Stay Cool and Comfortable this Summer with the Right Window Coverings

 As the warmth of summer swiftly approaches, it’s time to prepare your home for the burn. Air conditioning may be a quick and easy way to cool down a room, but it isn’t always the most cost-effective or energy-efficient method.

 

Fortunately, there are many other ways to keep your home cool in the summer:

 

● Installing outdoor awnings or planting trees near your windows to block heat from infiltrating inside;

 

● closing window coverings and doors during the hottest part of the day as an interior solution;

 

● and adjusting your ceiling fan to its summer rotation setting,

 

● Running it counterclockwise to create a cooling effect.

 

With these simple but effective solutions available, no one should have to suffer through the heat this summer!

 

Solutions Related to Window Coverings for Summer And Heat Causes

 

The summer months can be blazing hot, but the good news is that this heat can be managed with clever window coverings.

 

Besides keeping direct sunlight out and lowering a room's temperature, curtains and blinds can also provide additional privacy when closed.

 

Natural materials like linen or bamboo woven shades are excellent choices for insulating bedrooms and living rooms while helping to create a tranquil atmosphere.

 

And if you're looking for energy efficiency, blackout curtains are the way to go - they block out up to 99 percent of sunlight during peak hours of the day!

1.) Stylish Shades or Blinds

 

● Roman Shades

 

Roman shades are popular for those looking for stylish and functional window treatment. They are available in various fabrics, including light-filtering and blackout options, making them an excellent choice for any room in the home. These shades can also be motorised, making them easy to operate.

 

● Solar Shades

 

Glare no more! With solar blinds, you can revolutionise your home's windows with style and smart technology. Enjoy natural light without the intense sun rays – perfect for both comfort and energy efficiency.

 

● Pleated Shades

 

Pleated shades offer an elegant and timeless look, perfect for adding beauty to any room. Their intricate criss crossed pattern adds a soft texture to the window while softly filtering in light – allowing you luxury illumination without sacrificing your privacy!

 

● Honeycomb Shades

 

Transform your home into a space of luxury and comfort with honeycomb shades! These unique window treatments offer any room insulation, privacy and light control. Whether you're seeking to add an extra layer of sophistication or need some extra help maintaining the temperature indoors - honeycomb shades are sure to bring beauty and practicality alike.

Source - https://www.mikescarpets.com.au/cool-and-comfortable-this-summer-with-window-coverings/

Cheap Laminate Flooring: A Guide to Affordable Options

 Check out this guide to discover stylish, budget-friendly laminate flooring solutions that won’t break the bank! From a variety of colours and textures to easy installation methods, explore all your options for creating an attractive space without compromising on quality.

THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING LAMINATE FLOORING FOR YOUR HOME

1. Affordable

• One of the primary benefits of choosing laminate flooring for your home is that it is more affordable than other types of flooring.
• Laminate flooring is made from a composite material that is designed to look like real wood, but it costs much less.
• Additionally, laminate flooring is easy to install, saving you money on installation costs.

2. Easy to Install

• Laminate flooring comes in interlocking pieces that can be snapped together without the need for nails or glue.
• This makes it a great do-it-yourself project for homeowners who want to save money on installation costs.

3. Durable

• Despite its low cost, laminate flooring is quite durable.
• Laminate floors are designed to resist scratches, dents, and stains, making them a great choice for busy households with pets or small children.

4. Easy to Clean

• Laminate floors also have low maintenance requirements.
• Unlike hardwood floors, which require special cleaners and treatments, laminate floors can be cleaned with a damp mop and standard household cleaners.

5. Available in a wide variety

• Laminate floors are available in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, so you can find an option that fits your style.

6. Hypoallergenic

• Laminate floors are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for homes with allergies or asthma.
• Unlike carpeted floors, which can harbour dust mites and other allergens, laminate floors can be kept clean and allergen-free with regular vacuuming and mopping.

7. Fire-Resistant

• Laminate floors are made with a fire-retardant resin that helps to protect against fire damage.
• This makes laminate floors a great choice for homes in areas at risk for wildfires or other natural disasters.

8. Doesn’t Fade in Sunlight

• Laminate floors are also less likely to fade in sunlight than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or carpeting.
• This makes them a great choice for rooms that get a lot of sunlight, such as sunrooms or kitchens.

HOW TO FIND AFFORDABLE LAMINATE FLOORING OPTIONS

• Many people think that laminate flooring is a cheap alternative to hardwood floors. However, the prices of laminate floors vary depending on quality and other factors.
• If you are looking for affordable laminate flooring options, you can do a few things.

1. Shop Around:

• Look for local shops that sell laminate flooring.
• You can find it at big box stores, home improvement stores, and even some furniture stores.
• It is helpful to visit a few shops so that you can compare prices and find the best deal.
• Be sure to ask about any sales or promotions that may be going on so that you can save even more money.

2. Consider Generic Brands:

• Just like with anything else, there are name-brand laminate floors and generic brands.
• The name-brand floors will usually be more expensive than the generic brands, but often, there are only minor differences in quality.
• If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, consider choosing a generic brand.

