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Cosy-up Your Home with this Ultimate Guide

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Do you feel as though your home isn’t as cosy as it could be? Maybe you want to make a positive change but just have no idea where to begin. Either way, this guide will detail some of the top changes you can make, so you can make sure that you are not wasting any time or money on your property.

woman holding a cup


Update your Bedding

One of the biggest changes you can make is updating your bedding. Crisp cotton and linen are all great for summer but in winter, flannel is the way to go. Trade your crisp sheets in for ones that are able to hold the warmth in. Jersey is another great option here. While you are at it, it could be worth trying to put a blanket or a quilt over the top of your bed so you have something for when the nights get cold. This is a great way for you to make sure that you are always putting yourself first, and that your bedroom is as warm and cosy as it should be. If you want your pet to have somewhere as comfortable as you do, then now is the best time for you to look into Pet Rebellion personalised dog beds.

Snuggly Throw Pillows

If you don’t have any yet, then now is the time for you to add some snuggly throw pillows to your sofa. Add a few of them and then add some normal fabric ones. If you can do this then you will soon find that you can achieve a nice balance and this can work in your favour overall. Don’t be afraid to explore options such as woolly knit, rich velvet or anything else comforting. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to cosy up your space. 

Add Some Warmth

Flat-weave rugs are ideal when it’s warm outside but when the weather grows colder, it’s wise for you to have some smaller rugs dotted around. Try to layer them in strategic positions and also make sure that you put some blankets over the reading chair. Little things like this can make a major difference to your home and you would be surprised at how much it could help your home to feel more like yours.


lights in a window


Soft Lighting

When the nights draw colder, it can be tempting for you to go to bed. One way for you to avoid this would be for you to get some soft lighting installed. The great thing about this is that you can add some warm-toned LEDs and candle-light bulbs. By doing this, you can then make sure that your lighting is never too harsh, and that you always feel like you can stay up if you want to.

Warm-up Window Treatments

If you have linen curtains or sheer curtains then why not trade them out for some nice velvet drapes? When you do this you will soon find that you can take advantage of a nice thermal lining. Besides making your space look and feel warm, you may find that it ends up stopping any cold air from leaking through the windows. If you have single-glazing or if you have windows that let a lot of heat out then improvements like this can save you money on your energy bill too, so keep that in mind.

Rethink your Sofa Cover

If you have a couch that has a cover then why not buy a slipcover? The great thing about doing this is that it makes it way cosier for the colder months. If you want to help yourself here then one thing you can do is choose a deep jewel colour and then a soft fabric. This is a great way for you to add a bit of personality to your space and you would be surprised at what a difference it could make to your space.

Put Memories on Display

Putting memories on display won’t warm up your home but it will help to remind you about what your home should be. A place where you feel safe and secure, surrounded by love. Put up family photos and make sure that you always focus on things that make you happy. If you can do this then you will see a huge improvement in the way that you feel. You will also find that it is easier for you to make your home feel warmer on those cold nights as well,  so make sure that you keep that in mind.


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Michelle
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Radiator Covers: The Ultimate Solution to Your Heating Needs

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A radiator is an essential heating element in your home, providing warmth and comfort, especially during the cold winter months. But let's be honest; they're not the most aesthetically pleasing element of your decor. That's where radiator covers come in. Radiator covers are becoming increasingly popular, and not just because they can enhance the look of your home. 

stylish radiator cover

Adds Style to Your Home

Bespoke radiator covers have become popular because they add a touch of style to your home. 
They are available in various designs, styles, and finishes to suit different preferences and requirements. Whether you want a classic, vintage, or modern look for your decor, radiator covers can help you achieve that. Radiator covers come in different designs, which are versatile and can add texture and warmth to your home.

Provides Protection

Radiator covers are popular because they provide protection. If you have children or pets at home, a radiator cover can be a safety feature, shielding them from hot surfaces and preventing burns and accidents. They also protect your radiator from damage by preventing items from being placed on top of them.

