June 18, 2008 – 2:46 pm
Recession, redundancy, repossession, remortgaging, mounting debts, credit crunch - all words that are now used on a daily basis. Rather than depress you further with scary news about how you should be saving and not splurging, I have decided to share some useful DIY tips with you on how to add value to your home. Apparently one of the best things to do in a recession is DIY. Think about it. You can’t afford to go out, so if you’re in you might as well make yourself useful. It doesn’t have to be major DIY jobs, just a lick of paint here and there can really brighten the place up. plus you’ll score some point with your better half as well as add value to your home- bonus! So here’s Floorell’s top tips on how to boost your homes value.
Big changes…
1. Change your kitchen doors. Giving the heart of your home a transplant is a good way to add value. Changing the doors doesn’t have to be expensive either. Save money by visiting factory shops and fit them yourselves. A quick lick of paint, a new toaster and kettle set and a new floor can all help to create a bigger, brighter kitchen. Don’t forget if you’re after a great deal on flooring, we sell a range of beautiful natural stone at factory prices- often up to 50% off r.r.p. You can get a travertine floor from as little as £ 15.99 per m2 inc VAT!
2. Install an extra bathroom- an ensuite in your room or a downstairs toilet are always great extra features.
3.Convert your garage. if the only thing you use your garage for is storage, then it’s time for a change. Either put up shelving and appropriate tool holders or clear the whole lot out and make it a proper room. Imagine a downstairs office, a kiddies playroom, a formal dining room or even just a spare guest room.
4.An extension is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. Most extensions are built on to side or back of the house, but before you start think carefully about where you need the room. is there a new arrival on the way? Do you have an elderly relative coming to live with you that will benefit froma downstairs room? Are you being overrun by plastic tubs and need somewhere to hide them all? Or do you just fancy a larger kitchen - the choice is yours.
5. Do you have a basement or attic that you can convert? They can make great living spaces. Think about what kind of room you need most, then tailor it to your needs.
Smaller changes (easier option)…
6. Redecorate the hallway. the hallway is one of the first things people see about your home - so make sure you make a good impression. Clear coats and shoes away, store any umbrellas, wellies somewhere else. if you have any rugs give thema good beating outside to remove any built up dirt. Light colours help to open up dark spaces, whereas darker colours help create an atmospheric look, so choose what suits the rest of your home.
7. Hang up pictures or photos. How many times have you promised to hang those pictures up but never got round to it? Now’s the time to do it. Or invest in some new pictures and brighten up the room. Hang a mirror opposite them to make it look bigger.
8. Clean your windows. Bright sparkling windows instantly make your home more welcoming. While your there, give any curtains a good dust, read the instructions if they need to be dry cleaned.
9. Get rid of clutter. Get rid of any clothing, toys, bits and bobs that you and your family have grown out of. Don’t forget the garage it’s usually full of great re-sellable items like old bikes and power tools that you really, really needed but haven’t even been opened. Remember one persons rubbish is another persons treasure so why not venture down to your next car boot and try to make some money? With all the excess out the way you’ll feel much better (Yes, you really will).
10. Clear out your kitchen cupboards. With bogof (buy one get one free) culture widely available in our supermarkets we all have alot more food lurking in our cupboard than we used to. The problem is we keep buying until we push everything to the back of the cupboard and we forget what we’ve got. By clearing everything out, you can get rid of anything that’s out of date and rearrange it all in an orderly fashion.
These great money saving tips have been bought to you by Floorell www.floorell.co.uk
Posted in Misc | No Comments »
June 11, 2008 – 11:56 am
Whilst many people think we are set for a ‘Carpet Comeback’ our money’s safely on natural stone continuing it’s huge success. Consumers have easily got to grips with the nature of stone and travertine, slate or marble have easily been incorporated into our homes. There are many reasons for this. In our opion, it’s easy to see why - natural stone at such great prices, delivered right to your door - what more could you ask for?
