• Picture frames are an inexpensive way to freshen up the decorations on the walls. When was the last time you changed the paintings on your walls or even you noticed them? You don’t even need to spend lots of money
  on luxury photos and framed pictures;

• Painting – that is a cheap way to give a new look to the room. In case you live in a house rental, first, you must ask your landlord for a permission. If you maintain a good relationship with him, when you move out your biggest responsibility will be the post tenancy cleaning. Use light and bright colours to make the room unique and to create an optical illusion for more space. If you don’t want the room to be too colourful, try neutral shades or look for experimental deco accessories;

• Once you paint the room, add a few cheap accessories like mirrors, paintings, decorative pillows. Adding mirrors to a room adds some kind of charm and magic, sparkle and light as well;

• Pay attention to the small details – major home improvements such as replacement of furniture, carpets can be overwhelming and expensive. Think about the details instead. For example, change the light switches and power points in all rooms to make simple upgrades of the walls. If you, however, decide to buy a new carpet, keep in mind that it will need regular care. For that purpose, you’d better rely on carpet cleaning specialists;

• Fix the leaks – did you know that an average of 15% of water consumption actually poured as a result of a leak? Do not delay and fix the cistern of the toilet if it is flowing. It’s easier than it looks, and besides, in a long-term period you will save some money.

Finally, we recommend you to concentrate on the most used rooms in the house. If you do not have enough time or funds to ‘refresh’ the whole house, the living room, kitchen or bathroom are good starting points when trying to give your home a new look.

]]> http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/home-upgrades-that-pay-off/feed/ 0 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/kitchen-of-heaven/ http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/kitchen-of-heaven/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2014 07:15:12 +0000 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/?p=503 All women dream of a big organised kitchen (even the ones that don’t like to cook). Unfortunately, we can’t always have what we want… But we can make the best of it. No matter the size and the orientation of your cooking area, there are tips that can help you bring out its maximal potential. Since Antiquity kitchen has been the heart of the home. Let’s see how we can mix and match traditions and modernity to turn it into ultimate dream space of every housewife (and not only):

• Make a list of the essentials: include basic appliances and tools – stove, fridge, dishwasher, pots, pans, set of utensils, set of good knives, etc. Think before you buy unnecessary gadgets with specific purpose that you will use only occasionally.

• Match it with the rest of the house. Put common elements or colors and textures to make it part of your home.

• Design according to space. As you look at what you have as area and what you need to put in it, look around for professional help: many furniture stores offer free project according to your room and its specifications. Think not only of the storage spaces and appliances but also about the space they need for opening and maintenance. End of tenancy cleaners say that kitchen is one of the hardest areas to keep clean and ordered (and I bet they have seen a lot of disasters).

• Isolating the kitchen in anyway (style, separation with walls and so on) will not only reflect on its look but also on your perception of it – taking cooking as a punishment is wrong approach.

• Efficiency: don’t ignore the simple logic when organising your kitchen: it’s good if fridge is a bit away from appliances that emit heat, trash bin should be as closest as possible to the sink and the preparation area (my personal favorite is the one that stow into a cabinet).

• Surfaces. Use countertops, sinks and materials that are durable and easy to clean. Invest in them during the renovation or re furnishing and you will save not only money in long-term plan, but also nerves.

• Natural light – the more, the better. Try to place the surfaces or the sink (whatever you use at most) facing the window – this way you won’t need extra lights.

• Maintenance. In kitchen, regular cleaning is a must – be sure that you keep it clean and disinfected or it will give you something much more dangerous than bad impression.

Embrace your favourite energy-saving gadgets at home and start spending your money for more entertaining and nicer things and goods:

• LG 9-Cycle Ultra Capacity Steam Washer. Besides the low usage of electricity, this super cute red washing machine will definitely become your favourite interior decor. Also, the gadget is designed not to waste too much water, which is a good sign for a real green appliance of first class.

• Kitchenaid Architect Series II Bottom-Mount Refrigerator. Start cooling off your food products smarter! This fridge might reduce your electricity bill with up to 15 per cent, which is a great opportunity, isn’t it? The extra money might be even used for professional carpet sanitising you have always wanted to afford.

• Kitchenaid Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator – another awesome alternative to save some money, while having your food stored finely and your meals kept for longer. The device is tiny and luxurious, but besides its amazing look, it has also a super organiser for clever food storage.

• Single-Drawer Dishwasher System. This home gadget is suitable for a single person or for a couple without kids. You might be already guessing that it will save you money from both – electricity and water consumption. It might be a little bit costly, but the investment is really worth it.

• GE Profile Built-in Dishwasher. This wonderful futuristic home helper does not clean your dirty dinner dishes, but everything you can guess – from small doormats to your real leather wallet or even your kid’s hats and football T-shirts. Why not using the dishwasher for so many house cleaning chores, if it allows it?

So, have you found your own personal favourite energy-saving home appliance? If we did not mention it, do not hesitate to write us back with your suggestions.