Energy Efficient

Another reason for the popularity of radiator covers is their energy efficiency. Radiator covers trap heat, preventing it from escaping through external walls, and direct it towards the room, keeping your home warmer for longer. This leads to less energy wastage and lower heating bills, which is a significant advantage in the long run.

stylish radiator cover

Customisable

Radiator covers can be customised to suit your preferences. Whether you want a specific colour, size, material or design, radiator covers can be made to fit your requirements. You can also add features like bookshelves, cabinets, and benches to serve multiple purposes, which is especially useful if you have limited space in your home.

Convenient

Finally, radiator covers are popular because they are convenient. They are easy to install, remove, and clean, which is useful in case of maintenance or repairs. They don't require any specialised skills or tools, making them accessible to anyone. Radiator covers can also hide unsightly pipes, giving your walls and decor a cleaner look. So, why not spruce up your decor and invest in a mirrored radiator cover today.

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Michelle
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What Factors Should I Consider Before Installing Vinyl Flooring?

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If you've decided on luxury vinyl flooring, such as Luvanto, for your home, you may be drawn to its stylish appeal. However, have you thought about how its benefits relate to your home and what you can do to maintain its appearance over time?

Undoubtedly, you're thrilled with your choice and the potential cost savings if you're installing it yourself. Let's delve deeper into how it can work out for the better.

a dining area

Which Room Are You Targeting?

Different rooms have varying requirements, with some needing more care and consideration than others.

For instance, when installing vinyl flooring in a bathroom or kitchen, moisture becomes a major factor. In these cases, 100% waterproof properties are necessary, but it's important to note that leaving large amounts of water unattended can damage any flooring, including vinyl.

Hallways, which experience heavy foot traffic, require highly durable and long-lasting flooring. Examining the specific needs and usage of each room is crucial when selecting the right vinyl.

How Will Children and Pets Affect the Flooring?

Children and pets can contribute significantly to wear and tear on the floor. Ideally, you should choose vinyl with the most resilient wear layers and anti-slip design.

Luvanto luxury vinyl flooring offers durability and resistance to constant use. It could be the perfect choice for reducing accidents and providing overall comfort when kids and pets are roaming around.

Luvanto flooring is designed to be practical, soft, and long-lasting, ensuring maximum satisfaction and easy maintenance.

a bathroom

Will the Flooring Disrupt the Room's Cohesiveness?

Unless you're planning a bold, outlandish colour scheme throughout your home, vinyl flooring comes in numerous designs that complement your interior choices. The flooring can seamlessly transition between rooms, providing a cohesive look even if you desire a different vibe without separate floors.

By carefully selecting designs that can integrate perfectly with your existing rooms, you can achieve a harmonious balance in your home without sacrificing personal style.


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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
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Elegear Cooling Blanket and Pillowcases

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post and compensated for our time. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own unless stated. This post contains affiliate links. 

I am the type of person who is always hot yet I like to snuggle under a blanket on the sofa if I am watching  TV or if I am in the garden in the evening. I would even take a blanket to the cinema if John would let me. As you can imagine finding the right blanket has always been tough. They are either too heavy, too fluffy or too hot so I usually end up with one or two legs out of the blanket or it just draped over my feet. 

woman in the garden with a blanket around her


When I heard about the Elegear Cooling blanket I was keen to give it a try as it sounds perfect for me. The idea behind the Elegear cooling blanket is it can absorb heat and sweat from your body, absorbing the heat helps to keep you cool. It does this by using special Japanese Q-Max 0.4 Cooling fibres. 

