My House My Home Archives - Page 4 of 4

Winter Gardening at Outback Soils

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Outback Soils, located on Orange Road, have everything you need to design a new garden or transform your existing one. In fact, with winter approaching, it’s the ideal time to be preparing your garden for winter planting. A good veggie mix is just what you need now, as the soil needs time to settle before your winter planting. This ensures the best possible outcome for a healthy winter crop. To help boost your winter garden, Outback soils are offering Forbes Phoenix readers an exclusive deal of $10 per metre off their Veggie Mix!

This is a great offer, and is yours only when you mention the Forbes Phoenix. Outback Soils stocks a large range of garden products, but also compost, sand and gravel mixes, metals, granites, firewood and woodchips. They can supply ready mix concrete, in mini-mix or maxi trucks for domestic, farm and commercial purposes. They have a huge range of excavation equipment, which is perfect for those big jobs. Outback Soils have something to offer regardless of whether you are simply pottering around in your garden, or planning a much larger enterprise. Outback Soils have a professional team to assist you, and offer same day delivery.

Call Tim Wood on 6852 4058, or drop in to find out more.

Parkes Décor Shoppe Your Customer Service Specialist

March 31, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Decor Shoppe has been a cornerstone of design in Parkes
that has spanned four decades after it was established at the southern
end of Clarinda Street in 1975. Originally a wallpaper and lighting
centre, the business moved with the times, beginning to sell curtains,
blinds and awnings after wallpaper began to go out of fashion. Nowadays,
window furnishings consist of a major part of the shops operations.
Parkes Décor Shoppe is the brainchild of Barry and Margaret
Robinson and although Barry sadly passed away ten years ago the
business is still going strong with Margaret at the helm of an excellent
team of four casual staff.
For 20 years she has regularly covered areas like Peak Hill, Cudal,
Orange, Grenfell, Young, Eugowra, Forbes, Condobolin and smaller
outlying areas. “We pride ourselves on our solid customer service
and attention to detail,” says Margaret. “It’s what we are best at, we
follow up on everything and I have great staff.”
“The service we offer is great as we’ve been here for 40 years, and
over many years we’ve completed a large number of commercial and
domestic jobs.”
Big changes are coming in July, as the business rebrands itself. It
has already been repainted, and has a new website. The inside of
the store will be re-fitted as well. Parkes Décor is a member of Lighting
Network, and supply lots of local electricians. They have a deal
with ceiling fans at present, with a good warranty for them.
For more information head over and have a chat with Margaret and
her team at 202-204 Clarinda Street Parkes.

Through The Looking Glassplace…

March 31, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

For windows you won’t want to stop gazing out of, Glassplace have
a custom made range of aluminium and timber windows in sliding,
double hung, awning and casement configurations. Doors are
available in sliding, French, stacker or corner entry designs to suit
all home styles. The professional team have installed three door
units to demonstrate the expanse of product for entrance doors, alfresco access doors and commercial doors which can be viewed in
store.
Their new shower screen display is also on show and comes complete
with five new products which include framed, semi-frameless and frameless
showers in attractive designs. Glassplace mirrors are made to order,
ensuring you get the perfect one for you and can be framed, square or
bevelled edged. Glassplace also build and supply insect screen doors
with standard fibreglass or paw proof gauze along with decorative, security
and privacy screen doors.
The team offer complete shopfront supply and maintenance service for
the business community and are the only local member of the Australian
Window Association (AWA) which guarantees that they meet quality
requirements and provides assurance for all customers through their
compliance to an annual audit on products Glassplace make and sell.

The Right Paint for the Right Job

March 23, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

While most of us focus on colour for our home’s exterior, in many ways it is more important to choose the right paint for the job. Basically you can choose between water based acrylic paints and oil based paints, with each being appropriate in different applications. Oil based paints can be used to give a high gloss finish to exterior trim work and they are a good choice when repainting over many layers of oil based paint on weather boards.

Otherwise most people use water based acrylic paints on exteriors. Here’s some tips on achieving the best painting job:
• Ideal painting conditions are between 15- 30 degrees celcius, low to moderate
humidity and little or no wind.
• Avoid painting in hot, direct sun light because the surface temperature can be higher than air temperature.
• Never paint below 10 degrees celcius because it’s too cold for the paint film
to form properly, and don’t take short cuts on surface preparation. Remove
all flakey, loose and peeling paint with a scraper and sand surface.
• Repair cracks, gaps and fill holes, and clean the surface down with soapy water.
• After all surfaces have been cleaned, sanded and repaired, you can now start
painting.
Happy Easter!

