Price Points: All-in-one compact kitchens

All-in-one compact kitchens

All-in-one compact kitchens are going to be the next big thing. With the rise in popularity of things like summer houses, shepherd’s huts, she sheds and converted caravans & campervans, they’re the perfect installation if you want cooking facilities in your small space.

The three all-in-one compact kitchens that we’ve chosen to feature are all a mere 900mm wide – less than a metre! In that tiny space, the manufacturers have fitted a hob, fridge (some with freezer compartment), sink and all-important storage.

The Elfin and Bronze models look to be almost identical; both are available in a range of colours and can be further customised with the sink on the left or right of the hob, different taps and ceramic or metal hobs.

The Kaiser+Kraft model is enclosed in a cupboard. Useful if you want to conceal the kitchen and its mess and smells when not in use. It also provides more space for storage on the inside of the doors and above the sink & hob.

  1. Elfin M 090 US RK: from £750 to £957 (ex. VAT & delivery), Elfin Kitchens

    • Dimensions in mm: 900 (W) x 890 (H) x 600 (D)
    • A++ Refrigerator with internal 4* freezer compartment
    • Sink with drainer
    • WRAS approved tap
    • 30 minute safety cut-out timer fitted to hotplates as standard
    • Under-sink cupboard and soft close drawer
    • Stainless steel bar handles
    • Left or right hand sink
    • Tap upgrade available

  2. Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs: from £885.00 (ex. VAT), TinyKitchens

    • White powder coated steel as standard
    • Stainless Steel Sink and Worktop
    • Powder Coated Stainless Steel Doors
    • 2 x Standard Hot Plates with Cut Out Timer
    • Liebherr Refrigerator with Integral Ice Box
    • Slim foam filled doors

  3. Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left: from £3,120.00 (inc. VAT), Kaiser+Kraft

    • Compact, functional design
    • Kitchen equipment for tight spaces
    • With a refrigerator and 2 glass ceramic hotplates

shop all-in-one compact kitchens

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
from £3,120.00
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
from £885.00
Elfin M 090 US RK
Elfin M 090 US RK
from £750 to £957
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
from £3,120.00
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
from £885.00
Elfin M 090 US RK
Elfin M 090 US RK
from £750 to £957
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
from £3,120.00
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
from £885.00
Elfin M 090 US RK
Elfin M 090 US RK
from £750 to £957
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
from £3,120.00
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
from £885.00
Elfin M 090 US RK
Elfin M 090 US RK
from £750 to £957
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
Kitchen unit with hinged doors, 2 glass ceramic hotplates, basin at left
from £3,120.00
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
Residential Bronze mini kitchen with hobs
from £885.00
Elfin M 090 US RK
Elfin M 090 US RK
from £750 to £957

Indoor dog crate ideas that actually look good in your home

Indoor dog crate ideas that actually look good in your home

Dog crates are typically used whenever there’s no one else in the house to keep an eye on your pet. It also serves as their sleeping quarters, a safe place for them – especially when travelling – or a place for house training or preventing destructive behaviour.

With the growing needs of people wanting to have an aesthetically pleasing home with dog crates, dog accessories shops are responding well by providing modern dog crates that go well with the house’s interior.

To complement that, let us help you find ideas on creating an indoor dog crate that looks perfect in your home!

How to turn an indoor dog crate into a natural part of the house

There are an infinite number of ways to make your pet’s cabin appear perfectly at home in the heart of your house – exactly where your pet likes to be – with just a little ingenuity.

Shared by interior designers, here are some indoor dog crate ideas you may want to consider!

Turn it into a table

You can make a modest DIY table if your dog cage idea has to fit in a tiny area. You have two alternatives for this – either build a table with legs where you can insert the dog crate in the middle or just get a wide blanket to cover the top and sides.

You may also opt only to cover the top to allow more airflow for your dog. Additionally, your pup can see everyone in the house while inside the crate. It’s a win-win for everybody!

Create an island out of your dog’s crate

Consider using a high-top alternative to camouflage your dog’s crate if you have a huge dog that requires a lot of space. In the middle of your chosen room, you could want to think about installing a dog crate that a central island can cover that you build.

Seating area that doubles as a dog crate

Why not construct a cage for your pet in the middle of the living room if your beloved is the kind of dog that likes to follow you wherever you go? Whenever you hang out, and your dog is restricted to sitting beside you, a dog crate below you will feel that they are near you.

When placed in a location with a nice view, it can also serve as a window seat for your fur buddy so that they can monitor their surroundings.

Transform a cabinet into a dog crate

A lower cabinet in the kitchen is a great area to turn into a comfy bed for little dogs since it’s simple and provides plenty of storage space.

The most important thing is to check that the cabinet has sufficient room for air to circulate. And you should ensure it is kept far away from any cabinets keeping home cleaners or any other possible hazards.

Remove a cabinet door from a kitchen cabinet and dedicate the space for your dog. Install a curtain that can be lowered or pulled back as required.

