We thought we’d give you some simple and easy tips on how to make your kitchen look bigger!

Change the colour scheme

Light colours, such as white, reflect light, and therefore tend to make rooms look more spacious. This is a simple change to make but one that can have a big impact. Painting the walls white, having white tiling, or white kitchen tops and cupboard doors will make the place appear bigger and more open. You don’t necessarily have to make your kitchen white, but any sort of light colour that you choose can also create the same illusion if you keep it as a consistent theme and make more or less everything that same colour. For example, your walls, units, accessories, radiator etc. If everything is kept the same colour, this also tends to make it look as though there is more space.

Have an island built in the middle

Although having an island built in your kitchen is certainly more of a drastic change to make, it could really suit you if you are looking for practical benefits as well, such as having more storage or an extra dining space, or if you are wanting a bigger transformation. Aside from their practical benefits and stunning designs, kitchen islands tend to create the illusion of a bigger room. It gives you the opportunity for a bit of a declutter, and to rearrange things and move things into additional storage, therefore creating more space around your kitchen. The extra storage and counter space allows you to spread things out, which opens up your kitchen more.

It’s all in the lighting

Following on from colour schemes, a lot can change through the amount of light your kitchen is exposed to. The more natural light, the better, and as mentioned earlier, if your kitchen is predominantly white or any particularly light colour, this will reflect and therefore make the room appear bigger. Allowing more natural light in the kitchen can be as simple as changing your blinds to something that enables more light through. Furthermore, artificial light can also have an impact. One particular type is under cabinet lighting, having this installed emphasises more parts of your kitchen which makes it apparent that there is more space than you realise.

Tidy up!

Sometimes a good tidy up and declutter makes the world of difference. We’re not just talking a little sweep and polish. Clear things out that you don’t need (I’m sure we’re all guilty of hoarding rubbish and having old tins of beans past their sell by date at the back of the cupboard!), it goes without saying that this will literally create more space in your kitchen, and more space will open the room up more. You could even do some rearranging, and find better places to store things such as utensils, pots and pans. The more you can see in and around your kitchen, the smaller it appears to be.

Try open shelving

A lot of the time, cupboard doors and cupboards themselves are quite big and bulky, and this takes up a lot of space in our kitchens. One solution to this that we would recommend, is swapping out some of your cupboards and units for open shelving. With open shelving you have to get a little bit creative and smart in the way you arrange things, otherwise it can look too busy and messy. However, when done right, it can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen and make it look and feel a whole lot bigger. Think about how much space one cupboard takes up – by removing this and swapping it for some open shelving you won’t only be making your kitchen look bigger, but you will also be creating more space.

For more information and advice, or if you would like some help in transforming your kitchen, simply get in touch with us via our contact page and we will be more than happy to help!

The post 5 Simple Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger appeared first on DG Construction Solutions.

One of our specialities here at DG Construction and something that we are highly skilled and have many years of experience in, is joinery. This means that we can essentially build storage space and compartments for you to take away all of your worries. You can never have too much storage space, and here are a few ways that you can benefit from some of the different options available.

Why we need storage

Storage is an absolute necessity. It is perfect for keeping things organised, and giving your belongings a designated space. Without storage, you would have nowhere to keep all of your possessions, and your whole house would be a mess. Basic storage includes things like wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers, however over time and as we accumulate more and more things, these areas quickly become full, leaving us with little extra room to store them.

How you could benefit from extra storage space

As we have established, you can always make use of a bit more storage space in your home. It helps to declutter, and keep a clean and tidy house with none of your belongings lying around. It also works well in keeping your possessions safe and comfortably stored away. Perhaps you have valuables that you would rather not have on display for people to see – having a space where you can keep these stored ensures that they are kept safe and secure.

Ways that more storage can be incorporated into your home

There are so many different ways you can incorporate storage into your home, and it can be done as creatively or discretely as you would like. These changes can be minor or extreme, and can coincide with other upgrades that you are having. For example, you may decide to make a drastic change in your kitchen, and have an island built into the middle. This works wonders in transforming your kitchen, but another huge benefit is all of the additional storage space that you gain from it. A kitchen island can become home to loads of new cupboards and drawers for you to safely store your utensils.

Although storage is mostly for practical benefits, you can also use it to enhance design, too. There are so many different styles of cabinets, shelves, and storage units that you can choose from. Maybe you could have drawers that pull out from underneath your bed, or statement sideboards, or perhaps open cabinets with no doors so that you can display your most prized possessions and treasured ornaments. Here at DG Construction, we can build bespoke storage facilities to suit you and your home.