Floorell has easily filled a gap in the market. People no longer want to spend their weekends trawling around DIY stores trying to workout how many sqm they need of this or that. It’s far simpler to browse websites in the comfort of your own home, pick up some product knoweldge on the way, then make a call in your own time. At Floorell our Sales Team are fully qualified to answers all your questions and what they don’t know about natural stone tiles and flooring in general isn’t worth knowing. They’ll be able to advise you on if marble is suitable for a bathroom, if travertine will be cost-effective in a resale or how much grouting you need to complete your bathroom. You can even download information off our site on how to install underfloor heating!
But why has there been such a huge growth in natural stone sales in the past 10 years? The UK has traditionally had a very low usage per capita of ceramic tiles with the rest of Europe, but this has changed over recent years. Nowadays people are more likely to attain second bathrooms, shower rooms and conservatories. The use of wet rooms has increased and that means we are actually buying more tiles than ever before. And as the weather is so unpredictable, conservatories are popping up all the time. People love the feel and look of natural stone and with a full range of cost effective underfloor heating, the old myth that it will be too cold has disappeared.
Light Tumbled Travertine only £24.00 per m2 inc VAT.
 Create a beautiful en-suite with Botticino Marble Tiles from £ 31.00 per sqm inc VAT.
There has also been a recent trend for bigger kitchens at the expense of formal dining areas. Whereas before we would have happily left our formal dining room to only be used occasionally more and more people are enjoying open plan living and are making the most of the space they have. We have all been inspired by development programmes on TV and DIY courses have never been so busy. Although the housing boom is long gone, people are still interested in their homes and it’s appearance. The rapid growth of DIY stores has made DIY accessible and demystified it. And with websites, such as ours offering full advice on installation, right through to maintaining the products, more and more people are simply having a go.
Slate was easily one of the most popular natural stone products that people felt most comfortable with. It adorned the rich city flats of bachelor pads and slick restaurants giving it a very sexy image. But slate is now available in an array of different styles and colours. The good news is, the price is much less than it used to be, giving more people the chance to enjoy it. Just take a look at our slate options for more details.
 Rust Multi-coloured Slate Tiles - Riven edge from £23.00 per sqm inc VAT.
Capturing that Mediterranean feel is easy with natural stone or even porcelain tiles. It’s cleaner than carpet as all it takes it a quick clean with a damp mop. No noisy vaccum cleaners or having to scrub for hours to get stains out. It doesn’t hold dust like carpet can, so if you’re an allergy sufferer natural stone tiles could be the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s also nice to think that you’re surrounding yourself with a natural product. There is a whole movement towards organic food, growing your own, recycling and natural stone tiles fit in well with that world.
Create a Mediterranean look with Yellow Tumbled Travertine only £ 29.99 per m2 inc VAT.
For more information about natural stone visit our website at www.floorell.co.uk
Posted in Natural Stone | No Comments »
June 4, 2008 – 2:00 pm
Your bathroom is an important room. It could be argued that it is one of the most used rooms in the house. It’s important because not only do you use it, but your visitors do to. And if you’re in the 99.9% of who care what people think then you’ll know that a good bathroom should be appealing, pleasant to use, easy to keep clean, practical yet attractive and a good selling point when you want to sell.
The good news is updating your bathroom doesn’t need to be expensive, with a few minor changes and a bit of new plumbing your bathroom could be as good as new. You can pick up a modern bathroom suite for as little as £ 200 and if you’re any good at DIY, you could save yourself even more on the fitting. And with a great range of floor and wall tiles natural stone and porcelain tiles available from us, Floorell, you may be surprised just how little a new bathroom could really cost.
The first step…
Planning. Get a note book and pen and start scribbling down some ideas of how you would really like your bathroom. Can you imagine sinking into a deep Victorian bath surrounded by highly polished marble tiles or do you want an uber-modern wet room with chrome finishes? Have a good look around all the DIY shops and choose a bathroom suite that suits your taste and your budget. There’s some great online stores that do interesting accessories such as funky taps or shower heads. You can even buy showers that double up as tanning booths!
