Sky blue named as colour trend for 2021

According to the e-commerce site Etsy, sky blue is the 2020 colour trend that is predicted to last into 2021.

Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, says sky blue represents people looking ahead to bluer skies after the difficult period of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Real Homes, she explained that:

"While there are still so many hurdles to overcome, hope is on the horizon and there is a renewed sense of gratitude and connection to our communities. Etsy’s colour of the year perfectly represents this.”

Johnson added that sky blue is a tranquil colour that connects people to nature. There are many ways to add this pastel colour to a room, and a sky blue carpet is an excellent place to start. Many carpet manufacturers include sky blue in their range of plain coloured carpets, and patterned carpets featuring sky blue are also an option. Walls can be painted sky blue to lighten the room, and a contrasting coloured carpet can be added.

In the dining area, a sky blue tablecloth adds a soft touch, while a living room can benefit from sky blue throws draped on sofas and chairs.

Many colour trends come and go quickly, but Brittany Romano, writing for Real Homes, believes that sky blue is one colour trend that will stay around for a long time.

People are spending more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and this has focused attention on home improvements. Bright new carpets in North Wales homes are ideal for revitalising rooms.

Carpet buyers favour in-person shopping

A new report has revealed that while many homebuyers make their decisions on prospective properties based on online floor plans and 3D visualisations, when it comes to carpeting, they prefer to see and feel the carpets before making a purchase.

Some builders are now providing online 3D views of homes that have not yet been built. They allow viewers to change the design of the rooms to see how different fittings and fixtures will look. When it comes to carpets, however, a digital image gives a limited impression of how the carpet suits a room.

According to The Mercury News, Jennifer Kamenca of design studio Residential Design Services (RDS) sees the future of home design as a mix of virtual and in-person experiences. Virtual design applications give a good initial introduction to interior design options and save people having to travel to a retailer to get a first impression of different designs. However, before a buyer commits, they want to see and feel samples of the materials used in their preferred designs.

During the coronavirus pandemic, most RDS design meetings were held online, but after lockdown restrictions eased, many customers preferred to visit the studio to handle material samples. All participants must wear masks and gloves, and the studio is disinfected before each meeting.

When it comes to choosing a quality carpet for a North Wales home that will be in a room for many years, there is no online substitute for seeing and feeling a carpet.

Old carpets help reduce horse injuries

An initiative by Angus Council in Scotland is recycling old carpets into horse riding surfaces to help prevent equestrian injuries.

Many worn carpets end up in landfill sites, but there are several initiatives now being launched aimed at finding ways to recycle carpets.

Angus Council launched its new carpet recycling service on November 23. Skips at the Carnoustie and Arbroath recycling centres are accepting carpets and underlay, which are shredded and baled. The material is then used to provide a surface for horses in arenas and training facilities. These surfaces help prevent strain and reduce injury risks.

This is a pilot project, which, if successful, will be operated in other Scottish areas.

Angus is not the only area in the UK to recycle carpets for horses. The Potter Group, based in Wales, owns a waste management company, as well as a team of National Hunt racehorses. Its “Canter Carpet” is made from recycled carpets for use by equestrian centres.

There are also numerous other carpet recycling schemes that work with businesses and individuals to accept used carpets, which are recycled for use in a number different of products.

Many households and businesses choose carpets or carpet tiles in the North Wales, Wrexham and Chester areas. Carpets are suitable for vulnerable people as they prevent slips and falls, they make rooms feel cosier and their acoustic properties reduce noise by absorbing sound. Their insulating qualities also save energy.

At the end of a carpet’s life, it should be recycled rather than thrown away as waste.

Appeal to buy artificial grass for boy with rare disorder

A mother of a seven-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder has launched an appeal to raise funds for an artificial lawn.

Thomas Bryant is a seven-year-old boy who suffers from Idic15, a rare genetic disorder. He has severe behaviour and learning difficulties.

Thomas hates wearing shoes and, according to Sarah Bryant, his mother, he “comes alive” in the garden, where he can feel the air and enjoy the feel of the grass on his bare feet. However, Sarah says that this is not possible every day because, after rain, the lawn is too muddy.

His mother has come up with a solution, however – replacing the grass with an artificial grass lawn for her son to use in all weathers. She told the Plymouth Herald:

“He needs the sensory input of just feeling the air and just feeling the difference in temperature, you know, feeling sort of the texture under his feet.”

Sarah has opened a GoFundMe account at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tomtoms-garden

This is appealing for money for her garden, and has raised over £1,000 towards her target of £2,800.

Many primary schools have installed artificial grass in the Chester, Wrexham and North Wales areas, so that muddy grass does not prevent pupils from playing outside. During the coronavirus pandemic, many families are spending much of their time at home. Exercise and fresh air are important to maintain good health. Alike local schools and the Bryant family, residents can install artificial grass for a low maintenance, all-weather lawn that can be enjoyed all year round.

What is the best way to care for solid wood floors?

Designed to last a lifetime, hardwood floors have sometimes been known to outlive the buildings they are installed in. Exceptionally durable, a wood floor that has been professionally installed and properly cared for can offer homeowners and enterprises an excellent return on their investment.

While wooden flooring is not high maintenance in terms of care, it does require regular attention to keep it looking its finest. In the following passages, we’ll explore how to get the most from your wood floor, what protective methods should be taken and how often you should employ them.

Cleaning up spills instantly

Accidents can often happen around the home, and when they do, you must react fast to care for your solid wood floor. If a drink spills or a vase of flowers tips over, making a puddle on your planks, attend to it quickly without delay. Employing either a damp or entirely dry cloth, immediately wipe up the spillage. Never use a wet mop, as this will only add to the problem and cause damage to your flooring.

The properties of wood make it shrink or swell in reaction to moisture – whether it’s contained in the air around it or directly on it. In order to avoid gapping, splitting and cupping of the wood, it’s essential to keep water away from your floor and the levels of humidity to a minimum. It’s a wise idea to ban wet shoes being worn indoors and tackle spills swiftly.

Employing furniture pads

Scratches are among the few weaknesses of wooden floors. Although many scratches may be unavoidable, others can be prevented with a little consideration. Adding built-for-purpose furniture pads to the bottom of sofa castors and chair and table legs will ensure no unnecessary marking occurs and will keep your wooden floor scratch-free.

Sweeping up on a daily basis

While sweeping every day may feel excessive, it can be a sensible practice for those with wood floors. Dust builds up everywhere and will collect between floorboards over time, and hair from households with pets can add to this as they shed, so a daily sweep is worth considering to keep boards from becoming clogged. Only use a soft fibre brush for sweeping, so you never harm your floor.

Hoovering once a week

A weekly hoover will catch anything you missed on your daily sweeps, such as food crumbs, dirt, grit and other small particles. Tiny pieces of debris can easily cause scratching to wood floors if they are trampled into them by household members.

Using a floor cleaner once a month

Each month, use a dedicated floor cleaner designed for solid wood floors and a dry mop to clean your flooring from top to bottom to make it shine.

Re-finishing and sanding flooring

Over extended use, wood flooring can begin to dull, but it can be easily renewed. At least every 10 years, expert professionals should be relied upon to sand wood flooring and to give it a new coat of wood finish, providing a robust restoration.

By following these tips, your wood flooring should remain in great condition, lasting for years to come.