How are we all doing?
We're living in strange days. I hope all my friends and fabulous design, gardening and diy gurus are safe and well. We're far flung but we can support one another here.
Here's a pic of my grand niece Maryam, born today. Why not post a pic of something that uplifts you? Anything from a cushion to a paint swatch, to the view from your garden :-)
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Related Discussions
Very high bay window! What shall I do?
Comments (3)I presume your toddler won't be able to climb out of the window. Count your blessings....See MoreHow do I view and participate in discussions?
Comments (0)The 'Advice' part of Houzz provides a place in which homeowners and professionals can ask questions, discuss ideas, welcome feedback/input, and show off before and afters! You'll find Advice through the tab in the top right corner of Houzz on your desktop computer, or in the 'Latest' section of our mobile apps. Within Advice lives a few different sections: Design Dilemma - a place where you can post a question or dilemma Before & After - where you can show off a transformation! Polls - somewhere to ask a question that involves a choice, or multiple possible answers Using Houzz - questions relating to using the platform, guides, and FAQs Other - anything unrelated to homes, renovation or gardening Pro-to-Pro - only accessible to professionals, where you may discuss business, trends, and trade updates To post your own discussion, click on 'Advice', and you will land on a screen that looks like this: Add a title: Something that isn't too long, but concisely describes what your post is about Describe your dilemma, issue or project: Providing as much detail as you can will ensure other users are well placed to provide accurate answers Add a photo: In addition to your description, providing visuals of the space or project will prompt people to be more responsive - everyone loves to look into other people's work-in-progress! You can either upload one of your own images, or add a photo from Houzz/your ideabook Pick the right category: Ensuring your discussion is sitting in the right category allows it to be found easier, meaning you're more likely to get responses. Try it out, and share your post below so we can see!...See MoreShould we break our corridor wall or extend our kitchen?
Comments (10)Hi Mr Razis, your partner's layout of sofa seems more reasonable, afterall you want to face the TV when watching it :) I also like the idea of removing the balcony as it somehow gain more living space, and regularise the Living Room without a cut-off corner. This corner could be converted for mini hobby area with 2 small simple polypropylene chairs & a coffee table. Do not be put off by the column, I think it outweighs it's benefits. On your extended Kitchen, you could add in a L-shape custom-made bench seating as a breakfast or simple dining area. With chandelier/pendant as the final touch, I am sure this would become the 'heartland' during family gathering. Enjoy your renovation. Looking forward to have an update of the progress. :)...See MoreHOW TO CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN YOUR NATURAL STONE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS.
Comments (0)One of the biggest fears people may have about natural stone is the maintenance it requires. With many individuals increasingly turning to the use of natural materials in the home, granite has become the countertop of choice. Synthetic solid surface materials are no match for the richness, depth, and incredible performance of real granite. Unlike laminates and solid-surface materials, a hot pot or frying pan has no effect on granite’s mirror-like finish. Most importantly, by choosing a granite countertop you not only give your kitchen everlasting performance and beauty, but you also increase the value of your home. Granite is also a very hard mineral and is virtually impervious to abrasions, impact damage and heat. However, the material is prone to cracking due to mechanical stresses caused by repeated heating and cooling. While the seams in between slabs provide some leeway for this repeated expansion and contraction, it is best to keep granite away from sources of large heat fluctuations. You’ll find caring for your natural stone is easy. The best care you can give your natural stone is preventive care. By following a few suggestions, your countertops will last a lifetime while maintaining a brand-new appearance. BASIC CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 1. AVOID USING CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH ANY KIND OF ACID OR ABRASIVE. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents that contain strong acids/alkaline (e.g. bleach, glass cleaners, ammonia, degreasers) or abrasives (e.g. powdered ceramic/bathroom cleaners) as it can cause the sealant to discolour and scratch. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and soft clean cloth are generally all that’s needed to maintain your granite countertop surface. 2. AVOID SUBJECTING YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP TO HEAVY WEIGHTS AND PRESSURE. While hard, granite surfaces are brittle and you should not stand, kneel on, sit or stack heavy objects onto your countertops as they could crack or break. This doesn’t mean that granite is fragile, however, and it’s perfectly capable of supporting microwaves, dish holders and other moderately heavy objects. 3. DO NOT PLACE HOT PANS OR OTHER OBJECTS DIRECTLY ON YOUR COUNTERTOPS. Again, hot objects can cause the sealant to discolour (mainly in dark granites) and/or cracking. Always use a protective barrier between any hot object and granite such as trivet or mat. Unsealed granite countertops do not have this problem, but are highly porous and come with other problems. 4. WIPE OFF SPILLS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. Sealed granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains from citric acid, coffee tea, alcohol, or wine. However, as a preventive measure, wipe up any spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time and do not let liquid sit on the countertop overnight. 