Living room
Colour combinations
At what stage should the electrics be planned and installed? The design and position of lighting should be planned very early in the project. “A lighting plan will help ensure you have enough illumination for the space and will make it easier for a builder to quote for the job,” Anatoly says. “Draw up a circuit plan to show which switches control which lights.” The electrics are fitted at two key stages of a renovation project: first fix and second fix. Luke explains that cables are run in during the first fix, and says, “This will be done early in a project, before ceilings and walls are lined and plastered.” If you’re planning to have recessed floor lights, installation tubes will be fitted during the first fix, Luke adds, as will plaster-in rings for trimless downlights. “Second fix, where fittings are installed, is one of the last things on a project,” Luke says. “You don’t want your beautiful new light fittings getting damaged on site or covered in dust and paint.” “Once the building work starts and just prior to first fix, we recommend walking around with the electrician to confirm locations and quantities of all fixtures and fittings,” Stuart says. “Using the plan develope...
To avoid gaps between walls and woodwork – skirting boards, window and door frames and staircases – the pros use decorator’s caulk to fill gaps. Why not use a standard filler? It’s because there may be movement, so a flexible filler like this that won’t develop cracks is essential. Make sure you choose a paintable version for a seamless finish.
A few things to keep in mind, no matter what arrangement you decide on: Try to keep 15 to 18 inches between upholstery and the coffee table. Make sure you have 2 to 4 feet of walking space in a main pathway. If you opt to put your furniture on an angle, know that it’ll take up a lot of extra space. Try symmetry first — this often works well in living rooms.
Painted 'chimney breast'
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