Christmas survival guide

Thu, Dec 23, 2010

Family pressures at Christmas
It can be easy at Christmas to get caught up in this maelstrom of emotions and begin to expect that because it is Christmas all tensions and family disagreements should be forgotten. While Christmas is often a time of forgiveness and coming together, the pressures on families to have a wonderful time, free of stresses and full of fun, can be too much.

It can be easy at Christmas to get caught up in this maelstrom of emotions and begin to expect that because it is Christmas all tensions and family disagreements should be forgotten. While Christmas is often a time of forgiveness and coming together, the pressures on families to have a wonderful time, free of stresses and full of fun, can be too much.

How to get the best from your wines

Thu, Dec 23, 2010

Over the last few years we have seen a massive growth in the supply of wines from all over the world, some good, some not so good. We have seen changes like screw caps, initially scorned by all, now accepted in homes and restaurants all around the world. One curious fact about screw caps is that they have been accepted more readily by women, while men still hanker after the traditional corkscrew. Personally, I have only had one bad wine from a screw cap, but several from bottles with corks.

Get your water woes sorted with Grant Water

Thu, Dec 02, 2010

Water hardness, protection of household appliances, rainwater harvesting, or simply having a drink of nice tasting water, these are just some of the main concerns for Galway households and businesses, but Grant Water has the high quality and professional services which will have your water flowing in tip top shape.

The finest floors and doors from Timeless Floors

Thu, Dec 02, 2010

Timeless Floors specialises in supplying and fitting wooden floors and doors. The company also provides a dust free sanding and restoration service.

Budget conscious decorating

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

Do you ever flip through home design magazines and catalogues and dog-ear pages with the looks you like? Do you wish you could achieve that look in your own home without breaking the bank? If you are looking to redecorate your home without spending a fortune, here are some smart tips on how to get the look you want for less.

Winter in the garden

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

We may be in the depths of winter but there is still plenty for avid gardeners to do.

December is an ideal time to repot houseplants, which do not have to deal with the Arctic conditions outdoors. Speaking of outdoors, don’t forget your garden is not just for plants. Leave some food out for the birds, whose visits will bring some cheer to the garden during the dark winter months. Aim to provide a mixture of suet, insects, and seeds in order to feed as wide a number of species as possible. Peanuts and mealworms are always a treat.

Trend: home design from Armani to Versace

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

Fashion designers have always been involved in home design and interiors, but from the multiplication of Armani hotels in Dubai to Versace residences in Miami, this trend has quickly developed in the past few years.

Ireland’s largest antiques and art fair to take place this weekend

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

Ireland’s largest antique fair will take place in Limerick this weekend.

Energy efficiency in historic houses

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

The Irish Georgian Society (www.igs.ie) and conservation officers from Galway and Clare county councils are partnering to deliver a seminar on energy efficiency in historic houses. This half-day seminar will be held from 1pm today (Thursday) at the Loughnane and Quinn Memorial Hall, Labane, on the Galway to Gort road.

The seminar will offer practical, appropriate, and easy to understand advice on how to thermally upgrade historic buildings and reduce energy costs while ensuring that no damage occurs to their historic fabric and character.

You do not need to go for broke on DIY this Budget

Thu, Nov 04, 2010

The Budget may see us all that little more strapped, however with trends seeing people enjoying their homes, appreciating what they have, and staying in that little bit more, many will be looking to home improvements. The mood has to be optimistic and where better to start than on your own doorstep by enhancing your lifestyle by making the most of what you have. You do not have to go for broke to make small home improvements, so I have outlined my interiors tips on a budget to lift your home for 2011.

Painting tips

Thu, Oct 28, 2010

Flat or matt (also called vinyl matt) emulsion
This paint gives a chalky matt finish, the durability of this water-based emulsion is ideal for walls and ceilings. It leaves a spongeable surface and it can also be used on exterior masonry. On average one litre will cover 18 to 20 square yards per coat of paint. This type of paint can also be called vinyl matt emulsion and usually comes in a low-sheen finish.

2010 — a good vintage for fabrics

Thu, Sep 30, 2010

Pierre Frey 75th birthday
For 75 years family firm Pierre Frey has maintained its independence and inventiveness in textiles. The company, which celebrates is 75th anniversary this year, is known for its unlimited palette, joyous colours, and artistic patterns. In that respect nothing has changed in the three generations since the firm was established on January 1 1935. Furnishing fabric is not a fickle fashion. People choose a fabric because they like it and want to live with it for years. It is not a caprice; it is a choice and the reflection of a culture. That is why Pierre Frey looks at the past, the present, and the future, drawing inspiration from everything, Indian and Ottoman, silk or cotton damask, cloth woven with metal threads.

For 75 years family firm Pierre Frey has maintained its independence and inventiveness in textiles. The company, which celebrates is 75th anniversary this year, is known for its unlimited palette, joyous colours, and artistic patterns. In that respect nothing has changed in the three generations since the firm was established on January 1 1935. Furnishing fabric is not a fickle fashion. People choose a fabric because they like it and want to live with it for years. It is not a caprice; it is a choice and the reflection of a culture. That is why Pierre Frey looks at the past, the present, and the future, drawing inspiration from everything, Indian and Ottoman, silk or cotton damask, cloth woven with metal threads.

Red Barn colour scheme helps nursing home clients

Thu, Sep 23, 2010

The Red Barn in Briarhill Business Park is always evolving and coming up with new ways and ideas to transform homes and improve upon ways of decorating, painting, and window dressings. The crew recently undertook a renovation to a nursing home, where the owner wanted the rooms updated and modernised but had to conform to standards and be very functional, with of course cleaniness and comfort a high priority.

Bright ideas from B&Q

Thu, Sep 16, 2010

Want to lighten up your house and brighten your mood this autumn? Then look no further than B&Q’s new lighting range.

Bring some colour to your living room

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Are you tired of the same old sofa but cannot afford a new suite? A few simple changes can help your living room look and feel like new without the outlay of new furniture.

Mike’s style is key as Finns’ heads for two decades in the furniture business

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Finn’s Furniture Stores, with branches in Gort, Loughrea and Portumna celebrate 17 years in business this year — and their success is attributed in no small measure to owner Mike Finn.

With the summer sale at Finns’ entering its last week in the coming days, customers are advised to get along and avail of bargains and Mike’s unique selling style. An avid GAA fan, he is known the length and breadth of the country for his ability to sell and his negotiating skills are legendary.

How to beat the scourge of bullying

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Bullying has become a much talked about issue in recent years, and the vast majority of schools now have anti-bullying policies. However schools cannot be successful in their preventative work if they do not get support from home.

Door Depot celebrates 12th anniversary

Thu, Aug 12, 2010

From humble beginnings Door Depot, a 100 per cent Irish family owned business, has gone from strength to strength and will be celebrating its 12th birthday this year.

Heavenly hallways

Thu, Aug 12, 2010

The hallway, though often overlooked, is the first room guests will see in your home, and should set the tone for the rest of the house. Create an inviting space with these handy tips to making the most of your hallway.

Bathroom bliss

Thu, Aug 05, 2010

The bathroom can often be overlooked when it comes to sprucing up our homes. Because of its very functional purpose, it is not always considered one of the most important rooms to indulge ourselves in creatively.

E-paper

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