For more information or if you would like us to provide you with some extra storage, simply get in touch with us via our contact page and we will be more than happy to help!

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Knowing how to give certain areas of your bathroom the right treatment can be something that a lot of people are uncertain about. So, we thought we’d give you a few tips on how to ensure that you are cleaning your bathroom properly, and how you can make this easier for yourself.

Paying attention to small areas

A great way to ensure that you are cleaning all areas of your bathroom, is to tackle the smaller, finer spaces with a toothbrush. Although it may sound unusual, dipping a toothbrush into some solution and using it to scrub and target these small, detailed areas is really effective in ensuring that no single part of your bathroom is being left untreated. Quite often when we clean our bathroom, perhaps on a weekly basis, we do quite a generalised clean, and so don’t place too much focus into the smaller and more discreet areas. Using this method may not be necessary every time you clean your bathroom but it is great for keeping on top of things every now and then to ensure that all parts of the room are properly cleaned.

Cleaning grout

Most bathrooms have tiles at least somewhere, whether it’s floor tiles or wall tiles. Cleaning these can be quite difficult as the grout between each tile can pick up dirt and it is tricky to get out. When we just wipe down tiles, dirt often gets pushed into the grout and ends up gathering there. Not only is this unhygienic, but it can be quite visually noticeable and unpleasant, too. In order to clean it out properly, fill the lines with a formula of baking soda and water, as this becomes like a paste and makes it a lot easier to get rid of any dirt that has settled in the grout.

Vinegar

The great thing about vinegar, is that it is chemical free. This means that it minimises risk of harm or damage to your bathroom, yet still cleans the place just as effectively as any cleaning products that you would buy in the supermarket. Vinegar and baking soda together are perfect for unblocking any clogged up drains and cleaning them out. It’s also used well for getting rid of any grime or prominent dirt that you are struggling to get rid of. The combination of the two is actually more powerful than bleach, meaning that it can clean out your sink and unblock the drains more effectively.

Regular cleaning

Ironically, our bathroom is the place we go to keep clean, yet it’s also the place that falls victim to the most germs. This means that regular cleaning is essential. Now, this doesn’t have to be extensive, it can simply mean wiping down surfaces more often, in between more thorough weekly cleans. Realistically speaking, most people clean their bathroom properly around once a week. However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make an effort to keep it clean in between these. The more care and maintenance we give to our bathrooms, the better it is for us.

Following these simple tips and keeping up regular maintenance will be sure to leave your bathroom gleaming. If you have any questions or would like more advice, simply get in touch with us via our contact page and we will be more than happy to help!

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There are lots of benefits to be gained from having an island built into your kitchen, and we wanted to share some of them with you in this blog!

A whole new dining area

The great thing about kitchen islands, is that they are extremely convenient. Your kitchen is where food is prepared, so where better than to have a whole new dining area? If you invest in a few stools – that fit underneath the island as not to cause an obstruction in the kitchen – you can use it as a new space to sit down and have a meal with your loved ones. They also make for a pretty good breakfast bar, too.

Extra storage space

Not only do kitchen islands tend to create the illusion of more space in and around the kitchen, but you can actually use them for extra storage space, too. Let’s be honest, we’re always running out of space in our kitchen and trying to cram everything we can into the cupboards whilst keeping things as neat as possible, but with a kitchen island, you can have additional storage cabinets built in to solve this problem for you. It’s also pretty convenient as it’s away from preparation areas but still very easy to access.

It completely changes up the design

Having an island installed really does make it look like a whole new kitchen. It changes up the whole dynamics and adds a focal point to the centre of the room. You have the freedom to be as adventurous or as subtle as you would like and it will still impress your guests and give the kitchen a whole new feel about it. Having a kitchen island also allows you to experiment with design, colours and themes.

Goes exceptionally well with pendant lighting

As kitchen islands prevent people from being able to walk or stand in that particular area, it gives the perfect opportunity for low hanging lights. Pendant lighting or any type of low hanging lights are quite different, and certainly look particularly stunning. As they come down so low, too, it adds emphasis on the island itself as that becomes lit up more than any other features in your kitchen. Without a kitchen island you wouldn’t be able to have low hanging lights as it is a hazard and obstruction to people moving around, so we certainly recommend making the most of this chance to have them.

It’s inclusive

Having a kitchen island means additional seating in this part of the house. This is great for having sit down meals or even serving as a social area when you invite friends and family round.

For more information or advice involving your kitchen, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our contact page and we will be more than happy to help and offer our knowledge and expertise.

The post Benefits of Having a Kitchen Island appeared first on DG Construction Solutions.

We wanted to share with you a few ways that joinery can completely change the whole look of your house and make it look brand new!

