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lighting

Shed to Kitchen Pantry Conversion: Maximising Storage and Organisation

In today’s world, maximising space in our homes is essential, especially in the kitchen where storage can often be a challenge. One innovative solution is to convert a garden shed into an extended pantry. This transformation not only declutters your kitchen but also provides ample space for bulk storage, preserving, and organising kitchen essentials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this functional and efficient space, including considerations for typical shed sizes.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Assess Your Needs: Begin by evaluating what you need in a pantry. Consider the types of items you’ll store, such as canned goods, dry foods, kitchen appliances, and cleaning supplies. This will help you determine the layout and storage solutions required.

Choose the Right Shed: Select a shed that is close to your kitchen for convenience. Ensure it is structurally sound and weatherproof to protect your food items. If you don’t already have a shed, you may want to invest in one that meets your size and durability needs.

Typical shed sizes include:

  • 6×4 feet: Ideal for a small pantry with basic storage needs.
  • 8×6 feet: Provides more space for shelving and bulk storage.
  • 10×8 feet: Perfect for a comprehensive pantry with ample room for various storage solutions and workspace.

Plan the Layout Draw a floor plan of your shed. Include shelving units, storage bins, and areas for larger items. Consider adding a workbench or countertop for additional workspace.

Step 2: Cleaning and Preparing the Shed

Clear Out the Shed Remove any existing items from the shed. Clean the interior thoroughly to ensure it is free from pests and debris.

Inspect for Damage Check the shed for any signs of damage or leaks. Repair any issues to prevent future problems.

Insulate and Ventilate Proper insulation is crucial to keep your pantry items safe from extreme temperatures. Install insulation on the walls and ceiling. Add ventilation to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mould and spoilage.

Step 3: Installing Shelving and Storage

Choose Shelving Solutions Invest in sturdy shelving units that can handle the weight of your pantry items. Adjustable shelves are ideal as they can be customised to fit different items.

Add Storage Bins and Containers Use clear storage bins and containers to keep items organised and visible. Label each container for easy identification. Airtight containers are perfect for dry goods to keep them fresh and pest-free.

Incorporate Hooks and Racks Install hooks and racks on the walls for hanging items like pots, pans, and kitchen utensils. This will free up shelf space and keep frequently used items within reach.

Step 4: Organising Your Pantry

Categorise Your Items Group similar items together. For example, keep all baking supplies in one area, canned goods in another, and cleaning supplies in a separate section. This will make it easier to find what you need.

Create Zones Designate specific zones for different types of items. Have a zone for bulk storage, another for daily use items, and a separate area for less frequently used items.

Maintain an Inventory Keep an inventory of your pantry items. This can be a simple list on the door or a more detailed spreadsheet. Regularly update it to avoid overbuying and ensure you always know what you have on hand.

Step 5: Adding Finishing Touches

Lighting Good lighting is essential in your pantry. Install bright, energy-efficient LED lights to illuminate the space. Consider adding motion-sensor lights for convenience.

Climate Control If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider installing a small heater or fan to maintain a consistent climate inside the pantry.

Aesthetic Touches Add a few decorative touches to make your pantry inviting. Paint the walls a cheerful colour, add a rug, or hang a chalkboard for notes and lists.

Benefits of a Shed Pantry Conversion

Increased Storage Space A shed pantry provides much-needed extra storage space, freeing up valuable kitchen real estate.

Better Organisation With a dedicated pantry space, you can organise your items more efficiently, making meal prep and cooking easier.

Cost-Effective Solution Converting an existing shed is a cost-effective way to expand your storage without the need for expensive kitchen renovations.

Enhanced Home Value A well-organised and functional pantry can enhance your home’s value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

By converting your shed into a kitchen pantry, you can create a practical, organised, and efficient space that meets all your storage needs. This innovative solution not only maximises your available space but also enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of your home.

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lighting

Evolution of Kitchen and Bathroom Web Design

In recent years, the digital landscape has transformed the way we approach various aspects of our lives, including home design and renovation. This evolution is particularly evident in the kitchen and bathroom industry, where web design has played a crucial role in showcasing products, inspiring creativity, and facilitating seamless customer experiences. This article delves into the changes in kitchen and bathroom web design over the years, with a focus on notable UK companies leading the way.

We asked PIXUS a Liverpool web design company about the importance of web design for kitchen and bathroom sellers:

“Web design serves as the architect of the digital realm, shaping the online experience for kitchen and bathroom websites. Like a well-designed space, an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly website sets the foundation for success. It invites visitors to explore a virtual showroom, effortlessly navigating through captivating visuals and intuitive layouts. Effective web design for kitchen and bathroom websites enhances brand identity, showcasing the elegance and functionality of these vital spaces. It fosters trust, as visitors feel confident in the quality and expertise reflected in every pixel. A thoughtfully crafted website becomes the cornerstone, bridging the gap between online presence and real-life transformation, turning dreams into reality.”