The Japanese Arc-Chill Cool Technology Fabric can quickly absorb human body heat. It does this when the human body touches the fabric. The body surface temperature immediately drops by about 2 to 5 degrees, so that the body feels cool.

elegear cooling blanket


The blanket is lightweight which surprised me at first as I thought it looked heavy when I took it out the packaging. There are different 'feels' on each side of the blanket and one side felt more clingy than the other. When I checked one side is made of 80% mica nylon and 20% polyethylene cool fabric which makes this side perfect for hot summers. The other side is 100% cotton so perfect for keeping cool on a Spring or Autumn evening. 

I have been using the cooling blanket on the sofa however it would be ideal as a throw over the bed as the range also features matching cooling pillowcases. The pillowcases work exactly like the cooling blanket, perfect to keep you cool during the hot evenings. 

Unfortunately I haven't been the only one using the blanket, I have had to share with the kids. This means that the cooling blanket has had to deal with sticky fingers and muddy hands. Luckily the Elegear Cooling blanket is machine washable. Wash on a gentle heat of up to 30° and then hang out in the shade. It's recommended that you do not iron, tumble dry, bleach or dry clean. 

We also found that the blanket felt warm after a few days so I would recommend popping the blanket near air conditioning or a fan if you have one. This will help to absorb the cooler temperature in to the blanket. If you don't have a/c or a fan then it can take a while for the cooling blanket to release the absorbed heat. 

However you choose to use the cooling blanket it will definitely keep you cool. It's perfect for the sofa, out on the patio, as a throw for the bed or even for travelling. 

elegear cooling blanket


The Elegear Cooling Blanket and Pillowcases are available to buy online at Amazon and come in a range of colours and sizes including blue, pink and grey. We chose 200x220cm in grey and it's a perfect size for the sofa or our bed. 

Michelle
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Huge Benefits of Vinyl Flooring for a Family Home

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As a busy parent, it can be difficult to keep up with the daily cleaning demands of a household, especially when it comes to maintaining flooring. With children running around and creating messes, it's important to have a durable and easy-to-clean flooring option that can withstand heavy traffic. This is why luxury vinyl flooring, such as Quick Step flooring, is an excellent choice for a family home.

vinyl flooring in living room


Comfortable and Durable
Luxury vinyl flooring is no longer a flimsy product that looks cheap. It has advanced significantly over the years and now perfectly replicates the look of wood, stone, slate, and other flooring options while providing incredible underfoot comfort. Its cushioned design offers more durability for long-term use, making it comfortable for your children to play on without getting hurt. Quick step flooring comes in multiple designs and patterns such as oak vinyl flooring.

Easy Installation
One of the advantages of luxury vinyl flooring is that it is incredibly easy to install. You can choose to install it yourself using the click-together method of flooring planks. This makes it a great DIY project to undertake if you find some time. Alternatively, you can have a professional installer fit the flooring for you, saving you time and money in the long run.

Advanced Safeguards
Luxury vinyl flooring has advanced safeguards that can withstand a high amount of abuse from children. It is highly stain-resistant, meaning that spills and stains from dropped dinner plates or crumbled-up crisps and melted chocolate won't leave a lasting mark after being cleaned up. Additionally, vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, which is perfect for kitchen and bathroom spaces where spills are more likely to occur. This feature ensures that spilled drinks won't soak through to the subfloor and cause further damage.

vinyl flooring in bathroom


Easy Maintenance
Compared to other flooring options, luxury vinyl flooring is incredibly easy to clean and maintain. Simple seconds after a spill happens, a quick wipe or mop can take care of the mess. You won't have to worry about stains or scratches from heavy foot traffic, making it a practical solution for busy families.

Furthermore, luxury vinyl flooring, such as grey herringbone vinyl flooring, is a great choice for a family home environment. Its durability, ease of installation, advanced safeguards, and easy maintenance make it an excellent investment for any parent looking to reduce their time spent on cleaning and increase the overall comfort and style of their home.