My House, My Home

March 3, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Décor Shoppe, Your Customer Service Specialist

Parkes Decor Shoppe has been a cornerstone of design in Parkes
that has spanned four decades after it was established at the southern
end of Clarinda Street in 1975. Originally a wallpaper and lighting
centre, the business moved with the times, beginning to sell curtains,
blinds and awnings after wallpaper began to go out of fashion. Nowadays,
window furnishings consist of a major part of the shops operations.
Parkes Décor Shoppe is the brainchild of Barry and Margaret
Robinson and although Barry sadly passed away ten years ago the
business is still going strong with Margaret at the helm of an excellent
team of four casual staff.
Ever aware of opportunities to improve, Marg joined the Lighting
Network, a buying group with 50 stores down the east coast of Australia.
“This has enabled us to offer our customers a bigger range of
home lighting at very competitive prices,” says Margaret. Even after
four decades of retail, Margaret is still enthusiastic when it comes to
her shop. You can find her most weekends offering a home consultancy
business where she gives practical advice on all aspects of
lighting and home decorating.
For 20 years she has regularly covered areas like Peak Hill, Cudal,
Orange, Grenfell, Young, Eugowra, Forbes, Condobolin and smaller
outlying areas. “We pride ourselves on our solid customer service
and attention to detail,” says Margaret. “It’s what we are best at, we
follow up on everything and I have great staff.”
“The service we offer is great as we’ve been here for 40 years, and
over many years we’ve completed a large number of commercial and
domestic jobs.”
Big changes are coming in July, as the business rebrands itself. It
has already been repainted, and has a new website. The inside of
the store will be re-fitted as well. Parkes Décor is a member of Lighting
Network, and supplies lots of local electricians. They have a deal
with ceiling fans at present, with local electricians offering a good
warranty for these.
For more information head over and have a chat with Margaret and
her team at 202-204 Clarinda Street Parkes.

The Midas Touch

August 6, 2015 By Maggi Barnard

Have you ever walked into a home or an interior that has a feeling of effortless elegance to its very being?
It would seem that whatever this clever person has touched and styled has instantly turned into decorating gold! But don’t despair, and don’t think these results are unachievable by a mere mortal such as yourself; this beauty is merely due to the fact that this devotee to styling is equipped with the necessary tips and rules that will guarantee a medal winning performance each and every time. So I would like to share with you all my own favourite tips that will have you creating your own gold star results very soon:
• Firstly you need to have confidence that the following principle needs to apply in all cases. Less is always more, one
amazing piece carefully placed to full advantage will always look better than a collection of smaller objects.
• In decorating big is always best in my opinion. Artworks need to be oversized on walls to really command attention.
• Effortless elegance is really the result of careful sections of fabrics that will complement each other even though they are not necessarily matching. Patterns that work together will usually have a co-ordinating colour that ties the look together.
• All gold star rooms will have a key inspiration piece to draw from. Whether it is a cushion or artwork or an amazing
decorator piece that will be the focus to draw all the rest of the rooms colour choices from is irrelevant just so long as
you have one.
• A room that has had furniture carefully selected to fit the room’s proportions perfectly will always look sensational. By decorating to scale and selecting fabrics that will allow for versatility in styling over the years to come.
• Clutter is always your number one enemy to making amazing rooms and designs work. By de-cluttering your surfaces of excessive items and day to day mess allows for a new streamlined you to emerge from the chaos.
• Colour is a powerful tool in giving a room style and character. Strong colours can evoke an emotional response to your feelings instantly upon entering a space and neutral colours can be your best friend if you like to change your tastes frequently.
• I think if you are unsure or intimidated about where or how to start your own decorating then it is a great move to seek help. There is nothing more I like to do than to help someone else clarify their ideas on decorating and to help them bring these simple ideas and dreams that they might have circling in their imagination to fruition.
By Karen Creith

Home Security Advice

August 6, 2015 By Maggi Barnard

Everybody has the right to feel safe in their community, especially within their own home. Recently, the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) launched a national home security campaign to spread awareness
and discussion about common-sense home security practises among regular Australians. It’s simple; go online to complete the Home Security Challenge – a short, easy and anonymous survey which asks about your general
security measures.