Colour

Colour can act as quite a significant change to the appearance, especially if you go for something dark and bold. This is often determined by the type of wood you go for, and so if this is something you’re interested in or if you have something in mind, it may be worth looking into types of wood available, and they look like. Colour can really change the tone and feel, for example it could make the place look more elegant and classy, or modern and chic.

Dark grey is something that’s becoming increasingly popular at the moment, and we’re loving it! It’s quite a nice balance of being bold, but it also tend to suit just about any design and theme. Sometimes going big and bold can be a really good move to make, as it can completely transform the whole look and feel of your home, and it can certainly be eye catching.

Small changes that make a big difference

Joinery doesn’t always mean getting huge jobs done. Even if you’re really unhappy with something in the house and want it to look completely different, you could be surprised by how simple changes can still achieve just as big of an impact. Just changing little details here and there can make a big difference visually. For example, you could do this through adding a theme with accessories in your bathroom, or slightly changing the tap on your kitchen sink! The opportunities are endless, and it all comes down to what kind of impact you want to create.

Creating a focal point

You can make a change just by creating a real focal point. You don’t even have to change anything else in there, just alter one thing and it can make all the difference. For example, this can be done through patterns, or bold and bright colours. For example, if you were hoping to change the exterior of the house, you could get a brand new door that’s brightly coloured and stands out.

What you can change

Joinery applies to the interior and exterior of your house. For example, you can change window frames, your door/door frame, or inside the house you could change your staircase or cupboards and wardrobes, or the tiling and floorboards – whether this is replacing them with something new or just giving them a lick of paint. All of these are pretty significant features in terms of appearance, so anything you do will make a difference.

You could make a change to the look of your house by incorporating colour and patterns. Marble is very popular at the moment, as it makes the place look very sleek and classy. This can be incorporated into the design of your house just about anywhere, for example you could have marble tiling, a marble sink, marble themed accessories, you name it!

Some other simple changes could be things like changing the handles on your cupboards, or just giving them a good polish and putting some varnish on there. You could also make a change to your kitchen by switching to to wooden kitchen tops.

The post Changing the Look of Your House with Joinery appeared first on DG Construction Solutions.

So, here’s all you need to know about GDPR, what it means for small businesses, and how we’re progressing with it here at DG Construction.

What is it?

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation, and this is a law within the EU that ensures data protection and privacy. It’s basically an introduction of new rights for you as a customer that prevents your data from being shared where you don’t want it to. And on the flip side, a new set of rules for businesses that state what they can and can’t do with customer data. So, for example, this is why you have been receiving emails from companies requesting for your agreement to remain on their mailing list, as without it they are no longer entitled to have your data on their files, nor are they allowed to contact you.

What does GDPR mean for small businesses?

Basically, unless a company is GDPR compliant, they are no longer able to have access to client data. As a small business, you must seek permission from the client first. For example, here at DG Construction we collect client data and so it is essential for us to be compliant with GDPR, and as of last month, our website has been updated so that is in keeping with these new regulations. Before we contract their data, the customer must agree to the terms of what it is being used for, who has access to it, and how long for.

You may see that we have a contact page on our website, where new or existing customers can come become acquainted with us. As a result, this means that we have access to some of their data, such as their name, email address or phone number. However, with these new regulations, we would not be able to do anything else with that data, such as adding them to our mailing list, without them consenting to it first as this would be a breach of privacy. Customers also have the opportunity to cancel or withdraw our access to their personal data at any time they want.

How this impacts DG Construction

Our website is an extremely useful asset to us as a business. It helps us to reach more and more customers online and spread the word about some of the work we do. It contains information about DG Construction as well as the services we provide and how these could be of use to you. So, this is helpful to both new and existing customers, as when they browse the internet looking for these services in particular, they will find us and from then are able to view our gallery, videos and reviews. We find that this is perfect for our target audience as it actually allows them to see some of the work we do, as well as hear feedback from customers we’ve worked with before, to make sure that we are exactly what they are looking for.

Once they have found out all they need to know about our work, they are able to speak to us via our contact page, where they can call and email us directly, or alternatively, leave an enquiry along with their details for us to get back to them. This is one of the main reasons why it is crucial for our website to be fully GDPR compliant. By meeting these regulations, it ensures that we are never in breach of any client data and that it remains looked after in accordance of the clients wishes. Their data can never be used or shared without prior consent from them.

Furthermore, as we mentioned at the start of this blog, we also have fresh and updated terms of service, cookies and a new privacy policy so that we remain in keeping with the new regulations and guidelines and customers old and new have the ability to consent to use of their data.

