How to Design a Luxury Bathroom and Kitchen on a Budget

Everyone wants a high-end look for their home, but most of us don’t have the budget to allow this. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can dupe those expensive tile looks to give you a sophisticated finish that won’t break the bank. 

Marble Effect 
A great way of adding some much needed luxury is with the addition of some marble effect tiles. Made from porcelain, marble effect tiles simply carry the look of marble for that gorgeous, expensive look. The best part about using a marble effect tile is that its made from the highly accessible porcelain. This means regular cleaning methods are all that is needed to maintain these tiles long term. 

Patterned Tiles 
Hugely on trend right now, patterned tiles can help you to get a stylish and contemporary look in no time. Whether they be coloured or monochromatic, patterned tiles add dimension and class to a room. Their contemporary look in unparalleled and work beautifully when paired with plain tiles for a stark contrast. Whether they be used on walls or floors, patterned tiles can help any bathroom or kitchen to immediately look like as though it costs ten times as much as it really did. 

Slate Effect 
All the rage right now, rustic homes are more popular than ever. Their dreamy combination of old and new gives them a stand out look that somehow captures modernity with a familiar, homely twist. A great way of starting this look is with slate effect tiles. Traditionally, slate tiles make excellent kitchen floor tiles, and the porcelain equivalent is not different. As with marble effect tiles, slate effect tiles are also made from porcelain. This makes them much easier to look after than a natural slate, so is something to consider if you’re torn between the two. 

 Mosaic Tiles 
 Mosaic tiles are perfect for creating a point of interest in a room. Whether it be a feature wall or a splashback, mosaic tiles catch the eye thanks to their beautiful shine. When working to a budget however, a whole mosaic wall could be just out of your price range. A way around this is to instead use mosaics on a smaller scale. Mosaic tiles make perfect borders around a room, splashbacks above cookers or sinks or even as a strip down one wall or in the shower area. This still adds that point of interest without sending your wallet running. Mosaic tiles aren’t sold as individual tiny pieces as some people presume. They are actually sold in sections with a mesh backing, which makes creating designs easy and not at all time consuming. And there you have it! Four tile ideas for creating expensive looks that don’t live up to their expected price tag. With modern advancements in manufacturing, porcelain effect tiles can hold their own against the real thing and give everyone the chance to work with a huge variety of aesthetics. 

 *collaborative post

Muddy paws, puddles and waggy tails

We have always had dogs but since last year we have, for the first time brought puppies into the home. Boo is 6 months and then we added Pixie into the mix. So....three dogs, one very old and two young. The joy from them is of course immense, they cheer me up on gloomy days and my son loves their antics and has a lovely bond with them that draws him out of his shell. They complete the home.

However, three dogs does create mess and whilst I love them, keeping a house clean was at first a little challenging with the muddy paws, the puppy toilet training and that doggy smell (that often I don't notice), oh and the hair..... 

I have a few tips, from my general experience of how to enjoy a home with a waggy tail or tails and still be able to feel like the house is presentable. 

Firstly, I cannot be more happy with having wood flooring as it is extremely easy to keep looking clean and is infinitely better than a carpet in the downstairs rooms of my home. Any pup mess is cleared up and wiped with disinfectant, any hair is vacuumed and I have a seamless clean space from the front door to the kitchen that looks bright and airy. Whilst training the pups, of course there will be accidents as they are learning and well sometimes it can take a while. Muddy paws after walks are mostly dealt with using a small towel by the door and as part of handling training they are used to their paws being wiped and handled gently. The wooden floor is easily kept clean and I use a scented disinfectant - actually I have a cinnamon Zoflora addiction that makes the house smell of Christmas. I can't imaging having carpet and the smells that would be retained. The wooden floor is practical and durable and is a super choice if you have pets....and children. It keeps dust down and feels really hygenic. 

The pups have their own beds, so they have a cosy space to snuggle in at any point during the day. Pixie has decided that a space under the table and by the radiator (clever girl) is the place to be. However, yes they do also choose to snooze on the furniture and I'm ok with this as they are my babies and that's just the way I've always been with dogs. But I have a selection of throws and blankets in a basket that I use that have a rotation of being washed, frequently at the moment. This keeps the actual sofa ok and I can easily freshen things up. This is so handy for when friends come over and I can swap a sofa throw quickly and other people aren't leaving covered in dog hair - except for when they jump all over guests of course :) 
Febreeze is also your friend! Baking soda is another good item to have, sprinkle it on any accidents on soft furnishings or carpet and it draws the wet and the smell out - another reason why I prefer the wooden flooring as it avoids this......I recommend stair gates to keep your furry friends downstairs. My pups only go upstairs supervised so I don't find surprises in the bedrooms!

For general doggy smells I have scented candles and wax tarts, a hoard of them. The litttle votives and wax melts are cheap and cheerful and they look pretty in a glass jar too. You can get pet smell neutralising candles too, Price's do a great one and I've seen them in the vets for sale too. Frequently airing the house helps too on nice sunny days - hopefully some of them to look forward to in spring. I try not to use air freshener sprays when the dogs are around as they make them sneeze. 

Finally, what better than a warm bubble bath for the dogs. It's a good thing to get the pups used to having a scrub and a nice experience for them and keeps coats smelling lovely and clean. I've been using a special pup shampoo and also trying to start grooming their hair, particularly Pixie who is rough coated and the shedder of the two. My elderly dog is not up for baths as much and she doesn't get herself muddy anymore so some pet wipes keep her fresh, although we do bathe her paws from time to time if she's got into a mess in the garden - usually due to her vision not being as good anymore. 

So.....if you visit me, I hope you find my home smelling fresh but you may have to sit on the floors....

*Collaborative post

Thinking back to Christmas

Late to capture the Christmas cheer
Well into the start of another busy year
Yule now just a dried up sprig of fir
Behind cupboards and lurking in corners behind a wreathless door
Memories contained in that gold glitter sprinkled
and the remnants of wrapping paper used as a bookmark crinkled

Toys not yet played and gifts not yet homed,
Waiting for chance to look at them I moaned
Cards of robins giving tidings from over in Yorkshire
Still not thanked them, really must oughta

But now the momentums been lost like the giftcard for Boots
Gone with the brazil nuts, salted peanuts, dried fruits
Ah no wait a minute we have bags of them left
Bought far too much, they'll do for this year instead

Still using up sprays and candles all cinammon and spiced
Can't quite switch to spring posy or cotton sheet nights
Spare fairylight bulbs in the Santa mug on the shelf
A lingering troupe of mantlepiece angels and where is that Elf?
Armchair book stacks of old wintry tales,
Pop-up Nutcracker and the folklore of wassails.

The evening clouds roll in soon after tea
Kindling pinecone lit fires, sat with dog outstretched on my knee
Longing for spring but then happy to wait for its start
Keeping the spirit of Christmas-not-quite-finished in my heart