Put the crate at the centre of things

Building a shelf unit around a crate and painting it a bright colour is one method to soften the look of a dog crate when placed in the most visited part of the house. The shelves not only offer visual interest but also create exhibition areas.

When your pup is exhausted and needs to rest, or when you wish to conceal the dog crate from view, you can lower a roll-down cloth shade by untying it.

Create a colour scheme complementary to the kennel by hanging artwork above it, adding accent cushions and a blanket to decorate a nearby sofa or chair. It will ensure that the crate is thoroughly integrated into the room’s design.

Furnish a crate as if it were furniture

You can include a dog crate into the design of a bedroom or living area by selecting an attractive, ready-made furniture-type item.

Mount a hanging shelf over it to showcase treasured artwork and complement it with pet-safe indoor plants of various sizes for a tailored wall display with natural touches.

Collie in a dog crate

Types of dog crates from which to choose

Now that you already have some ideas on blending your indoor dog crate with the rest of the house, it’s time to know the dog crate styles from which you can choose.

Remember that the material is just one factor in having attractive dog crates for your home. It’s still up to you how you design it and transform it into an aesthetic item.

Dog crates made of folding wire

The most common and widely used folding crate that you can buy nowadays is constructed from wire. These dog crates are long-lasting and may be collapsed down flat for convenient storage.

The good thing with this type of dog crate is its portability and travel-friendliness. It also includes a metal or plastic bottom that you can remove for easy cleaning and maintenance. You can also choose one that fits your dog because they’re available in different sizes.

However, basic wire cages don’t provide enough comfort for pets; thus, you should be prepared to spend additional money on a soft dog bed or crate cushion. And while it’s functional, you may not like it if you’re looking for stylish dog crates.

Dog crates with soft sides

A variation to the wire-made crate is the use of dog crates with soft sides typically made of canvas. This type is convenient for transport because of its low weight and the ease with which they can be assembled.

However, it’s less resilient than plastic wire or metal crates. And because a canvas cage isn’t as durable as other designs, you shouldn’t use it for dogs who have chewing and clawing tendencies or for larger hounds that can damage them from the inside.

Dog crates made of plastic

Plastic carrier crates are designed for easy travel with your canine companion, but they may also serve as a kennel in your house if you want.

Crates made of plastic typically have a solid plastic exterior and a door that locks and has metal struts for reinforcement. These carriers, much like canvas crates, provide a dimly lit environment, which is something that some dogs prefer.

These cages are ideally suited for small canines – to medium-sized dogs, but even larger dogs should have no trouble fitting inside.

Carriers made of plastic are available in a dizzying array of colours, sizes and functionalities. However, this may not be your best option if you’re particularly interested in indoor dog crate ideas that will look great in your home.

Dog crates made to last

Purposely made to last, heavy-duty crates are often only used as a last option since they’re both bulky and not very appealing to the eye. They’re usually manufactured out of steel, so they have the strength necessary to restrain strong, aggressive or destructive dogs.

They’re helpful for dogs who tend to destroy things or who love to escape, however, they won’t remedy the underlying issue producing these undesirable behaviours. Assembly is also required for heavy-duty containers, which may be challenging for some.

Because heavy-duty crates are often designed for larger dogs, finding ones that are suitable for smaller dogs may be challenging. Some versions could feature additional securing mechanisms or reinforcements to make the cage even more secure than it already is.

Speaking of destroying things, you may also need to know how to prevent and repair magnet screen door damage caused by pets. A dog crate may not be the only solution because there are also direct ways to deal with the repairs.

Dog crates made as furniture

Indoor dog crates ideas are inspired by furniture – functional and go well with the interior design of the house. And so, among these dog crate materials, furniture dog crates are closest to what you are looking for!

Traditional crates provide many advantages, but furniture crates combine those benefits with the style and functionality of side tables or bedside tables. You may also recall that this is one of the indoor dog crate ideas previously discussed to furnish a crate as though it were a piece of furniture.

We also recommend that these crates be used for house-trained dogs – those who don’t have any tendencies towards chewing or scratching furniture. This is because most furniture dog crates are constructed from wood or a combination of wood and plastic.

Looking for a minimalist dog crate?

The five types of dog crates mentioned in the previous section have their respective pros and cons, and we acknowledge that you may be looking for a different one – perhaps a minimalist dog crate for a modern look.

If that’s the case, a clear dog crate may be the perfect thing for your pup! It’s a modern dog crate made of acrylic plastic for a transparent look, with the bonus of being collapsible.

Final thoughts

Your dog loves you and constantly seeks out opportunities to spend time with you. However, if you want to create a particular look with your interior design, you won’t want to plonk an unattractive plastic and wire cage where your dog sleeps in the middle of your living area.

Keep in mind that appearance follows functionality, and before you get started on a crate makeover, you need to choose a design that will still provide your dog with a warm and secure environment in which to live.

