on the survey findings, Beverly Ensor, Divisional Director at Savills New Homes of said: “Building Energy Rating has been around for many years, but it’s really only in recent years that it has been a key concern for

homeowners, and even at that, it’s still not a consideration for many, as evidenced by the fact that six in ten homeowners don’t know the BER of their home and one in ten don’t know what a BER is. 20% of homeowners said improving the BER of their home just isn’t a priority for them”.

“Without doubt, any move that makes your home more energy efficient has a multitude of benefits – from lower energy costs, to adding to the saleability of your home. And while we all know that using energy more efficiently to power and heat a home is better for the environment – when

it comes down to it, it is really financial benefits that drive people to act. For three in four homeowners (76pc), the ability to save money on energy bills would be their most likely reason to improve the BER of their home, while only one in five (19pc) would do so to in order to help the environment”.

“Unfortunately, more than a third of homeowners believe they cannot afford to improve the BER, of their home. The cost of retrofitting a home easily runs into tens of thousands and the high cost of a home energy upgrade is clearly a barrier.”

“While this could be an

indication of just how hardpressed household finances are across the board, it also suggests that the opportunity cost of a home retrofit is simply beyond the reach of many household budgets and perhaps more needs to be done to encourage the takeup of the Government’s home retrofit grants, as well as the availability and accessibility of those grants.”

Additional findings from the Savills Ireland BER Survey include:

1. Men are more slightly more inclined than women to be inspired to energyproof their home for the good of the environment (26pc versus 19pc).

2. The older the individual, the less likely they are to cite the environment as the key driver for a home retrofit. Less than one in five (17pc) of those aged 55+ would improve the BER of their home for the good of the environment, compared to more than one in three (36pc) of those aged 18 to 24

3. Women are more inclined than men to say they cannot afford to improve the BER of their home (37pc v 31pc)

4. While Dubliners are amongst the least likely to retrofit their home due to the environmental benefits of doing so, those living in other Leinster counties and in Munster are more likely to be environmentally conscious

5. Four in ten homeowners (40pc) have had the BER of their home assessed.

In The Garden

Native Trees

Planting trees not only enhances our surroundings but also plays a vital role in environmental preservation. When it comes to tree planting, native species brings an array of benefits that go beyond aesthetics.

Native trees, adapted to specific regions offer advantages such as ecological stability, wildlife support and environmental conservation.

In this article we explore the abundant benefits of planting native trees.

Native trees are well suited to their native regions’ climate, soil conditions and rainfall patterns. They require minimal maintenance, needing less water, fertilizer and care compared to non-native species.

Planting native trees creates resilient green spaces that withstand extreme weather events, aiding in climate change mitigation.

Support

Native trees play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity, providing habitats and food for native insects, birds and mammals.

This fosters pollination, seed dispersal and overall ecosystem health. By planting native trees, we preserve essential food chains and ecological

interactions, maintaining nature’s delicate balance.

3. Soil Health and Erosion Control

Native tree roots adapt to local soil composition, improving soil structure and preventing erosion. Their extensive root networks stabilise soil, reducing landslides and degradation risks. Native trees promote nutrient cycling and beneficial microorganism growth, enhancing soil fertility and health.

4. Air and Water Quality

Native trees act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants while releasing oxygen.

They mitigate air pollution, improving air

quality and reducing respiratory problems.

Native trees also intercept rainfall and with their leaf canopies slowing runoff and allowing water to replenish groundwater, mitigating floods.

5.

Strategic planting of native trees around buildings and urban areas has a significant impact on energy consumption. Their shade provides natural cooling, reducing the need for air conditioning. In colder climates, deciduous native trees shed leaves allowing sunlight to warm buildings. This energy efficiency lowers bills and cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

CONCLUSION

Planting native trees extends beyond visual appeal, it signifies a commitment to environmental preservation.

These trees support biodiversity, foster ecological stability and provide numerous environmental benefits. By recognising the value of native trees and consciously including them in our planting initiatives, we contribute to the sustainability and resilience of our ecosystems.

Let us forever embrace the power of native trees, taking action to conserve them for generations to come.

1. Adaption to Local Climate

2. Biodiversity and Wildlife

Energy Efficiency and Climate Adaptation

with David Skelly of Ramor Landscaping. Contact David on 087 2427399 or on Facebook

Continue Your Lifelong Love of Gardening

Alifelong love of gardening should not have to end as mobility and other issues arises in old age. Gardening provides exercise, stimulation, accomplishment and a host of other benefits that are healthy for the mind and body.

As we age, our gardens may require some adaptation and knowledge on elderly accessible gardens.

CREATING AN EASY CARE SENIOR GARDEN

Continued enjoyment in the garden may be diminished if it is difficult to get around or the amount of work is too much. However, there are some simple things that can be done to make the garden a continual place of

enjoyment.

• Reduce the overall size of the garden by increasing the area of lawn or allowing some areas to become wildlife areas we reduce the amount of work required in the garden.

• Build raised beds that have enough room on all sides to reach the centre.

Provide pathways that are easy for walkers or wheelchairs to access, resting places or stools could also be used throughout the garden.

• Gardening tools for Seniors. Conditions such as arthritis make holding tools painful or even impossible. There are foam grips you

can add to existing tools to soften the handles and add traction.

• One of the most useful items for senior gardener is a wheeled garden trolley. These act as a perch, a container to hold tools and provide an easy way of moving heavier objects.

• A very low risk an accessible method of gardening for older persons is container gardening. Containers should be on casters or stands for easy moving and made of lightweight material.

We Need to Protect Our Precious Pollinators

Biodiversity in the garden is very important. We need pollinators to grow many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. The wildflowers that provide us with color and beauty in our landscape also need pollinators, as do many garden plants.