“Nationally, household burglary is one of the most widespread crimes in Australia,” ASIAL CEO Bryan de Caires said. “We want to reduce the number of household crimes by educating householders on simple steps they can take to avoid becoming another statistic.” The Home Security Challenge is totally anonymous and doesn’t collect any personal data. Take the test at www.homesecuritychallenge. com.au and follow the links to get advice on how to improve your home’s security.
Follow these simple tips to keep your home secure:
• Lock up. Secure your garage, doors and windows.
• Don’t leave keys hidden outside the house but with a trusted friend or family member.
• Don’t advertise when you’re away from home through social media; consider the photos you share.
• Consider getting a security alarm installed.
• Make sure your external doors have solid core construction and are fitted with a deadbolt or deadlock.

Some simple steps for when the mercury drops

July 2, 2015 By Maggi Barnard

When the temperatures outside drop, the inside of your house can feel cold, stark and empty, especially after a long day at work. Bring warmth and style back into your home this winter with these cosy home décor suggestions:

Add texture: Use blankets, cushions and throws in cheerful colours and daring patterns to brighten the atmosphere of a dreary room. Transform your entire bedroom’s atmosphere from dull den into a stylish haven
of sleep by layering textured bedding, velvet pillows, knitted blankets and embroidered details. Put down a fluffy floor rug over bare tiles or floorboards, adding warmth and texture underneath your feet — a great way to
keep some heat in and brighten a room for winter. The classic sheepskin rug is another great way to add a textured element to any room, as well as adding more of that much needed warmth.

Maximise your natural light: Use whatever natural light you have available to your advantage by using mirrors on blank walls, above the fireplace or opposite windows. By reflecting natural light the space in your home will be extended. Using mirrors with bold or textured frames can add a nice dramatic effect.

Layer up: Increase the cosiness of a room with layers. Using simple slip covers to cover your dining chairs can add warmth and style to any neutral dining room. Get covers that are easy to take off and put through the washing machine. Block the chilly window drafts with thick drapes in a solid colour which can flatter patterned shades.

Get colourful: Mix it up with a collection of unique and stylish cushions and pillows that accent the existing décor of the room. Pick a colour scheme and complement it with cushion covers flaunting patterns and a thoughtful
variety of hues.

Residents of Forbes and district are lucky to have access to a wide range of excellent and competitive suppliers of home and garden products.
C&D Floorcoverings is a local business which opened its doors in February 2009 at 32 Templar Street. Since then they have grown at an incredible rate which led them moving into newly built premises now at 64 Templar Street in 2012. As a result, they now have a huge range of carpets, including the new Godfrey Hirst Luxury products. Also
available are vinyls, laminate floating floors, bamboo and blinds. With the move they also added ceramic tiles to their range. C&D Floorcoverings prides itself on the fact that those who sell the product are also involved in the
installation, thus providing customers with continuity throughout the whole process. Offering a free measure and quote service, Clint and Darren can install the product and believe that providing quality product with top service is essential.
Parkes Brick, Paver and Tile Supplies are an expanding, family-owned business located in Parkes, supplying bricks, concrete blocks, paving and landscape products. They are experts in cross-referencing different bricks from different suppliers so the closest match to existing bricks is possible. Give them a call on 6862 2253 or visit them at 94-98 Forbes Road, Parkes.
Outback Soils is a locally owned business servicing the Forbes area with ready-mix concrete, landscaping supplies, excavator, bobcat & plant hire. They stock a huge range at competitive prices and supply domestic
and commercial and industrial quantities, so come and visit Tim Wood and the friendly team at Outback Soils today to see the range.
Highlands Design was established in 1994 and has been been responsible for providing outstanding building design ever since. Their specialties are in the areas of residential and commercial design, from their base at 87 Lachlan Street, Forbes. Director Mark Watts has more than 30 years experience in design and drafting, including more than 26 years in computer-aided design.
A1 Mobile’s Richard McMurray provides a range of comprehensive air-conditioning services for cars, agricultural machinery and homes. Phone 6851 4154 or 0428 172 425.
Picton Bros Panelspan showroom in Dubbo will offer all the advice you need for building patios, decks, carports, verandahs, room additions, wall cladding and much more. They have exceptional building experience at their
fingertips. Phone 6884 9620 or visit their Dubbo showroom at 183 Talbragar Street.
Hozpots Garden Centre, located at 42 Parkes Road, Forbes, has a massive gift shop that stocks furniture, cushions, table settings, lanterns, photo frames, mirrors, clocks, soft furnishings, lamps and more. They stock an extensive range of concrete garden products, as well as seedlings and plants for any type of
garden.