We hope this information has been useful for you, and if you have any queries or are interested in any services displayed on our website, take a look at our contact page yourself and get in touch with us today!

The post Our Website Is Now GDPR Compliant appeared first on DG Construction Solutions.

All of this is fairly straightforward, however knowing where to start when it comes to which kinds of wood will tick the boxes for you, can be a little bit more difficult. So without further ado, we’re going to jump right in and tell you about some of the best kinds of wood for your staircase!

Oak

Oak is a particularly popular and well known wood used for staircases. It has a lot of perks and is guaranteed to look great and last for a long time when fitted into your home. Oak is great for the interior design as well as being extreme high quality. This type of wood is generally a good fit for most properties, as it matches more or less any any design. It has a bit of a brown colour too it, and it isn’t too dark or too light, making it a go-to option for a lot of people. It also has a fine, steady grain factor to it, which is often very appealing to homeowners. Furthermore, Oak is easier to craft and make any changes to and always remains in great condition.

Mahogany

Mahogany used to be the most popular timber used in staircases, due to its classy look and sturdy build. It is coloured very dark brown with a slight hint of purple, so this can be a little tricky with some home designs but it can really add a special and unique touch. Putting the design aspects aside, Mahogany is very tough and therefore long lasting. It is quite a high end and luxury option, and so can drum up a bit of a high cost, however you’re certainly paying for quality. This is another kind of wood that is easy to craft and remains in fantastic condition throughout its lifetime. Mahogany is the perfect option if you really want to add a touch of luxury to your home and its appearance.

Ash

To put it plainly, Ash is generally ‘the cheaper option’ and a great alternative to Oak. the properties are very similar, so if you’re wanting to save a bit of money but still gain the same benefits, it is ideal for you. Another thing to take note of is that Ash requires slightly more craft work, and it also has a more obvious grainy look. Due to this fact, you may want to check that it looks well against your home before buying it.

Walnut

Walnut is another type of wood known for its luxurious deep, dark brown look. It doesn’t work in every home as it can clash with certain aspects, however if you want to go bold this is the best option for you. Walnut staircases tend to look good when the rest of the room is light, for example white or creme. It’s also a very solid and traditional wood.

We hope this has helped you and given you some extra knowledge on these particular types of wood. The most important things to consider are how it’s going to look in your home, what the quality is like, and how sturdy and long lasting it is. If you have any enquiries or are looking at getting a new staircase built in or touched up, talk to us today on 07886 929 497.

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What type of wardrobe will match your room?

Materials

Of course, wardrobes come built with many different materials. One of the finer and more traditional of these is solid oak. They are generally quite simple inside and old fashioned. Some even come without drawers and only have a hanging rail. If your bedroom is designed with a bold colour scheme, or modern feel, this probably wouldn’t be the wardrobe for you. Furthermore, another wardrobe material similar to this is softwood, probably more suited to chic and quirky bedrooms.

If you’re after something a bit more modern, some of the most common wardrobes these days have sliding doors, and a mirror or laminate finish on those. This tends to look very current and modernized and is quite flexible in terms of design, and so matches a lot of different styles of bedrooms.

Interior

Although wardrobes generally look quite plain and simple on the outside, some have more complex interiors than others. For example, as we mentioned above, some oak wardrobes have nothing inside but  hanging rail, whereas others can come with drawers, shelves and compartments as well as those. If having something spacious is important to you, you might want to look into the best storage facilities within different types of wardrobes.

Appearance

After deciding on the kind of space and storage capability you want your wardrobe to have, you need to think about how it’s going to look in your bedroom. Two door? Sliding doors? Old fashioned? Modern? Plain? Your wardrobe has to fit in with the rest of your bedroom. Perhaps you have a colour theme going, or you need something plain to tone everything down a bit. One of the most common colours people choose nowadays is white. This goes with just about everything, and gives quite a ‘less is more’ impact.

Get something bespoke

Have you ever thought about getting your wardrobe made especially for you? Perhaps you’re a bit fussy and have something very specific in mind. Here at DG Construction, we specialise in joinery, and so we can help build and design you the perfect wardrobe. Whatever material, size, and layout this may be, we have the facilities to make it unique for you.

Save yourself the hassle of looking around trying to find the perfect wardrobe – just come to us with your ideas and specifications and we will get the ball rolling in building you your dream wardrobe. Our team can make it to your very own specific requirements and do it exactly how you want it, down to the finest details.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today on 07886 929497 and we can help pick the right wardrobe for you.

The post Picking the Right Wardrobe for Your Bedroom appeared first on DG Construction Solutions.