Michelle
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8 Inspiring Ways To Redecorate Your Bedroom

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 One of the most satisfying home renovations you can do is to redo your bedroom. It’s a space where you can truly express yourself and create an atmosphere that suits your personal needs and desires. Whether you want to go for a dramatic makeover or just give it a subtle refresh; Here are some inspiring ways to redecorate your bedroom.

bedroom
Start With A Colour Palette
Choose colours that reflect your personality and create an inviting ambience. For example, if you prefer cool tones, try shades of blue and grey, as they are calming and tranquil. Or, if you’re more inclined towards warm hues, opt for earthy shades such as brown, orange, and green which will add warmth to the room.

Invest In A Comfortable Mattress
Your bed is the centrepiece of your bedroom, so it’s important to invest in a quality mattress and bedding. Consider factors like firmness, support, size and material when making your selection. Also be sure to    that is right for you. 

Add Texture To Walls
To make your bedroom look more interesting, add texture to its walls with wallpaper or panelling. Different materials such as wood, stone, brick and metal can create an eye-catching effect that will take your room to the next level.

Refresh Window Treatments
If you’re looking for an easy way to spruce up your bedroom, try switching out old window treatments with something new and fresh. There are several options to choose from, such as blinds, curtains, and shutters. Pick a style that reflects your preferences and complements the decor in your bedroom.

Incorporate Art
Another great way to refresh your bedroom is to add artwork or photographs. Not only does it make the space more visually pleasing, but it also adds a personal touch. If you don’t have any pieces of art that you like, try browsing through local galleries for unique finds or even creating something yourself!

plant in bedroom


Accessorise With Plants
Adding greenery to your bedroom is a great way to bring some life and colour into the space. Choose plants that are easy to maintain and can thrive indoors, such as succulents, herbs, or ferns. This will bring a natural feel to your bedroom and make it more inviting.

Replace Furniture
If you’re looking for a quick and dramatic change, replace your existing furniture with something new. Consider investing in quality pieces that will last a long time, such as a dresser, nightstands, and storage solutions.

Add New Lighting
Lighting can make a huge impact on how your bedroom looks and feels. Experiment with different types of lighting, such as bedroom pendant lights, accents, task, and ambient, to create the atmosphere you want. When choosing lamps, take into consideration factors like size, shape and style to ensure they match the aesthetic of your bedroom.

These are only some of the ways you can give your bedroom an upgrade. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you could come up with endless design possibilities for your space! 

And if you’re stuck on ideas, don’t be afraid to consult a professional designer who can help create the perfect dream bedroom for you. Whether you want to go all out or just spruce it up with small tweaks, redecorating your bedroom is an enjoyable project that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired each time you step in!

Check These Posts Out Next



Michelle

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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details
 
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Creative Projects for Your Family Garden

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If you want to enhance your garden space and make it a more enjoyable space for your whole family, you’re in the right place. It's important to get outside and enjoy the outdoors and allow your whole family to have that connection with nature. And with that in mind, we’re going to talk today about some of the creative projects you might want to take on with the family to make more of your outdoor space, so keep reading.

planting a vegetable


Create a Birdhouse and Bird Feeders
Making a birdhouse or bird feeder may be a fun and rewarding family endeavor. Begin by researching different sorts of birds native to your area and learning what types of birdhouses and feeders they enjoy. You may even include your children in the design process by allowing them to select materials and decorate the end product.

Design a Mosaic
Mosaics may be used to bring colour and interest to any garden space, and they can be built from a number of materials, including ceramic tiles, shells, and even broken crockery. To begin, sketch out a design on paper or make a template out of cardboard. Then, have your children assist you in selecting the materials and arranging them on the template to produce the mosaic pattern. When you're happy with the design, fill in the spaces with grout to keep the mosaic together.

Build and Fill Your Own Raised Flowerbeds
There are all kinds of creative ways in which you can build your own raised flowerbeds for the garden. And there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get the whole family involved in that process. You can use palettes or railway sleepers to create raised flowerbeds and then create a rainbow flowerbed using different flowers. Or you could grow herbs that you’ll later use in the kitchen.