5. Watch out for oil stains. Granite is most prone to staining by oil – be careful not to place any pots or frying pans with oil traces on the bottom on the countertop surface. Blot oil and acid spills as soon as they happen, and clean with mild soap and warm water to avoid any harm to your countertops. If the oil stains remain, there is a special cleaning procedure for the removal of deep-seated, time-set dirt and grime. A general poultice with baby or baking soda and water is the best remedy. First, moisten the surface of the granite with the same liquid that made the paste. Next, apply the poultice paste to the granite surface about half an inch thick. Tape plastic sheeting over the poultice area, and allow it to sit for 48 hours. Remove the poultice with a spatula, rinse the cleansed area with clean water, wipe off excess water, and allow the surface to dry. 6. RINSE SOAP AND WASHING DETERGENTS OFF TO PREVENT LIME BUILD UP. Rinse with hot clean water on a regular basis and use a paper towel to dry. Another way to remove lime build up , soap scum, stains or dried spills, is to use a straight razor blade in a gentle scraping motion. Do not use lime removal products or cleaning products that contain ammonia, as this will affect the seal on the stone. 7. AVOID HITTING THE SURFACE WITH HARD OBJECTS. Chips in granite are not a common occurrence. When they do happen, chips are most often caused by banging something into the edge of the countertop. Take care when you handle heavy pots and pans around your granite profiles as these are the most prone to cause chipping. If a chip does occur and you find the piece that chipped out, hold on to it. Most of the time it can be epoxied back into place. 8. APPLY SEALERS. The use of sealers is an excellent preventive measure and will encourage the preservation of your granite countertops. Some granite can be very porous. Sealers fill in natural pores and repel spills on the surface, radically reducing the rate of absorption. This gives you time to wipe spills away before they have a chance to penetrate your stone. After the installation process, the granite must be sealed. We recommend a re-application of this sealer annually, or more often for some light granites, to fully maintain the luminosity and avoid stains. Some dark-colored, dense granites (browns, blacks) do not require sealing. When the water or liquid spilled on your countertop fails to bead up when splashed, or you begin to notice a water darkening spot that dries out, this is an indication that your countertop needs to be re-sealed. 9. AVOID STORING CHEMICALS ON THE SURFACE. It’s risky to store chemicals on the surface of your granite countertop in case of spillage. This includes cooking oil, hair products, chemical cleaners and cosmetics....See More
Carolina
4 years agoT Gray
4 years ago
PROWarrington + Rose
4 years ago
Laura Thomas
4 years agoI’m working from home as much as I can, and also home schooling.
When I’m able to forget what is going on and reason why I’m home, I’m really enjoying having to opportunity to spend more time with my daughters, very grateful for living in an area with beautiful countryside, and the sunshine.
- PRO
Warrington + Rose
4 years ago 
E D
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoWalking back from an essential bit of shopping I just had to quickly take a pic of this lovely pink blossoming tree.
The photo doesn’t actually do it justice but I still wanted to share it.
With apologies for the subtle Covid-19 reminder in the left bottom corner...
😊
Sonia
4 years ago
PROThe JOY of Blinds and Shutters
4 years ago
Hi Sam, a great post requesting uplifting photos! The colourful fence below always makes me smile. Joy
E D
4 years agoConsidering many people do not have any outside space, we’re really feeling privileged and appreciative having a garden in these bizarre times.
Here is some of our clematis/Jasmin(?) in today’s spring sunshine.
Sam Potter
4 years agoBeautiful ED! I bought goldfish the day before lockdown. Which one is Jonathan?
And I supported an artist by buying this mosaic artwork for my hallway. It won't be delivered til after the lockdown, but I'm very excited :-)
Sonia
4 years ago
Jules Mc
4 years agoSam Potter
4 years agoVictoria
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agominnie101
4 years agoCarolina
4 years agoSam Potter
4 years ago
Patrina
4 years agoLaura Thomas
4 years ago
Anthony (Beano)
4 years agoJules Mc
4 years agoSonia
4 years ago
Juliet Docherty
4 years agoJonathan
4 years agoE D
4 years agoVictoria
4 years ago- PRO
Warrington + Rose
4 years ago 
PROOnePlan
4 years ago
Luciana
4 years ago
Priscilla
4 years agoAnthony (Beano)
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoJules Mc
4 years ago
rachelmidlands
4 years ago
rinked
last yearJonathan
last yearSonia
last yearSonia
last yearThis is our little ray of sunshine. Haven’t had a pet for years and we decided to get a kitty cat after my husband tripped and fell and sustained a head injury. Life is very different now, but our little Nigel has brought a bit of joy into a difficult year. He’s a complete nutter (unless he’s sleepy) and makes us laugh every day.
debbb1e
last year
Daisy England
last yearDaisy England
last yearSonia
last year- PRO
OnePlan
last year Victoria
last yearT Gray
last yearSam Potter
last yearSonia, @Rinked, Jonathan, Victoria et al, how nice to get a notification from Houzz after all this time age read your posts. I’m so sorry that you’re facing tough times @Rinked. Sonia how lovely that your pet cat is getting you through what must be challenging times. My house is ‘finished’ in the sense that I got to 85% done and though ‘this’ll do’ . Before and after pics of the latest project below. But the new dream is to build our own house in a couple of years, so I can see myself back on here full time soon!
Sonia
last yearJonathan
last year
Juliet Docherty