When we decided to leave caves, possibly, archaeologists believe, because of overcrowding,  the first humans were faced with the immediate problem of where to live and in what. Maybe it was a race memory of when we lived in the trees but it was wood that they turned to. Using the paleolithic axes they had they began to chop down and shape the trees around them into  crude logs. This was the beginning of the Mesolithic era and the start of our love of wooden houses.

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There is something about a log cabin. It feels homely and secure. Trees naturally reduce heat so they act as natural barriers to keeping out the warmth of the day. On the opposite, they are also great at keeping out the cold. Just ask Southampton Timber Merchants http://www.timbco.co.uk/

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In films and television the log cabin wood house has been used in so many settings. It is the scene for the hardy Frontier family battling against the elements and the Native Americans. In the horror genre it is where the teenagers make their last stand or an ill advised holiday like in The Cabin in the Woods.

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When it comes to keeping your heating system running smoothly there are a number of things that you can do to try and ensure that your system is working to the best of its ability and hopefully make sure that your energy bills don’t skyrocket.

The first thing is to ensure that you have a Boiler Service Gloucester company such as https://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-service-gloucester/ come in annually to look at your boiler and give it a service to ensure that it is safe to use and running efficiently. If there are any issues with your system they will be able to tell you and deal with any remedial works or they may suggest a new boiler depending on the extent of the issues and the age of your existing boiler.

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Next you want to ensure that all of your pipes relating to your heating system are insulated to help prevent them from freezing during the cold weather. Frozen pipes can cause your boiler to have a major breakdown that will require and engineer to come and unseize the condensate pipes.

Lastly you should ensure that you regularly check the pressure in your system. You can do this relatively easily and adjust the pressure if you need to. Ask you boiler engineer to show you how to do this next time they come to do your annual service.

Have you long dreamt of a retro kitchen? This look is enjoying a surge in popularity that includes kitchens decorated in light, fun colours and designs with soft, rounded shapes. If you desire a unique and different aesthetic for your kitchen space, here are some ways to create a retro feel in your home:

1. Go for pastel

For retro kitsch, choose pastel colours. Blue, green, pink and yellow are ideal for creating an understated look, especially if you paint just one wall in this colour while keeping the rest of the walls neutral with cream, latte or light grey.

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2. Get the diner look

The kitchen diner is a big part of the retro chic. During the fifties, the family combined the traditional dining room with the kitchen to make a more open, friendly and cosy dining space. Think of the bright chrome furniture with wipeable tabletops and chairs to match. For Norwich Fited Kitchens, visit a site like Norwich Fitted Kitchens through Graysfitted Kitchens

3. Go retro with equipment

The perfect way to add some retro style to your kitchen is to do it through your appliances. This is also a more economical option than installing all new. Appliances such as refrigerators, coffee machines and kettles are all available in retro design. American style refrigerators in cool pastels and soft edges are perfect for either a modern or retro kitchen style.

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4. Tiles for the splashback

Other looks you can try out include splashback tiles, which you can DIY if you are on a budget. Think of geometric patterns and pastel colours for the best retro designs.

Moving house can be exciting and a great time to get rid of things you no longer want or need. However, it can also be a very stressful time as well as emotional, especially if you have lived in the house you’re leaving for a long period of time. Once your Solicitor Southend way has exchanged contracts is time to start sorting through your belongings and packing ready to move.

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There are things you can do in order to make the move go as smoothly as possible, and the key is to be organised.

Declutter

The best thing to do is to start as soon as you have a moving date and decluttering should be first on the list. Garden sheds, garages, spare rooms and lofts are all spaces that can be packed up and sorted early on.

Plan

Before packing, work out what will go where in your new home and this will mean you can be more organised in both packing and unpacking. This is especially helpful with large furniture. If you are downsizing you may need to check that certain items such as sofas and tables will fit, or alternatively look at investing in new furniture if moving to a bigger home.

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Marking

The best way to make sure furniture and boxes end up in the right place on the day, is to colour code them with stickers which can be easily bought from the high street. You can then give the removal company a floor plan showing what colour goes in which room.

Packing

When packing, try to have an essentials box for each room that you can unpack first. For example, toiletries and essential clothes for the bathrooms and bedrooms as well as bedding for the beds. For the kitchen, don’t forget to include the kettle, some mugs and some snacks so you can easily make refreshments when you need to.

Despite the uncertainty of Brexit, house sales have seen a steady increase https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1103900/property-news-sold-house-prices-sales-data-uk, so you won’t be the only person moving!

Valuables and essentials

Finally, it is most likely you will be travelling to your new home via car and separately from your other belongings, so it is a good idea to take your valuables with you and anything else including any cleaning essentials.