  1. The Rise of Visual Appeal

Gone are the days of static web pages with minimal imagery. Modern kitchen and bathroom websites prioritize visual appeal, using high-resolution photographs and videos to captivate visitors. UK companies like Wren Kitchens and Bathstore have embraced this trend by featuring stunning visuals that showcase their product ranges. Interactive virtual showrooms have become popular, allowing customers to visualize how different products fit together in their own spaces.

  1. User-Friendly Interfaces

As technology advances, web design has become more intuitive and user-friendly. UK-based companies such as Magnet Kitchens and VictoriaPlum.com have focused on creating seamless experiences for their customers. Navigation menus are streamlined, and search functionalities have improved, allowing visitors to find specific products quickly. Mobile responsiveness is also a priority, ensuring that users can access websites and complete purchases from any device.

  1. Personalization and Customization

Personalization has become a significant trend in kitchen and bathroom web design. Companies like Howdens and B&Q offer online design tools that allow users to customize and visualize their dream spaces. These tools enable customers to experiment with different layouts, colors, and finishes, empowering them to make informed decisions before committing to a purchase. This emphasis on personalization enhances the overall customer experience and fosters a sense of ownership.

  1. Integration of Augmented Reality (AR)

One of the most exciting advancements in kitchen and bathroom web design is the integration of augmented reality (AR). UK companies such as Wickes and Homebase have introduced AR applications that enable customers to virtually place products within their own homes. By leveraging AR technology, customers can see how a particular countertop or bathroom suite would look and fit in their space before making a final decision. This innovation has revolutionized the shopping experience and reduced the risk of disappointment upon delivery.

  1. Embracing Sustainability

With growing environmental awareness, kitchen and bathroom web design has shifted towards promoting sustainable options. UK companies like Eco Kitchens Direct and Soak.com emphasize eco-friendly products and materials, showcasing their commitment to sustainability on their websites. They provide information on energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. The integration of sustainability into web design has become an effective way for companies to resonate with socially conscious customers.

Conclusion

Over the years, kitchen and bathroom web design in the UK has evolved significantly, reflecting changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. Visual appeal, user-friendly interfaces, personalisation, augmented reality, and sustainability have emerged as key elements in creating engaging and effective websites. UK companies such as Wren Kitchens, Magnet Kitchens, Wickes, and Soak.com have demonstrated innovation in their web design, providing customers with immersive experiences and empowering them to make well-informed decisions. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect further enhancements in web design, ensuring that customers can transform their kitchen and bathroom dreams into reality with just a few clicks.

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Home

Buying an Ex display Kitchen – The Eco Friendly way to revamp your home

Kitchen renovations are definitely one of the more costly rooms to makeover in your home, but there’s something that you can do that will not only save you plenty of money but be much kinder to the environment too, buy an ex display kitchen.

An ex-display kitchen is an unused and basically brand new kitchen that has previously been on display for people to have a look at. Customers are allowed to have a look inside the cabinets and appliances, but obviously they can’t cook so it’s unlikely that there would be any damage to the kitchen.

Choosing an ex-display kitchen for your home is not only a great way of saving money but it’s much friendlier to the environment too. A kitchen takes up a lot of space in landfill and we all know we should be reducing the amount of rubbish we send to the tip.

By buying an ex-display kitchen you’re extending the life of the kitchen, helping to lessen the amount of waste going to landfill, as well as less carbon being created by industries such as transport and manufacturing.

Benefits to buying an ex-display kitchen

Ex-display kitchens have plenty of benefits to them, here are the reasons you might want to consider them:

Ex-display kitchens are the eco-friendly way of updating your home. There are plenty of companies that specialise in selling ex-display kitchens and the work they do really makes a difference. By selling 1,000 ex-display kitchens 1.4 million tonnes of waste doesn’t end up in landfill. You can find lots of ex-display kitchens here.

By buying an ex-display kitchen you can now possibly afford the designer kitchen you really want. Renowned manufacturers typically come with a renowned price tag, but the majority of ex-display kitchens come at a heavily discounted price. Therefore you could snag the kitchen of your dreams with the budget of your reality.

Ex-display kitchens are designed to give customers the real wow-factor when they enter the show room, so they’re often designed in a special way to capture your attention. If you buy an ex-display kitchen you’re getting a design that’s been extra stylised.

When you buy an ex-display kitchen, more often than not you can actually go and visit the kitchen, so you can see how it looks and really visualise whether it will sit right in your home. You get to make sure that you’ll have all of the storage you’ll need as well as giving the kitchen a real test drive.

Tips for buying an ex display kitchen

Tips for buying an ex-display kitchen

Buying an ex-display kitchen is likely to be new territory for a lot of people, and it can be a minefield when you’re first starting to look. How will you know if this kitchen will be ok for your space?