Start a Vegetable Patch
Starting a vegetable patch will not only provide you with fresh, healthy products, but it will also provide children with an excellent learning opportunity. You can involve your children in the planning process by having them assist you in deciding which vegetables to plant and where to grow them in the garden. You can also involve kids in garden care by having them water and weed the plants.

Build a Koi Pond
A koi pond can serve as both a beautiful and calm focal point in your yard and a home for colourful koi fish. To begin, locate a site for the pond and mark it off with a line. You must also decide on the size and shape of the pond, as well as the materials that will be used to construct it.

There are clearly lots of different ways in which you can engage your kids and get the family to take part in connecting with nature and improving the garden. Each of the ideas we’ve talked about here today will make a difference and, most importantly, allow you to do something fun and creative with your kids.

Michelle
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Adding Christmas To Our Living Room With Poster Store

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Disclosure  - We were given a voucher to spend on Poster Store for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

Throughout the year we change our colour scheme to match the seasons. It's a lovely way to keep the house looking fresh and it really does make you embrace the season more. As Christmas will soon be here I have started packing away my Autumnal colours of orange and brown. I have been introducing some red which is the perfect colour for Christmas time. One thing I have struggled with in the past is finding prints for the living room. One of our walls has two frames and above the fireplace has one. All we do throughout the year is change the poster inside to match the season. I was on the lookout for posters that are perfect for Christmas and match the tone of the rest of my decorations. As the boys are getting older I have toned down our decorations however I still want there to be references to Santa within our decor. Whilst browsing Poster Store I found some posters that were a perfect match and when they arrived they were even better than I imagined. 

christmas poster above a fireplace
Snowy Town Poster
Illustration of a town with blue, green and red houses surrounded by snow on a winter night. The print has a white margin that gives the motif more depth.

christmas poster


Santa's Sleigh Poster 
Illustration of Santa's sleigh with his reindeers flying away to the sky in the moonlight. It is a snowy full moon night and you can see two other reindeers in the snow. The print has a white margin that gives the motif more depth.

christmas poster


Holiday Ornament Poster
Cosy illustration of a Christmas ornament, a glass ball and inside you can find a house in green with a red door. The house is surrounded by snow and trees. The print has a white margin that gives the motif more depth.

christmas posters on wall





Each poster can be shipped to you in a variety of sizes including

13x18cm
21x30cm (A4)
30x40cm
50x70cm

Prices vary depending on size and you can choose to receive your poster with or without a frame (at an additional cost). There are a variety of of frames to suit your interior design and colour scheme.

More above Poster Store
At Poster Store you will find Scandinavian designed posters and frames and all posters are printed on sustainably produced high-quality paper.

They have a large poster selection of different themes & categories for all tastes and release a new poster collection every Tuesday. I found the search function very easy and was able to find Christmas themed posters within seconds of searching. 

You will also find lots of inspiration when browsing as the images on the website will help you create your own gallery wall tailor-made for your home. 

If you would like to update your poster collection you can receive 35% off your order. All you need to do is type in the code PLAYDAYS at checkout. You will receive a discount of 35% on posters (except Selection Posters). The offer is not combinable with other discount campaigns. Valid from 9th to 13th November.

We are really pleased with our choices and they've made a great addition to our Christmas decor. 

Michelle
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Distinctive Quality in Vinyl Flooring

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 Every kind of flooring brand proclaims to be the very best in cost, ease and style - but many don’t put themselves into the competition to prove how they are the most popular and practical flooring option on the market.

If they did, luxury vinyl flooring would have more than just your flooring cornered, it would have the entire market. Backed up by years of performance over leading carpet and laminate options, vinyl flooring is proud and confident enough to highlight a strongly enforced warranty that outshines all others.

kitchen until and stool


The Look
Luxury vinyl flooring faced criticism for having a tacky and unnatural look in the early days of the product.

