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Winter Decorating Trends

Winter Decorating Trends

Winter is upon us, and what better way to embrace the season than by transforming your living space into a cosy haven that reflects the latest winter decorating trends? As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, updating your home décor can bring warmth and...

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7 Key Colour Trends For 2022

7 Key Colour Trends For 2022

According to Country Living Magazine, there are 7 emerging key colour trends for 2022 coming through in terms of decorating our homes in the coming months.  Key colour trends for 2022 are set against a backdrop of the last 2 years of uncertainty during the Covid-19...

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Check Out our Glossary!

Check Out our Glossary!

You may not be aware but I have prepared a glossary of terms used in the painting and decorating business. Here are a few of the more unusual ones that you may not have come across before: • Alkyd – an oil based paint made from a synthetic resin rather than natural...

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Grey Doesn’t Mean Dull!

Grey Doesn’t Mean Dull!

I am going to surprise you by saying that grey is not necessarily the dullest of colours for painting walls. In fact it can be quite inspiring. These days grey is no longer associated with dull industrial environments, school toilet blocks or hospital corridors. It is...

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New Farrow & Ball Colours

New Farrow & Ball Colours

As you know, I am a strong supporter of Farrow & Ball’s excellent range of paints. They have recently added nine new hues to their total of 132 different colours. Each of them has a wonderful story behind them – here are some to whet your appetite. • Yeabridge...

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Beware the Dangers of DIY!

Beware the Dangers of DIY!

I know that a lot of people gain great satisfaction from carrying out home improvements and general DIY jobs. However, there are inherent dangers for the amateur and if things go wrong you could become one of the estimated 222,000 DIYers who end up in hospital each...

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Are You Asbestos Aware?

Are You Asbestos Aware?

I am pleased to say I am, having successfully completed an Asbestos Awareness course with training provider High Speed Training. Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance which can cause serious health problems to those who handle it. It is vital that anyone likely...

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CAL H&S Success!

CAL H&S Success!

I am pleased to confirm that my team have recently been working with major construction company Kier on the Shire Hall recladding and refurbishment project. Not only that but we have received a letter from Jeremy Mann, Kier’s Contracts Manager, complementing us on our...

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Tips for Internal Wood Care!

Tips for Internal Wood Care!

As anyone who knows me or has read any of these blogs will know, I am a great believer in getting the preparation right.  This applies to internal wood care as well. Older or recycled wood will often have cracks, drill holes or other damage which needs to be attended...

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DIY Bodgers – the Facts!

DIY Bodgers – the Facts!

Take a look at these facts: •    Britons spend £244 a year per head correcting DIY disasters adding up to a staggering £6 billion for the nation annually •    There are currently 31.7 million unfinished DIY jobs in the UK •    One in ten Britons has injured themselves...

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Keep Your Brushes Clean!

Keep Your Brushes Clean!

If you read my blogs regularly you will know that I am a stickler for good preparation and workmanship.  This is most certainly the case with one of our most valuable tools – the humble paintbrush. Brushes should be cleaned immediately after you have...

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Going the Extra Mile!

Going the Extra Mile!

I do like to do a thorough job when I am painting a room.  It makes for a professional finish and can save money for you, the customer, in the long run. Here are just a few of the ‘extras’ I provide: •    Door handles and window catches.  Wherever possible I will...

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Resolve to Redecorate!

Resolve to Redecorate!

I am not one for New Year resolutions myself but I know many people make them and hope I can help some of them come to fruition. It is quite common to think about redecorating at this time of year and this is where I can help.  Whatever you are thinking of having...

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The Farrow & Ball Story!

The Farrow & Ball Story!

I have mentioned before that I am a great fan of the Farrow & Ball range of paints.  This month I thought I’d tell you a bit about the history of the company and why I think their products are so good. John Farrow and Richard Ball first met when they working in a...

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‘All White’ on the Night!

‘All White’ on the Night!

I am sometimes asked whether white is a good choice as a room colour. There seems to be some confusion as I have been told it can make a room bland or even clinical.  In my opinion it is an ideal colour for creating a room that reflects the individuality of the person...

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What to do with Unused Paint

What to do with Unused Paint

As you know I am passionate about the environment and recycle whenever possible.  A recent survey by the British Coatings Federation (BCF) highlighted some problems with recycling unused paint. It is estimated that a staggering 55 million litres of leftover paint is...

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Is the Customer Always Right?

Is the Customer Always Right?

I am well aware of the old adage that ‘the customer is always right’. It means in effect that you should always carry out the instructions given to you by a client, no matter what you think about them. I am a great believer in communication, however, and would rather...

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Tidying Up After the Bodgers!

Tidying Up After the Bodgers!

I was amused to read a recent survey which confirmed what I’ve thought for a while – much of my work is completing jobs started by over-confident amateurs. Armstead Trade, a professional paint brand, surveyed some 2,000 homeowners and found that three quarters of them...

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Why Grey is the New Black

Why Grey is the New Black

Or perhaps that should be the new cream or beige, as I’ve noticed grey has become a fashionable colour choice for interior design and decorating. Grey can give a room depth and sophistication, as well as complimenting a variety of strong colours. It works beautifully...

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Which Colour for What Room?

Which Colour for What Room?

Often I am asked to help with choosing colour schemes for rooms. In my book the customer is always right, although some are more right than others! Here is a brief guide to what colours suit which rooms best: • Blue – this is recognised as a calming colour, perhaps...

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The Importance of Prep!

The Importance of Prep!

As far as I am concerned, prepping a room for decorating is one of the most important parts. Anxious amateurs will often cut corners at this stage in a rush to get the job finished but I will always take my time to get it right. Here are some of my tried and tested...

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