Next, decide where you want everything. If you want to move things around a lot bear in mind that will increase the plumbers price as it will involve a lot of extra plumbing. When you’re planning your new bathroom don’t forget to allow space for ’standing room’ around each item. drawing the floor plan to scale will help you work out the correct spacing.
If you have lots of room why not opt for a separate deluxe shower? If you haven’t, a shower can always be incorporated over the bath, which will take up much less room. Other ideas include his and her sinks, heated towel rail, underfloor heating, cupboards for towels etc. Once you’ve finalised your plans order the bit and bobs you want then, begin choosing your tiles etc.
Choosing the correct tiles.
Floorell have a beautiful range of natural stone wall and floor tiles to choose from. Tiles will be the main decorating item in your bathroom so it’s an important decision. Going for something neutral will definitely help give you a good base to start from. Travertine looks stunning and you can imagine lounging in the bath looking at the different patterns, equally marble will create a luxurious feel.
Just take a look at our Botticino Tumbled Marble Tile for inspiration. For only £31.00 per m2 inc VAT you could create the most beautiful bathroom.
Once you’ve got your neutral base adding a mosaic strip or boarder will add colour and draw your eye to a different level. We have a full range for you to choose from.
You should always check that the tiles you have chosen are suitable for floors/ walls. The ones for walls should be much thinner than the ones for floors. Natural stone such as marble is great for wet rooms as it gives more grip and won’t show water marks which can be seen a lot easier on polished tiles. We recommend that all natural stones should be sealed before they ate installed, especially in a bathroom environment.
Glass mosaics tiles, patterned porcelain and odd shaped mosaics can all help you add your own personal vibe to the bathroom.
Choosing a bath.
Personally I think there’s nothing better than a large hot bath, overflowing with bubbles, candles, fresh flowers, fluffy towels (flake optional). But you’ll find a full range of baths on the market, including ones that clean themselves! Acrylic baths are light weight. which makes them easier to move than iron or steel baths. They don’t chip either which is always a bonus. Any surface scratching is easily removed with a liquid metal polish. You can get baths with matching side panels or wood effect panels.
Electrics.
The only type of plug you should have in a bathroom is a specially fitted razor socket. You will need a double pole isolating switch for other electrical appliances such as electric shower heater or shower booster pump. There are several rules and regulations that you have to comply to when doing your wiring so we suggest you check with your local Building Control Department before starting.
Don’t forget an extractor fan to help avoid condensation. It will need ot be fitted to a window or an outside wall. It will help keep your bathroom mildew free.
Storage.
There are load so great ideas for storage in small rooms such as bathrooms. Chests that can double up as storage for your towels, under sink cupboards, units around the toilet to store your cleaning products. Don’t forget your mirror- why not make it a mirrored wall cabinet? - a good place to stash all thing things you’d rather people didn’t see! We also see demystifiers for mirrors- just see in our underfloor heating range.
To see our full range visit us at www.floorell.co.uk
Posted in Design Tips | 5 Comments »
May 29, 2008 – 4:33 pm
Once you’ve actually made the choice to have natural stone in your home, maintaining it is another issue. It is very easy to care for. A simple soft brush to wipe away daily dust, followed by a damp mop to lift and dirt. The biggest mistake people often make is to use acidic cleaners or popular brands on their stone floors or walls, but that will only erode the sealant and cause problems later on to your stone.
To begin…
All natural stone needs to be sealed. We sell a full range of sealants on our website, one that work in harmony with our products. It is very important to follow the instructions on the sealer to help to maximise its protection. Before applying the sealant you must make sure that all the tiles are clean and dry - it’s imperative that the are. A sealer (sometimes called impregnator) is designed to be absorbed by the material and form a protective barrier against staining. You can either apply it yourself using the instructions on the back of the bottle or employ a specialist fitter to do it for you.