So far this year, we’ve seen a lot of rain. As a result of freezing temperatures, heavy flooding and high winds, many houses have suffered problems with their drainage systems that eventually become an expensive nuisance.

Inclement weather can lead to blockages in the drainage system which can result in some longer-term consequences if not handled quickly and effectively, such as:

1 – Leaks

Due to the high pressure, cracking and leaks may occur along the internal and external pipes. This can lead to significant moisture and mould build-up that can cause structural damage to all types of properties. Older buildings are more vulnerable. For help with your drainage issues, contact a Blocked Drains Kent company. If you need your drain unblocked and live in Kent click here

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2 – Waste Resurgence

A disposal system that is not working correctly won’t be removing waste effectively, causing an accumulation of debris that will stop the flow of sewage and wastewater. This will lead it festering in your pipe and in some cases, internal resurging. Foul odours and health risks are just some of the consequences.

3 – Structural Damage

All of the above can cause structural damage to your property and can result in a very expensive repair if ignored. Not only that, the safety of occupants and residents will be disturbed because of structural damage.

Keeping your home clean and well maintained is an ongoing task. You must make sure all surfaces are free of dust and dirt. The floor should be swept, mopped and disinfected. The carpet should be vacuumed and cleaned regularly. Water-prone areas such as sinks, counters, kitchen and bathroom floors cleaned and wiped down.

However, these tasks are mostly taking care of only the superficial elements. Sometimes, the real problem could be away in an area not visible to the eye. Since it may be located in a hidden area, you might not realize the damage until almost too late. You only find out about it because it has reached severe conditions and serious damage has been done to your property, or worse, it could cause illness to you or your family.

One of the hidden problems that may have a significant impact on your home and your health is the problem of blocked drains. Small objects, random debris, oil and other things can be slowly and gradually accumulate in the pipes, blocking the water flow. If the blocked drains are not cleaned and treated, the stagnant water can cause a number of complications that will affect you and your property.

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Blockages in the drains can result in damage to your home. Puddles of water that have gathered for a long time will give off an unpleasant musty smell. This odour can rise to the surface and penetrate the home creating an unhealthy atmosphere. Meanwhile, water could leak into the corners and the foundation of the house, which can weaken the structural integrity.

Moisture may appear on the floor or wall, causing water stains, or worse, warping. When left without attention, the area could be prone to flooding. In addition, the stagnant water can attract bacteria and disease-carrying pests. These areas are also more susceptible to mould and mildew.

With spring fast approaching, it’s time to update your living space and interior to really freshen things up. From simple prints and neutral colours to retro furniture for nostalgia and maximalist leaf motifs, here are some of the top five interior trends for the new season.

You don’t need to carry out major renovations to make a difference. A simple lick of paint and some colourful new home accessories will do the trick. However, if you fancy a total room makeover, here is some inspiration for creating an on-trend home.

Spring is also the best time for a deep clean while you’re thinking about glamming the place up. A good de-clutter is also advisable to free up space, make the home feel airier and in turn, have more positive energy. For items you want to keep but don’t want to store at home, consider Chorley Self Storage at a site like Chorley Self Storage from Andrew Porter

1. Scandi-chic

Easy in effort with a stunning impact all in the style. Scandi-chic is a major trend in the coming season featuring pastel colours, texture combinations of timber and ceramic mixed with simple patterns that create a fresh new minimalist look.

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2. Tropical

To match the weather changes, tropical prints set to pave the way for seasonal style inspiration. Celebrating all things natural is simple when you consider introducing leaf, flower and palm prints to make a statement or introduce fake plants to bring a little of the outside in. Utilizing various shades of green to complement each other, and style with soft pastel colours such as pink, will add a colourful touch to your living space.

3. Retro

Nostalgia remains a popular trend this season, with a rise in print statements and bright blocky colours like yellow, purple and green. It is very easy to re-create a retro style in your home. Consider introducing an impact through furniture design statements, or soft furnishings with texture such as jute, gold or corduroy to add a ’70s vibe to your home.

4. Nordic

With natural shades inspired by the beaches and rocky cliffs and dramatic navy colours of the sea, the trend of Nordic style will introduce peace and tranquillity to the home. Style with natural textures including rattan, wood and shells to create the appearance of a relaxing Nordic retreat.

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5. Art-deco

Add a touch of glamour to your home with art-deco trend. With a touch of pale pink and velvety finish, and clean lines to look decadent, updated art-deco style is easy to introduce into your home. Consider peak marble surfaces, and smoked glass to tie the look together.