How to paint your front door — and give it some flair
Here's how to make an entrance they'll remember …
'It's all in the prep,' according to Adda Birch Reynardson, the founder of property maintenance specialist Adda Home Solutions.
'Strip back any old flaking layers, cracks and rotten wood. Fill imperfections with a two-part wood filler such as Ronseal (£11.95, wood-finishes-direct.com),
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Times
01-05-2025
- Times
How to paint your front door — and give it some flair
First impressions count. If your property has a scruffy entryway which you're not happy with, you can create kerb appeal by turning it into something that reflects your personality and complements your home. It's all about the details when doing over your front door. You'll probably live with these decisions of style and substance for years — even decades. And after all, you don't want to put off your family and guests on arrival. Here's how to make an entrance they'll remember … 'It's all in the prep,' according to Adda Birch Reynardson, the founder of property maintenance specialist Adda Home Solutions. 'Strip back any old flaking layers, cracks and rotten wood. Fill imperfections with a two-part wood filler such as Ronseal (£11.95,
The Independent
07-01-2025
- The Independent
How to tackle those DIY tasks for a January reset
January is the time when we look at everything with a fresh set of eyes, and the benefits of a clean, clutter-free home are well storied. Moreover, focusing on your favourite rooms with some DIY projects, painting, panelling and getting out the tool box is good for the mind, body and soul; not to mention the sense of accomplishment when you admire your handywork. Here, Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager from Ronseal, shares his top DIY jobs to create a positive environment for the year ahead… The living room Refresh the walls with a new paint job It's the heart of the home and top priority when it comes to DIY refreshes, especially having endured all the Christmas and New Year celebrations, highlights Englezos. 'Thankfully, something as simple as a lick of fresh paint is all that's needed to get it looking its best again. 'Not only can a new colour brighten up the appearance of a room, but can also help give the illusion of a larger space,' he adds. He suggests lighter colours such as beige, off-white tones or pastels to freshen and brighten, whereas darker colours have the opposite effect. 'Bolder choices like blue and green tones can also create a relaxing and calming environment, providing a nod to the natural world.' Add some character with panelling Panelling is a great way of transforming a space on a budget, which makes it a popular DIY choice, underlines Englezos. He says you can do this by using pre-cut panelling kits, or cutting and arranging your own. Two of the most common styles… Shaker panelling: Otherwise known as board and batten panelling, this has wooden planks traditionally arranged in a square or rectangle that adds visual texture to a wall, explains Englezos. 'It's one of the most popular DIY panelling styles.' Wainscoting panelling: Most commonly used to cover the bottom half of a wall, making it ideal to help protect against scuff marks, notes Englezos, and a popular choice for hallways and stairways. The bathroom As Englezos points out, the bathroom really gets put through its paces during the winter months with high levels of steam and condensation. 'This can bring a host of issues including a build-up of dirt, grime, and even mould.' To have your bathroom sparkling again, check out these two simple jobs… Treat any areas of mould growth: Mould is especially bad during winter where it can grow in damp, humid environments, quickly spreading and damaging home interiors, warns the DIY expert. To efficiently remove, he says mould spray can be used on targeted areas. For budget-friendly options, try a mixture of bleach and four parts water to wipe from surfaces. Give the tiles an overhaul: Clean wall tiles by mixing bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, creating a paste that can be scrubbed onto tiles, advises Englezos. 'Cleaning tiles is not only essential for a sparkling appearance, but also ensures hygiene is maintained in what is typically a high-moisture environment where mould is prone to growth.' He continues: 'Tile grout can also become dirty, making tiles appear dull and uneven. You can easily and quickly re-define them using a grout pen to fill in the lines between each tile with a fresh coating.' The kitchen Another high-traffic area that's prone to a build up of condensation from cooking, now's a great time to give it a small refresh for the year ahead… Painting on splashback tiles: 'Old kitchen tiles can easily be given a new appearance with some paint,' says Englezos. 