So, here are a few different types of lighting for your kitchen that you may want to consider in a little revamp.

Recessed lighting

Firstly, let’s start with recessed lighting, or spotlights as some of you may refer to them as. With these lights, there is no excess as they’re all fitted into the ceiling. This often gives the illusion of a bigger kitchen and there being more space, so they’re ideal if your kitchen is feeling a little cramped and overcrowded. Recessed lighting is stronger when there are more individual lights, which is why they often come in groups built into the ceiling. Furthermore, you sometimes have quite a bit of control over how these are lit as the lighting is usually adjustable, so you can always ensure that it suits the mood.

Pendant lights

Now these are a real compliment to any room that they are situated in. pendant lights come in all different shapes, sizes and designs, and so are made to match your kitchen and fit in with the aesthetics. Not only that, they do provide very good practical lighting and tend to light up any large area particularly well. Pendant lights are designed to increase visibility in the areas you need it most. They can provide light to one specific focused area, but also still cater to the area around it, so really, they’re ideal! They’re especially great if you have a breakfast bar or a little island in the middle of your kitchen, as they can provide focused lighting on this, but then also work in the rest of the room. Above an island is perhaps one of the best places pendant lights can be, as they do hang quite low and so could present an issue if people were to be walking nearby or underneath them.

Chandeliers

Not surprisingly, chandeliers do have a tendency to become quite a focal point within any room that they hang in. They are often picked more from an aesthetical point of view, rather than a practical one, which is understandable as let’s face it, they are stunning. However, despite being renowned for their magnificent appearance, chandeliers do actually provide strong general lighting too, so just this one light in the middle of your kitchen would be able to light up the whole room. Furthermore, although they’re known for being a very fancy choice of lighting, they can in fact be quite simple, too. They can be a great finishing touch to any kitchen, and tend to match very easily with any theme.

Under-cabinet lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is extremely practical and handy. This type of lighting is exactly what it says on the tin, as it just provides lighting for the area beneath your kitchen cabinets, making your daily tasks there a whole lot easier. This is mainly what under-cabinet lighting is used for, as it eradicates any difficulties when preparing food etc. in the kitchen. Not only this, it can also add quite a unique and elegant touch to your kitchen.

Now these are only a few different types of lighting. There are so many to choose from, but it all comes down to what you want. Perhaps you want lighting that sets the mood, whether you’re stressed out and cooking a lot of food or just having a nice quiet meal with your loved ones. However, it’s not just about appearance, you need to be practical too. We hope our points throughout this blog can help you come to a practical decision as to how you’re going to light up your kitchen the right way!

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In my 30 years of experience, I have mastered areas including tiling, plumbing and bathroom installation, so no task is too big for us. We sometimes get clients coming to us with little knowledge and direction when it comes to changing around their bathroom. So, because of this, we wanted to give you a few ways in which you can make your bathroom look better!

Tiles

There are so many things you can do with tiles. They can make your bathroom look modern, classy, clean-looking, any way you want it to look! Tiles are a simple but effective solution to transforming the look of your bathroom, and they are also extremely practical. For example, they are of course completely waterproof, very durable, and super easy to clean.

Aside from practicality, tiles are a fantastic way to spruce up the whole appearance of your bathroom. Wall tiling for example, could break up what is otherwise quite a ‘boring’ and plain design, and they also give an opportunity to add new colour into the room.

Add a glass panel

Although this probably isn’t something that immediately springs to mind when you think of what you can do to enhance the design of your bathroom, replacing your bath and shower curtain with a glass panel can really make all the difference. For a start, it makes the room seem a whole lot bigger and more open and generally keeps things neater. Shower curtains can often get in the way a bit and look quite untidy, however with a glass panel, it adds a whole different dynamic to the bathroom. This acts as both a nice decorative touch, and a very practical and easy one as they are also adjustable and so can be tailored to how you would like it positioned.

Colour and lighting

Sometimes, it’s all about the aesthetics. Maybe you don’t want a bathroom redesign for the practicality, but for the appearance and feel of it. A great way to achieve a new look is through changing up the colour and lighting. Even if you keep your existing colour but just add a little bit of something brighter, perhaps on just one wall, or even through certain coloured accessories.

You could also change up the lighting, by perhaps upgrading to spotlights, or even some little cabinet lights. After all, sometimes less is more. This applies to colour too. A nice combination to go for could be white with grey or blue, as these are quite modern, chic and toned down yet make the room seem a lot bigger and more spacious.

If you’re interested in some bathroom renovation work, please get in touch with us by calling 07886 929 497 or emailing dgconstructionsolutions@gmx.co.uk.

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