Here are some tips for when it comes to buying an ex-display kitchen:

  • Have your measurements always on hand when you’re looking at ex-display kitchens, you’ll need to know exactly how much space you have to work with and this will ensure you don’t end up with something that’s too small for the space.
  • Make sure you know all the costs involved when purchasing, make sure that dismantling and delivery are included in the price, or at least be aware of how much these will cost you.
  • Keep a margin in your budget for costs that are unexpected, it’s likely that something will pop up that you weren’t expecting.
  • Make time to go and view the kitchen before you purchase, that way you can ensure that you really love it before you take the plunge.
  • It’s possible to buy a kitchen that’s a little bigger than your measurements as this will ensure that you don’t end up with any gaps in the kitchen. However don’t get anything that’s too small because you won’t be able to fill any gaps and it’ll make the kitchen look untidy and unfinished.
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lighting

How To Make Your Home Disability Friendly

Ensuring that your home is accessible means that loved ones with impaired movements or disabilities can navigate more freely. Whether your improvements are for a temporary injury or ongoing illness, inclusive designs in the home offer a simple solution to accessibility. 

Below you will find inclusive design principles to follow when it comes to making your home disability-friendly. 

Start With The Outside 

This is a great place to start as it means you can welcome guests or family members with access to the home at no difficulty to them. You will need to create ample space in order to allow access for wheelchairs and cars, and adding a ramp with a gentle gradient is ideal.

When it comes to installing a ramp, ensure there are handrails for ease of use (especially in cold weather conditions. 

Making Doorways Accessible

Once any ramps, railings or stairlifts have been installed, you will need to ensure that your door frames are wide enough to let wheelchairs or scooters through. Standard wheelchairs are 25 inches wide, so for comfortable access your doors should be roughly 35 inches wide. If your doorways are too narrow, you may need to cost up the price of a renovation. 

Removing doorsteps and uneven flooring is also a great idea for wheelchair users, as they can become obstructions.  

Choosing The Right Flooring 

Just as uneven flooring can cause issues for wheelchair users, having incorrect flooring can also cause problems to arise. Some of the best options for flooring in an accessible home include:

  • Hardwood flooring: a great option for durable and classy flooring
  • Vinyl flooring: Also durable, vinyl flooring is water resistant and easy to install 
  • Ceramic tiles: These are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms and are easy to clean

How To Make Your Bathroom Accessible 

Not every bathroom can be made accessible, so it might be worth consulting with a builder who can help you further. If you think you can create a more accessible bathroom, consider the following:

  • Making space for turning so that a wheelchair can spin 360 degrees 
  • Railings around the toilet, bath and showe rto ensure safe movements around the bathroom
  • Lowering the wash basin to ensure it can be used by those in wheelchairs

Making Your Kitchen Accessible

One of the most important rooms in the house is the kitchen, so making sure it’s accessible is important. This will include enough space to ensure ease of turning, lower work surfaces and sockets within arms reach. 

It’s also a great idea to shop for kitchen utensils that can help with cooking, such as electronic tin openers and easy cutlery.

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lighting

How To Style Scandinavian Lighting

If there’s one interior design trend that’s not going anywhere, it’s scandi living. Defined by its sophistication, minimalist design and simple decor, Scandinavian interiors can completely transform your living space. 

The style began gaining popularity throughout the 1950s, when traditional decor was swapped for minimal and modern trends. Slowly, the need for functional furniture and designs overtook decadence, and sleek furniture was a must. 

The trend not only looks fresh, but it suits every season (especially autumn and winter). One of the key aspects of scandi living is to make your space look cosy and inviting, and one of the best ways to do this is by adding the perfect lighting. 

Finding the perfect Scandinavian Lighting

If you have been lured by the appeal of scandi living, then you will need to achieve the perfect lighting in order to achieve the ideal look. To do this, you will need to do a few things that encapsulate the trend. These include:

Lighting sections of the room instead of flooding it with light 


Although a large Scandinavian ceiling light or similar LED pendant lights can be great, it shouldn’t be so bright that it floods your room with light. Ensure it’s dimmable, and choose to light sections or corners of your room that add functionality such as a reading corner table lamp. You can also utilise wall lamps and shelf lighting for added depth.

Stick to the scandi colours and theme

When it comes to bulb tones and fixture colours, opt for warmer options that can truly add depth. Great combinations include wood designs and brushed copper, or grey tones with black. Whichever combination you choose, ensure it’s minimal.

Make your lighting an accessory 

Practical lighting doesn’t have to be boring. Ensuring that your lighting is an accessory can be fun, and you truly have so many possibilities of styles with this trend. So why not transform your room with a stunning floor light or a Scandinavian pendant light?

For added ambience, add a dimmer

Installing a dimmer is an instant way to change the mood in your room, and can help with creating a fika ambience when you need it the most.