Simple home notes for repairs, upgrades and everyday care.

Decorating

How many decorative items should be on a coffee table for it to look tidy?

A simple guideline is three to five items, depending on the table size, arranged in one or two small groups rather than […]

Decorating

What is one easy trick to hide messy cables in a living room?

One of the simplest tricks is to give cables a defined path using cable raceways or trunking that matches your wall colour […]

Decorating

Is it better to buy matching furniture sets or mix different pieces?

Matching sets are easy and safe, but mixed pieces often create more character and flexibility. A full showroom set – same sofa, […]

Decorating

How do you decide which wall should be the “feature wall” in a room?

Start by noticing where your eye naturally goes when you enter the room. Often, the wall behind the main piece of furniture […]

Painting

Should doors and trims be painted in the same colour as the walls?

They can be, but they don’t have to be. Painting doors and trims the same colour as the walls creates a calm, […]

Painting

How long should you wait after plaster repair before painting over it?

Fresh plaster needs time to dry completely before you paint, otherwise trapped moisture can cause peeling, cracking or patchy colour later. For […]

Painting

What is a simple way to choose between warm and cool wall colours?

One easy method is to consider the light and mood you want in the room. Warm colours (creamy whites, beiges, soft peaches, […]

Painting

How far should furniture be moved away from walls before painting?

Before painting, it’s best to move furniture at least 2–3 feet away from the walls you’re working on. This gives enough room […]

Painting

Is it necessary to sand every wall before repainting?

You don’t always need to sand every inch of every wall, but some level of surface prep is important. At minimum, you […]

Flooring

Is it practical to use very glossy flooring in busy family areas?

Very glossy floors may look luxurious in photos, but in real life they’re often not very practical for busy family areas. High-gloss […]