Adhesive and Grouts
Always make sure that you are using the correct adhesive and always totally support the back of the tile. Some tiles need a coat of PVA on the back of the tile before fixing. Ask our Sales Team to advise you on which products suit your stone best. If your having underfloor heating you will also need a ‘flexible’ adhesive. You have to make sure that the floor is completely dry before you install your tiles.
Resealing?
Most natural stone doesn’t require resealing once it has been done once thoroughly. However if you choose to apply a Care Sheen product on top of the sealant, this can be reappl;ied if necessary. But this comes down to your own preference rather than necessity.
Holes?
Holes are part of the beauty of travertine. If travertine has holes it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a faulty product. Holes appear naturally in the stone and are then filled in the factory. After filling they are polished, which gives them their unique look. Sometimes the grout wear away leaving small hole sin the travertine, we always supply a small bag of grout with all our travertine products, just in case this happens.
Cutting tiles.
If you want to cut natural stone you need to use a diamond blade. If you want to cut your tiles we recommend that you get a professional to do it for you.
For more helpful advise just give Floorell a call on 01727 800 313.
Posted in Natural Stone: Technical Information | 1 Comment »
May 28, 2008 – 1:33 pm
We walk on them, we sit on them, we dance on them, we play on them - Did you know that your floors are one of the most used items in your home? They are also one of our purchases that we spend most time choosing. Debating betweenfloorboards, stone tiles or carpet, weighing up the options, all part of choosing something that will have a huge impact to your home and to your lifestyle.
The choice in flooring is huge. There are new and improved products and fabulous designs being bought onto the market daily. The good news is at Floorell we have a range of flooring and wall tiles to suit everybody’s needs and budgets. Real wooden flooring to a timeless look, laminate for ease, stone tiles for a touch of something different - all at competitive prices. Just take a look at our website for more details.
But this log isn’t about how affordable we are, it’s about giving you some inspiration. We’ve simply chosen a few looks we like and matched them up with some of our flooring.
Get a dramatic look with Black and White….
White is the new black. Black is the new white. White is hot this season in everything from white-washed walls to the catwalks in Paris. To complete this look you need the perfect flooring, so we recommend the following:
Caria White Marble Tiles from £27.00 per m2 inc VAT
Or these Nero Black Marble Tiles from £41.00 per m2 inc VAT
Imperial Black Riven Slate from £ 13.99 per m2 inc VAT
Accessorising with a black or white floor is easy. Either stick to black and white and follow the theme through- see the images below for inspiration. Or add bright red accessories to give a really strong look.
Floorell’s Floral Inspiration
If black and white isn’t your thing, then why not choose the other hot look this season- Flower Power! Bright beautiful colours mixed with swirly patterns that have a 70’s feel. It’s everywhere, on mugs, dresses, pictures, tiles….
When it comes to flooring for such a busy look we recommend a nice calming neutral floor such as…
Solid Oak white oiled wooden flooring from £55.64 per m2 incl VAT
Oak 3 Strip Laminate Flooring at £7.10 per m2 incl VAT
If you have a theme in mind, but aren’t sure what flooring or wall tiles will suit your project, just post a question on our blog or give our Sales Team a call on 01727 800 313 and we’ll be happy to help.
Posted in Design Tips | No Comments »
May 21, 2008 – 2:58 pm
What is travertine?
Travertine belongs to the larger family of stone called Limestone known as Calcium Carbonate. It’s a sedimentary rock made up from several layers of calcite formed from the accumulation in hot springs and spa areas. The stone has a natural ‘holey’ structure. This is formed by water flowing through those areas. It has a reputation has a hard stone which can be used for many purposes. When you cut into the surface of the stone, the holes are exposed. These holes can be filled in the factory or left to give a natural look.
Does travertine come in many colours?
Ivory, beige, noce, gold and walnut.
What’s the difference between honed/ polished travertine?