'Make sure to clean down the tiles and cover any surrounding surfaces and grout lines. Apply several thin layers of paint for a smooth finish, allowing time for the paint to settle between each layer.' Once a few base layers have been applied using a small brush, he says a foam roller can be used to cover a greater surface – and ensure no brush stroke lines. 'Once the paint has dried, re-define the grout lines using a grout pen.' Refresh your cupboard doors: Painting kitchen cabinets is an effective way to increase their durability and longevity. Moreover, applying a new layer of paint can serve as a protective coating, improving their lasting condition and appearance, says Englezos. 'Make sure to remove cupboard contents and take off handles and hinges from drawers and cupboards. Place a dust sheet down and clean the surface you're painting using a sugar soap solution. 'Sand down areas and use a flat-edged scraper to get underneath the paint, removing any bubbling or peeling, helping the paint to stick better.' The hallway and stairs It's safe to say stairs in the home get hit with constant movement, meaning scratches and scruffs can easily form. But instead of trying to cover them up, Englezos says: 'Why not remove them using some wood wax?' Simply clean down the area beforehand and lightly sand the surface to reset it, he says. 'Then apply the first coat of wax before leaving it to dry and applying another coat. For deeper scratches, a wax stick can be used to fill these in so they are once again flush with the wood surface.' Create an at-home gallery wall: A gallery wall can be used to add personality to a space which is often bare, suggests Englezos. 'Hanging pictures increase vertical space, utilising all areas of the home, connecting the upstairs to the downstairs or the hallway to the living room.' To create a gallery wall effect, head to YouTube for inspiration and step-by step tutorials.
Telegraph
15-11-2024
- Telegraph
Easy male grooming tips to feel party-ready
For my father, it was little more than a splash of Brut and a Let's start with some basics: your facial fuzz situation. If you're shaving, make it a pleasure – a handsome badger-hair brush and properly weighted razor lend a sense of occasion, such as a traditional set from Geo F Trumper ( or Truefitt & Hill ( Then use a post-shave healing balm to take some of the prickly heat out; Harry's ( does a great spray that douses the flames. If you're bearded or shaggy around the visage, it is essential to keep things in check – you want a sophisticated sweep rather than raggedy Santa. Then let's turn to a small degree of polish. Men of a particular vintage need to be mindful that certain curious things begin to occur post-50: a triumphant thickening (and lengthening) of the eyebrows, as well as errant hairs that begin sprouting merrily. Invest in a handsome grooming kit or go the more industrial route with removal 'buds' for noses and ears (a gander on Amazon will suggest plenty). It's not vain to want to demonstrate you've made an effort. From there, let's consider the finer details that a fellow might contemplate. DIY dye jobs run the risk of you looking like Rudy Giuliani caked in Ronseal-like streaks, but if your eyebrows and sideburns are somewhat snowy these days, it can be worth applying a dab of brow gel. Nothing painterly or OTT, just a small way to make yourself appear a little more fresh for when the cocktails are circulating. Finally, there's something wonderfully ceremonial about that final flourish – Suitably finessed, you'll be all set for the season of goodwill and good grooming. This week, I am mostly ... Buying British. I don't know about you, but as with my wardrobe, I'm increasingly keen to support British-made products when it comes to grooming. Thomas Clipper, for example, uses local wood for its shaving bowls, with no two the same. Handmade bowl, brush and Atlantic soap set, £95, Thomas Clipper Spritzing traditional scents from eras gone by, rather than today's flashy, celeb-fronted iterations. See charming Florentine brand Santa Maria Novella, maker of beauty and grooming wares since the 13th century, and its charming bottles . Acqua, £160 for 50ml, Smnovella Embracing independent dental brands, with toothpastes and mouthwashes that are more elevated than your average. Try Selahatin's Escapist toothpaste, for example, with its notes of mint, orange and cinnamon. Selahatin's Escapist toothpaste £19, John Bell Croyden
