A Home for All Seasons

That DIY and interior design has become primetime is something of an understatement - the home environment is everything and we’re using our homes more than ever to express our individual style and creativity.

Today’s homeowners are as concerned with their home as they are with their wardrobe, wanting a property that is designed around their own ideas, style and aspirations. But as Calor Country Living’s Andrea Price explains, the home has to be flexible enough to work hard all year round, from season to season.

“We’re often so eager to slap the latest paint colour on the wall or buy a fab new bit of technological wizardry that we sometimes overlook some of the home maintenance basics. However with a bit of research and some ingenuity, there’s actually some great advice and quick fixes to try which can help you make the most of your home all year round.”

Superb summer living

Even the smallest square of lawn or saddest back yard can become an alfresco haven thanks to the array of stylish accessories now available. Why not try the following instant and inspirational ideas?

• Give an outside wall a coat of vibrant masonry paint or splash some bold stains onto garden furniture.
• Practical and atmospheric, why not drape some outdoor fairy lights over trees and bushes.
• Replace tired pots with stylish terracotta accessories.
• Dress a deck area with funky beanbags and cushions to create an outdoor room.
• Match the Mediterranean look with some Mediterranean warmth - gas-fuelled patio heaters add instant warmth and now come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, some even featuring built-in lighting.

The warmer months are also a smart time to start thinking about your home’s winter needs to ensure it is not a chilly and expensive winter ahead.

Take a close look at your home’s heating system and appliances, especially if you have an older property. How efficient is your heating system? Could you be using more effective heating appliances? Upgrading a cooker or fire might be easier and more beneficial than you think…

Thanks to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Calor Country Living can provide any home in a non-mains gas area with its own independent gas supply. Calor LPG is a clean and convenient fuel that can be used in the home and can provide exactly the same level of comfort and versatility as mains gas, for heating, real flame fires, hot water and cooking.

Winter survival

And why not try out some of these simple (and often cost-free) steps to conserving energy in your home, not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but you could also end up saving yourself money on household bills. In fact according to the Energy Saving Trust, using energy efficient measures in our homes could help us save up to £200 a year on bills. Here’s a few simple tricks to make your home work smarter on the energy front:

• Draw curtains at dusk to stop heat being lost through windows – and ensure they don’t cover the radiators.
• Fit draught excluders on doors and fill gaps between floorboards and under skirting boards.
• To eliminate draughts and wasted heat, use an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on exterior doors.
• Put an insulating jacket around your hot water tank – a low cost measure which will soon pay for itself.
• Fit room thermostats and Thermostatic radiator valves across your heating system to control your heat use - for example by turning the thermostat down by just 1°C, you could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent.*
• Replace tap washers promptly on dripping hot water taps.
• Use energy saving light bulbs in areas where lights are left on for long periods - they use a fraction of electricity needed for ordinary light bulbs.
• Avoid leaving appliances on standby.

Don’t forget the exterior

Ongoing maintenance and upgrading can help save time and money, spreading the load so you’re not faced with a huge bill or one large list of jobs when you come to sell or upgrade. Take woodwork for example – neglected windows and doors can suffer from rot if rainwater seeps between timber joints. Ultimately, the wood can then start to crumble and sections of the frame or sill may have to be replaced. Treat with a chemical repair kit before repainting and sealing to prevent further seepage. Here a few more simple home care tips:

• First impressions count – refresh your front door with a glossy coat of traditional green or dark blue paint.
• Apply exterior paints and varnishes on a still, dry day - cold and moisture will affect drying times and adhesion. The best time for exterior painting is considered to be mid-April to mid-September.
• Keep paths and decking areas safe and attractive, by keeping them clean from algae, weeds and leaf debris. Regularly wash and brush with pressure washers or chemical cleaners, making sure the cleaning product you use is compatible with the surface you’re using it on.
• Apply a proprietary sealant after cleaning paths and patios to give extra protection against dirt and algae growth during the winter months.

To find out more about Calor Country Living or to request copies of the new Calor Country Living Collection brochure featuring a range of cookers and fires including leading brands such as AGA, Electrolux and Valor, call 0800 121 4461 or visit www.calorcountryliving.co.uk.

Click here to download this press release in Word format

Issued on behalf of Calor by Bright, 10 St Catherine’s Court, Herbert Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3QE For further information please contact Leona Abson/Michelle Simpson/Victoria Crowe at Bright on Tel: +44 (0) 121 711 5000 Fax: +44 (0) 121 711 5001 or Email: leona@bright-consultancy.co.uk

Ref: DCH112
Released: May 2004