In the years since that assumption, manufacturers of vinyl flooring dedicated extensive research into protective qualities and materials to rectify not only the look and feel but also the durability and functional disadvantages of their competition. Distinctive flooring has developed a product that is cutting edge in replicating the visual surface appearance of natural materials - such as stone and wood - whilst also perfecting the safeguards against the things that can ruin them.

Budget Friendly
Luxury vinyl flooring offers cost-effective solutions to fit those who require it due to tighter budgets.

Individual brands and designs may play a huge part in people's influence towards fitting out their homes, with Distinctive offering an assurance of quality that is unmatched. With design breakthroughs at the forefront of the manufacturing processes, modern materials are cheaper and can be a fraction of the cost of real hardwood and its costly installation.

Although a professional is required in instances such as glueing down, if you are savvy enough with DIY then it's an easy enough exercise to undertake yourself.

Long Term 
Luxury vinyl flooring is created using pressed wood, each plank or tile offers extra durability and stronger resistance to scratches, dampness and abrasion over real hardwood.

This also helps to make it a very simple product to maintain and keep clean. Everyday household cleaning such as a mop and warm soapy water can be used to keep it looking as it should and with stain resistance at its core, you can be sure no lasting marks will be left behind.

bath tub and stool


Colours and Textures
Among the chief benefits, luxury vinyl tiles offer is the vast design options that continue to grow.

From natural and generated colours to straight and abstract styles to various textures to suit, vinyl has a lot of something for everywhere, making them ideal for people who are budget conscious when it comes to what they envision for their home.

No matter if it's a certain aesthetic or the overall quality you look too, Distinctive vinyl flooring, such as dark grey vinyl flooring, has the choice you want for much less.


Michelle
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Are You Considering Vinyl Flooring for Your Home?

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

 Whenever you look to install a new floor option throughout the home you are posed with a lot of questions to ask yourself if you want it done right.

The first things that will come into play are going to be around cost and the impact on the look of the home. With so many luxury vinyl flooring options across the marketplace filled with many designs, how do you determine which is the best for you, especially against the environment, style and cost?

computer desk


Where are you looking to install it?
Different rooms have different requirements, and research is going to have to be done into it to find out which flooring option is ideal to lay within the environment.

For example, you need to take into account that moisture will take into consideration much more than other rooms if you are looking into a kitchen or bathroom. This therefore will require a certainty that your vinyl flooring has a design that is 100 per cent waterproof or at least offers maximum water resistance.

Looking at hallways you have to take into account large amounts of foot traffic, which will require vinyl flooring that is highly durable and long-lasting. Fully exploring the room environment and how it is used is a large part of your flooring choice.

Do You Have Children and Pets?
Children and pets are usually a major cause of floor damage and your research needs to reflect a solution that can withstand that level of daily abuse.

Your choice has to incorporate durable and resistant qualities for constant wear and tear. With children and pets running through rooms you need to consider factors such as slip-resistance as well as being comfortable. 

Quick Step flooring is a highly recommended product for providing safety and satisfaction when it comes to hectic family environments, with its practical, soft and durable qualities ensuring maximum satisfaction whilst being easy to clean.

vinyl flooring


Style to Match 
Unless you plan to redecorate your home, you need to find a flooring solution that complements your existing home decor. This means not just focusing on existing colour schemes, but also all joining floors throughout the house.

Choosing a floor that can seamlessly transition between rooms ensures that you don't go off balance with the look. This is why it is important to not limit yourself to whatever stock is on a showroom floor by fully exploring the many designs that can integrate with your current rooms you have no immediate desire to change.

Luxury vinyl flooring, such as oak vinyl flooring, provides all of the above to make your home your own. When searching for a leading brand that fits any floor and provides satisfaction for decades to come, you can’t go wrong with Quick-Step vinyl flooring.

Michelle
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