3. Look For Discounts:

• Many stores offer coupons and discounts on laminate flooring.
• Be sure to check the store’s website or sign up for their email list so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest deals and promotions.
• You may also want to ask the store if they offer any discounts for cash or for using a certain credit card.

4. Purchase During Off Season:

• The demand for laminate flooring is usually high in the spring and summer months, which means that the prices will also be higher during these times of the year.

Source - https://www.mikescarpets.com.au/cheap-laminate-flooring-guide-to-affordable-options/

Flooring Solutions For Coastal Regions

Living in a coastal home comes to selecting materials and structures that can stand the test of time. Humidity and salt levels are often at a much higher level near the coast, making traditional options like hardwood or carpets more vulnerable to damage.

 

For homeowners hoping to keep their coastal dwellings in pristine condition, it is essential to consider flooring materials that resist moisture and salt.

 

Coastal homes are often exposed to high levels of humidity and salt, which can be tough on traditional flooring materials like hardwood and carpet.

 

As a result, many homeowners in coastal areas opt for flooring materials that are more resistant to moisture and salt damage.

 

This can include options such as tile, luxury vinyl plank, cork, or even bamboo, which are less susceptible to wear over time. Making an investment in durable flooring material can make all the difference for homeowners living close to the coast.

Vinyl Flooring

 Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for coastal homes because it is resistant to water, salt, and humidity.

 ● Water- Resistant: 

Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for homes in coastal areas that are prone to flooding or high humidity levels.

● Durable:

Being durable, Vinyl flooring is able to withstand heavy foot traffic and wear and tear. This makes it a good choice for homes with children or pets.

● Easy to Clean:

Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping.

● Salt Resistance:

Vinyl flooring is also resistant to salt, making it an ideal choice for homes in coastal areas. Salt can damage many types of flooring, but vinyl is able to withstand its corrosive effects.

● Affordable:

 Vinyl flooring is an affordable option for homeowners on a budget. The material is typically less expensive than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or tile.

● Comfortable Surface:

 Vinyl flooring is a comfortable surface to walk on. This makes it an ideal choice for homes with small children or elderly residents who might appreciate the extra cushioning.

Source - https://www.mikescarpets.com.au/flooring-solutions-for-coastal-regions/

Introduction to Karndean Flooring

 When it comes to selecting flooring for your home, you want something that is both stylish and durable.

That’s why many people turn to Karndean Flooring, a global leader in luxury vinyl flooring.

From its beginnings in the 1970s, karndean has become one of the most recognised and respected names in the flooring industry.

HISTORY OF KARNDEAN FLOORING:

Karndean International was founded in 1973 by two British entrepreneurs, Michael Chudleigh and Gary Bradshaw.

The company began as a small business manufacturing vinyl wall planks for local businesses.

As demand for their products increased, so did the company’s production capabilities.

By 1981, Karndean had established itself as a global luxury vinyl tiles and planks supplier.

PRODUCTS OFFERED BY KARNDEAN FLOORING ACROSS AUSTRALIA

· Karndean offers a wide range of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) in different styles, colours, textures and shapes.

· However, their most popular product is their ‘wood effect’ range which is designed to look like natural hardwood floors without any of the maintenance or cost associated with timber floors.

· They also offer stone-effect LVTs, which replicate the look of marble or granite without any price tag or installation headaches involved with real stone tiles.

· Their newest range, ‘ K-Designer’, allows customers to create unique patterns and designs using different shapes and sizes of LVT pieces from within their collection.

BENEFITS OF KARNDEAN FLOORING:

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of Karndean flooring:

1.Durability:

· Karndean flooring is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, spills, and other everyday wear and tear.

· It’s also resistant to water damage and fading due to sunlight exposure.

· This makes it an ideal option for busy households with children or pets, as it is designed to last for years with minimal upkeep.

2.Versatility:

· Karndean flooring comes in various colours and patterns that mimic natural materials such as wood, stone, tile, slate, marble, brick, and more.

· So no matter what your style or budget may be, plenty of options are available to suit your needs.

· And because Karndean flooring planks are installed using glue-down techniques, they can be easily customised into unique designs and patterns.

3.Ease of Maintenance:

· Unlike natural hardwood floors which require regular sanding and refinishing over time, Karndean flooring requires minimal maintenance.

· All it needs is occasional sweeping or vacuuming, plus the occasional damp mop if required.

· It also does not need waxes or polishes like traditional hardwood floors, so you will save money on cleaning supplies over time!

4.Underfoot Comfort:

· Karndean flooring can turn your home into a sanctuary of comfort with its soft warmth underfoot.

· Plus, you have the bonus of being able to install effective and energy-efficient underfloor heating if desired!

5.Grip:

· Sliding across wet floors in your socks can be a thing of the past with Karndean flooring!

· Its textured surfaces provide enhanced grip, so you won’t have to be concerned about slipping and sliding – even when it’s raining cats and dogs.

6.Appearance And Hygiene:

· Karndean flooring combines the beauty of natural wood with unparalleled hygienic benefits – no fibres for bacteria or dust mites to hide in, and it’s as easy to clean as wiping a counter!

So enjoy all the features you love about natural wood floors without any drawbacks.

Source - https://www.mikescarpets.com.au/introduct-to-karndean-flooring/