Home improvements: What to do this bank holiday

Once Easter has gone we know we have another couple of bank holiday weekends imminent. The first bank holiday in May, May Day, has traditionally heralded the start of summer but on too many occasions someone should have notified the weather! We have all had to suffer a miserable, wet bank holiday as children sitting indoors, watching TV or completing a puzzle while the rain drips down the windows. But as adults our priorities change, and long weekends can be a great time to do some home improvements. So let’s be positive about the weather and think about what we can do this weekend!

Tidy your garden

Summer is approaching and we want to get our gardens looking as good as we possibly can to enjoy the sun – if it comes out!  Barbeques, garden parties, al fresco dining; all mainstays of the great British summer so this bank holiday is a great time to get the garden ready.  Cutting the grass, doing a bit of weeding and a quick tidy up can actually make a huge difference.  But what about something more radical?

Is your lawn is looking a bit bare and patchy? Or is the complete opposite true and it’s completely overgrown because you’re just too busy to maintain it? If so, maybe it’s time to think about artificial grass. Fake grass takes no maintenance and gives you the lawn you’ve always wanted all year round – without having to get the dreaded mower out. Artificial turf these days is amazingly realistic and will make your neighbours green with envy!

Decorate a room

Again, a bit more dynamic than a quick spring clean, but how about a spot of decorating?  With lots of inspiration in our Home Transformation Hub, a lick of paint or new wallpaper can work wonders to refresh a room.  How about redesigning your kid’s bedroom?  Maybe it’s time they had a new bed and with so many fun children’s beds available they can choose the bed of their dreams and get involved with painting the walls.  Great fun for them and it keeps them busy.

A low cost laminate floor will finish the job perfectly and for those with DIY skills, is easy to fit at home yourself.  Job done. 

Update your conservatory

How about freshening up your conservatory?  These outdoor rooms see a lot of action all through the year and are great for bringing the outdoors in throughout the winter, but summer is when they really shine.

The light evenings mean more time to enjoy conservatories and orangeries so maybe now is a good time to change the flooring, throw a rug down and add some soft furnishings to match. Vinyl flooring comes in an infinite amount of fabulous designs; plain colours, wood or tile effect, and is very affordable. It can give you a whole new look without breaking the bank. If you fancy investing a bit more and want something more luxe, how about luxury vinyl tiles? This flooring adds a sumptuous feel under your feet but is still super practical so perfect for a garden room.

26th April 2017 - Written by Laura Ewart