Most pollination in Ireland is carried out by bees and other insects like hoverflies, butterflies and moths. Unfortunately, pollinators are in trouble. We know that one third of Irish bee species are threatened with extinction.

TheAll-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 is an island-

FOR GARDENS TO BE GOOD FOR POLLINATORS, THEY NEED TO PROVIDE FOOD IN THE FORM OF FLOWERS, SHELTER FOR NESTING AND SAFETY FROM CHEMICALS

�� Leave a strip of grass at the edge of a wall or fence, this will provide food and shelter for pollinators.

�� Use weed killer sparingly, areas out of sight at the back of the sheds or up behind the trees should not be sprayed, if you must strim or cut back, do it late in the year.

�� Manual weeding instead of using chemicals.

�� Flowering hedgerows around your home are a good source of pollen and nectar.

�� Plant Bee friendly plants that flower from Spring-

Autumn. This gives a continuous supply throughout the time when bees are actively foraging.

�� Don’t use herbicide on the verges outside your house.

If left alone, road verges can provide important areas for pollinators to feed and nest.

More people are starting to understand how important pollinators are and what we

wide attempt to help pollinators by creating a landscape where they can survive and thrive.

All of us have a role to play in the Pollinator Plan, and

gardens of any size can make a big difference.

These guidelines are aimed at anyone that wants to make their outdoor space more pollinator friendly.

can do to help them, but we need to keep spreading the word, especially to the next generation.

Gardening For The Beginner. A Step By Step Guide

So you have just moved into your new home, you look out the back and you have a blank canvas, what’s the first thing you do? PANIC

This is a position that many people find themselves in with their first home and while there are many approaches that you can take, I would like to give you some pointers that will make the process go smoothly and avoid expensive mistakes.

Gardens are sometimes forgotten about when we move house and some

remain neglected for years. They are however a very large part of your home and as such deserve to be taken care of to get the best results.

• PLAN for what will be needed in your garden, patio, flowerbeds, shed, lawn, play equipment, don’t forget bins, vegetable patch, clothes line, compost area, a greenhouse or any other special requirements.

• DOGS can damage a garden so consider a dog run if you have the space.

• PAY ATTENTION to the aspect of your garden,

what part of the garden gets the best sun and at what time of the day. Put the patio where it will get the most direct sun.

• BE CAREFUL planting trees and ensure that you are aware of its final size.

• Plan forward, think how you will be using your garden in 5 or even 10 years’ time.

• IF USING a contractor use one that is well recommended. Look at other work they have done.

• IF YOU ARE A DIY FAN, there is a wealth of information available on the internet from plant

selection to patio building tips.

• PLANTERS with ornamental plants and summer bedding are a great way to add a splash of colour and really lift a garden.

Finally enjoy your garden and grow with it.

Make the most of your small garden

With the homes of today, larger gardens can be hard to find, unless you build in a country area with lots of space. A lot of the new build homes tend to have a smaller garden area. This however should not deter anyone from having a garden they can be proud of. With a bit of thought and creativity, it is possible to make the most of the space you have at your disposal. Chosen properly, all of your garden features such as plants, structural items, furniture, water features etc. can make your garden space appear larger than it actually is. Here we bring you our tips to create your ideal small garden.

1. CHOOSE FURNITURE SIZE CAREFULLY.

A great way to make a small garden space work is to choose the right size Garden Furniture. Look around for a more space friendly furniture set. Perhaps pick a table and chair set that can fold and is easily stored away. This will save your garden from any clutter.

2. MAKE SOME RIPPLES

Water in a small garden adds movement, light and reflections, and can attract wildlife and birds into the space. Water features come in all shapes and sizes, from trickle fountains to ponds in pots and containers.

Look for wide, shallow pots and seal drainage holes with silicone, or recycle an old tin bath lined with plastic. For wildlife, ensure there's a way for creatures to climb out.

3. EMBRACE THE SHADE

Small gardens are often overshadowed by houses, walls or trees. Many plants have adapted to cope with lower light levels, so get to grips with the extent of your shade and choose plants accordingly. Ferns, foxgloves and heucheras are a good choice. Improve your soil with compost or leaf mould when planting.

4. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE.

Your garden, like your home should have a floor plan. You should allocate your garden into smaller areas by having dedicated space for plants, lounge and paths. This will give structure to your garden and will give it that nice clean look that otherwise would look chaotic and shrink in space.

5. THE RIGHT PATIO OR DECKING.

By having your patio or decking in the right corner of your garden this will give you the best position should you wish to have a small seating area. This will divide your space in an obvious way by leaving the reminder your garden space for other uses.

This will also make the garden easier to look after and you will have an allocated space for your garden furniture.

6. PLANT STRATEGICALLY. Too many plants can shrink your garden. You need to be smart about where and what to plant. If you’re looking at flowers and shrubs make sure to allocate the space for it first. Having a small garden doesn’t mean you can’t have any trees either, but be sure to choose the right kind of trees to ensure that it won’t clutter your garden, but give it nice greenery instead.

Consider trees that grow in height more than width and grow slowly. Scented plants turn a garden into a fragrant oasis, with the effect intensified in a smaller garden. Look for plants with different seasons of fragrance to provide scent all year, and grow them near the door or paths for best effect. Place pots of fragrant herbs next to a bench or around a patio, and squeeze plants that release their scent when crushed, such as thyme, into gaps in paths.

Having a smaller garden doesn’t mean we can’t all have a place to enjoy and relax and ultimately be proud of.

With some proper planning and a bit of creativity you can make the most of what you have and create a lovely garden to spend your days in.

With a little creativity, it's amazing how much you can fit in to a small garden.