Dear @judibutler I assume you are referring to a wall which is wholly above ground and that you have completely ruled out damp tracking into the wall from above. A lot depends on the size and thickness of the wall and other factors, such as if the building is listed. Damp penetration (driving rain) through granite walls has been an ongoing problem in church towers in the southwest of England for some time. Ironically the problem often seems to get worse after re-pointing in lime. Granite is fairly impervious and was often in laid in large blocks meaning trapped water has little chance of getting out through thin mortar joints. Historic England held an excellent conference on the subject in 2013; the transcript of proceedings can be found at: http://content.historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/research/damp-towers-conf2013-programme-transcripts.pdf A roughcast lime render coat may help, but there could equally be voids in the wall which are holding damp and may need grouting. However, grouting is a very tricky and expensive technique which should not be undertaken lightly, and only works if one knows exactly where the voids are. Over-cladding the whole wall with semi-sacrificial weather boarding may be a last resort. This and rendering are likely to require planning consent. Depending on where you are located, a company like ArchiMetric (www.archimetrics.co.uk) could insert some interstitial moisture monitors into the wall to try and find out exactly where and when the damp is getting in and how it is moving through the wall, but this may be expensive. Some localised investigation by dismantling pockets of stone may be useful. The Society of Ancient Buildings helpline (mornings only on 020 7456 0916) may be able to help with specialists in your area. Most importantly try to get an understanding of how water is getting into and moving through your wall before you embark on anything. If your problems relate to below-ground damp then a different response will be needed.

Decor Books That's a wonderful radiator cover. Where is it from? Others in this stream have said that radiator covers reduce the heat in a room but I've heard others say it doesn't - the issue is that it takes longer to heat up a room. On that basis, I'm tempted to cover a radiator in my sitting room as even if I paint it it's intrusive and I could really do with the shelf above it to add interest below pictures.

Whatever you choose, if you buy anything online you can return it for whatever reason within 30 days. These are your Distant Selling Statutory Rights. You need to advise them within 14 days that you wish to return the item and then return it within the next 14 days. There will probably be a Returns Cost. I did this with some dining chairs I bought from Wayfair which looked fab but were sooo uncomfortable. Then I bought replacements from John Lewis which are so comfy. Good luck with your search.

Designing an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room extension can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some advice and ideas to help you make the most of your space: Create Zones: With an 8.5m long lounge, consider dividing it into zones to make the most of the space. You can have a TV-watching area, a reading nook, or even a play area if you have kids. Use furniture and rugs to define these zones. Furniture Placement: Since you have a large L-shaped sofa, place it strategically to create a cozy seating area. You might position it to face a fireplace, TV, or a large window with a beautiful view. Flexible Furniture: Consider modular or flexible furniture that can be rearranged easily to adapt to different needs. This can help you maximize the use of your lounge space. Built-In Storage: Incorporate built-in shelves or cabinets along one wall. This not only adds storage space but also serves as a design feature. You can display books, art, or decorative items. Utility and Study Space: Ensure that the utility and study space are located in a way that they don't disrupt the flow of the open plan. Perhaps consider placing them nearer to the kitchen for convenience. Natural Light: Make the most of natural light by placing your lounge area near windows or adding large sliding doors that open to the outdoors. This can create a seamless transition to your outdoor space. Lighting: Invest in a variety of lighting options, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. This allows you to create different moods and highlight specific areas of the room. Color Scheme: Use a consistent color scheme throughout the open plan area to maintain cohesion. However, you can add pops of color through accessories like cushions, artwork, or rugs. Flow and Traffic: Ensure there's enough space for comfortable traffic flow between different areas of the open plan. Avoid overcrowding with furniture. Professional Design Assistance: Consider consulting with an interior designer or architect who specializes in open-plan spaces. They can provide tailored solutions and ideas based on your specific layout and needs. Personal Touch: Ultimately, your space should reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Add personal touches that make the space uniquely yours, like family photos or artwork. Remember that the key to a successful open-plan design is versatility. Your space should be adaptable to different activities and functions while maintaining a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Take your time planning and experimenting with different layouts until you find the one that works best for your family's needs.