Love your home
From painting to fixing a leaking tap, dare to dabble in some do-it-yourself with these short step-by-step how-to guides
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting stuck in and transforming your space into something new. So, to help you do just that, we’ve spoken to lots of professionals who have divulged their tips on the most common DIY tricks everyone should know. Whether it’s draughty windows that need a plug or pictures that need putting up, here’s how to become an expert in do-it-yourself…
HOW TO… DRAUGHT -PROOF A WINDOW
Did you know that 25-30% of heat loss can come from windows?* By draught-proofing, you can reduce your energy bills, save some cash and lower your carbon footprint. DIY guru Laura Deller of @houseproject_36, explains where to start…
FIND THE GAP
Identify where the draught is – would thick or thermal-lined curtains stop the draught? If not, try this. BUY STRIPS Once you’ve decided which windows to treat, you have the choice of either buying self-adhesive foam strips or spending a little more on plastic or metal strips.
TRIM TO SIZE
Self-adhesive foam strips are quick and easy to install. You can cut to size and firmly press around the edge of your window to get an adjustable and flexible seal. Alternatively, a ‘brush strip’, which is a little more expensive, can also be applied to the joins of your window or door to reduce air infiltration.
GO ONE STEP FURTHER
Another alternative is to use a ‘secondary glazing kit’ or ‘window film’, which seals the edges of your window and provides an additional layer to trap insulating air between the window and the film. This is ideal for single-glazed windows. Plus, you get the satisfaction of using a hairdryer to smooth out the wrinkles in the film!
HOW TO… PAINT FLOORBOARDS
‘A painted wood floor can change the look and feel of a room,’ says Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours. ‘Injecting your personality into the space, it will also transform your floor without you having to replace it entirely or spending too much money.’ Here’s how to do so professionally…
PREP YOUR SPACE
Remove any furniture and check your floorboards to see if any need repairing or replacing. Use wood filler to