There are four different finished to choose from. Polished, honed, brushed and tumbled. If you want a flat and smooth surface go for the polished or honed travertine whereas if you want a flat or textured surface go for the brushed and tumbled style. The polished surface is usually the shiniest and gives the ‘wow’ factor.
Where can I use travertine?
Travertine works well on floors, walls, cladding, showers, stairs and even counter tops. It’s always best to check with one of our Sales team if your particular travertine is suitable for your project.
What do I need to bear in mind when using travertine?
As travertine is a natural product, you do have to bear a few things in mind. All natural stone flooring needs to be sealed before it is installed. You should never use anything acidic on the surface and only special cleaners should be used. Our website has great information on how to care for your natural stone. You also have to be aware that over time the holes that are naturally found in travertine may become exposed later on. That’s why Floorell always provide a free maintenance package with all travertine products sold.
How do I know if I’ll like it?
A great way to know if travertine is right for you is order a sample and see of you like it. A sample is only a small example of what the whole floor will look like but it will act as a good guide for what you can expect. To order samples simply log on to www.floorell.co.uk
Posted in Natural Stone | No Comments »
May 21, 2008 – 11:41 am
Why not make the most of this bank holiday and make some simple home improvements?
We all know that there are many jobs that we never have the time for in the week. That odd bit of wall paper that’s peeling off in the hallway, the weeds that keep cropping up in the garden, the list in endless. But with Floorell’s easy guide to home improvements, you’ll be able to refresh your home in a few easy steps. When you’ve got everything just the way you like it, you’ll be bale to sit back and enjoy your new-look home during the summer ahead.
Ideas to refresh your Living room
1. Sort out all your clutter - buy some cheap storage units and give all your books, DVDs and CDs a home. You can even make space for your DVD players, music system, wii, PlayStation and anything else you want stored away.
2. Buy a feature lamp at add something different to the room. There’s lots of different styles around, just choose one to suit your taste and your budget.
3. Couch looking a bit dated? Add some colorful throws and cushions ot brighten it up.
4. Dig out all your old photos and frame them. Then create an eye-catching display on one wall with groups photos.
5. Make your own roll-up blind to make the most of a window.
6. Paint one wall a really bright colour.
7. Lay a new floor. Our range of laminates are great as they simply click together - meaning you could have a whole new floor in just a weekend. See our website for more details.
Ideas to update your kitchen
1. Spray paint your kitchen units for an instant lift.
2. create an extra work surface that can also be used as a breakfast bar.
3. Add a glass splash back in a brilliant colour for a glossy finishing touch.
4. Lay practical slate effect vinyl flooring- see our website for more options.
5. Smarten up a wooden chair with a made to measure fabric cover.
6. Treat yourself to a new kettle and toaster.
7. Buy some recycling bins that can store glass, cans and paper separately.
Quick fixes for bedrooms
1. Treat yourself to new bed linen.
2. Buy matching accessories such as lamps, candles and cushions that match your new bed linen.
3. Feeling brave? Try stencilling your walls and floors.
4. Why not update your wardrobes by adding some bold printed wallpaper on its doors?
5. Under bed drawers, shelves, peg rials are all great ways to help with storage and save space.
6. Clear out the clutter, it will make you feel better.
7. Try on all your clothes, if they don’t fit give them away to charity.
Get creative in kids rooms
1. Paint existing furniture in a hard wearing finish for a bright new look.
2. use big, colourful stickers to decorate the wall.
3. Organise the room into play and homework areas.
4. Make a fun headboard to brighten up the bed.
5. Let your child choose a them for the room, then discuss ideas on how to make it work.
Ideas for your bathroom
1. Why not choose a different colour scheme - it gives you an instant updated look.
2. Sort out storage using a freestanding unit to hide all the clutter.
3. Add artificial flowers for year round colour and minimal upkeep.
4. Painting the bath will create a great focus point in your room.
5. Mosaic tiles around your sink could help brighten it up - see our website for our full range that won’t break the bank.
6. Stick on motifs help to promote your chosen theme, so get sticking.
7. Frost the door- transform a glass bathroom door or window with a stylish and decorative etched effect.
8. Swap the floor - see our website for ones most suitable for the bathroom.
Please undertake all decorating jobs with care. Our tips are only intended for inspiration. For more flooring ideas please visit www.floorell.co.uk
Posted in News | No Comments »
May 15, 2008 – 11:20 am
Choosing what floor to have in your home, isn’t an easy choice. Do you go for convenience - the easy to clean, easy to maintain option? Do you compromise on your budget - find whatever is on sale that is similar to what you really want? Or do you just choose whatever you want and forget about the consequences of having pure white carpet with 2 active kids and a pet dog running around?
What if you didn’t have to compromise? What if you could get the floor you wanted, at a price you wanted, delivered direct to your door? What if you could get a floor that could deal with the daily battles that life throws at it, and even buy maintenance products all from the same place? What if, life could really be that simple? With Floorell you can. Simply log on to our website, www.floorell.co.uk, take a look around from the comfort of your own home, give our Sales Team a call and place your order, then it will be delivered to you within the next 2 days. Simple as that.
Three main things to remember.
Before you rush off to choose your next floor, there are three main elements to consider.
The floor. The ceiling. The walls.
These are the three fundamental elements that creates a rooms feel. the interaction between these three surfaces can change the overall impression of the entire room. The floor creates the rooms base, weight and character, and it is also basis for the other elements, including the choice of furniture and other decor. In other words, you need to use all your senses when choosing a floor. Just think of the floor as where fashion meets functionality.
On our website you will find a full range of natural stone and wooden flooring. We will be getting our porcelain range by the end of May. You will also find lots of information about our products, how to install them and how to maintain them. We like to think that we offer a little more than many other flooring companies out there. And because we want to help you make sure that you’ve made the right flooring decision, our Sales Team are fully qualified to answer and questions you may have. So give them a call on 01727 800 313 and ask away. Want to know if you can have travertine tile in your bathroom? Want to know if your wooden flooring will expand if you have underfloor heating? Need to know how to protect your marble from a toddler with felt pen? They’ve got all the answers and are waiting for your call.
Posted in News, Wooden Flooring | 4 Comments »
May 15, 2008 – 10:50 am
Some people believe that slate was more popular in the early 90’s and then trend for it has slowly died down. But the truth is, people still love slate and it is often voted as one of the best floor coverings around. And the good news is, it is now much more affordable than it has even been before, with great quality products available from as little as £13.99sqm.
People are often attracted to its rustic looking style and cleft edges. It’s as equally at home in a modern bachelor pad as well as to add a bit if glamour to a family kitchen. The variations in colour with shades in warm and earthy tones means that slate has some of the most dramatic colour variations from tile to tile.
The great thing about slate is that it’s extremely durable. Unlike other floor coverings, it won’t warp, degrade or twist. It comes in a variety of colours including rich reds, oranges, golds, mauve, lavender, green, back, rust and brown. Take a look the variety on our website - we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
Posted in Natural Stone | No Comments »
May 14, 2008 – 1:23 pm
Limestone is a popular choice as it has such a contemporary look. You can choose from a ‘honed’ or ‘matte’ finish, depending on where you are going to use it. Each limestone tile is likely to be completely unique as it made up of the accumulation of organic materials such as shells and coral.
Limestone’s generally have good load bearing properties and weathering characteristics although correct detailing is important as with all building materials. Limestone’s must not be used above sandstones on exterior elevations.
As it is a softer and more porous stone it may not be suitable for all areas in the home because it will stain easily. All limestone tiles will need preventive maintenance over time. In order to protect stones natural beauty and performance it needs to be sealed. Our Sales Team can recommend the best products to suit your specific needs.
Posted in Natural Stone | No Comments »
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