For a stylish yet purposeful dog crate designs and other dog accessories and needs, feel free to check out our products – with a guaranteed high-quality companion for your furry best friend!

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Auction alert: Online 20th Century Retro Interior Design Auction

ROBERT HEAL - LADDERAX - THREE BAY TEAK MODULAR WALL UNIT

The upcoming Online 20th Century Retro Interior Design Auction is being held by East Bristol Auctions. There will be 202 lots in the sale.

Quite a few of the lots have caught our eye; we’ve highlighted some below. There are some original mid-century modern items, in our experience, that will always be snapped up. Anglepoise lamps, Ladderax modular shelving and Whitefriars glass are all extremely popular.

The timed auction is being run completely online between the following dates & times:

Started: 12th July 2022, 12 noon
Ends: 24th July 2022, 8pm

If you plan on bidding via East Bristol Auctions’ own website, their additional charges (on top of the hammer price) are as follows:

  • Buyer’s premium: 19%
  • Online commission: 3%

Online bidding is also available at Invaluable, Live Auctioneers and The Saleroom. Check each of their websites for their individual fees and charges.

International packing & shipping is offered by the auction house on all lots.

HERBERT TERRY MODEL 1227 - PRE WAR ANGLEPOISE LAMPLot 16: HERBERT TERRY MODEL 1227 – PRE WAR ANGLEPOISE LAMP
A vintage pre war Anglepoise table / desk lamp light having a cream paint finish. Features a solid cast two tiered painted base ‘The Anglepoise – Made by Herbert Terry & Sons’ to the front of the fork. The original conical shade with cooling holes along the back. Fully extended measures approx; 92cm tall.
Estimate: £50 – £80

MID CENTURY DANISH TEAK METAMORPHIC SEWING TABLE

Lot 25: MID CENTURY DANISH TEAK METAMORPHIC SEWING TABLE
A retro mid 20th Century Danish teak and wicker metamorphic sewing table having a single drop-leaf sliding top with single fitted drawer below with recessed handles. Below a wicker pull out basket section with all raised upon straight tapering supports. Measures approx; 64cm x 62cm x 43cm.
Estimate: £100 – £200

VINTAGE MID 20TH CENTURY RAILWAY / INDUSTRIAL TROLLEY

Lot 99: VINTAGE MID 20TH CENTURY RAILWAY / INDUSTRIAL TROLLEY
A vintage mid 20th Century railway / industrial luggage trolley having tubular metal frame supported turned oak handles to each end. Slatted base with all raised on a iron base with iron wheels. A good example. Measures approx; 99cm x 94cm x 43cm.
Estimate: £60 – £80

BERTRAND BALAS FOR RAAK - SPRINGFONTEIN LIGHT - 1970s CEILING LIGHTLot 180: BERTRAND BALAS FOR RAAK – SPRINGFONTEIN LIGHT – 1970s CEILING LIGHT
Bertrand Balas for Raak of Amsterdam – Fountain / Springfontein Light – An original 1970s brushed aluminium hanging ceiling pendant light. The split shade effect forcing the light swirling up and being concentrated down at the same time. Measures approx; 33cm x 35cm diameter.
Estimate: £100 – £200

WHITE & NEWTON - 60s TEAK WOOD TWO TIER COCKTAIL TROLLEYLot 239: WHITE & NEWTON – 60s TEAK WOOD TWO TIER COCKTAIL TROLLEY
White & Newton – A retro 1960s teak wood two tier cocktail drinks / tea trolley having removable trays and a raised bar handle to one side, all supported by spindle legs and raised on castors. Applied makers plaque to the underside of the top tray. Measures approx; 76cm x 64cm x 44cm.
Estimate: £50 – £80

WHITEFRIARS - THREE MID CENTURY STUDIO ART GLASSWARESLot 248: WHITEFRIARS – THREE MID CENTURY STUDIO ART GLASSWARES
Whitefriars – A collection of three retro mid 20th Century designer studio art glassware in ruby red to include a Knobbly bowl and a Bubble controlled example. Together with vase having a waited neck and boulbs body. No signs of visible damage. Vase measures approx; 23cm x 13cm diameter.
Estimate: £30 – £50

LATE 20TH CENTURY HANGING WICKER EGG CHAIR AND STANDLot 255: LATE 20TH CENTURY HANGING WICKER EGG CHAIR AND STAND
A retro late 20th Century hanging basket chair / pendulum chair of wicker construction. The pierced egg shape form chair hanging from a metal hook atop the main support attaching to a metal stand. The stand terminating into a rounded tubular base. Measures approx; 183cm x 103cm.
Estimate: £100 – £200

ROBERT HEAL - LADDERAX - THREE BAY TEAK MODULAR WALL UNITLot 260: ROBERT HEAL – LADDERAX – THREE BAY TEAK MODULAR WALL UNIT
Robert Heal – Staples – Ladderax – An original retro vintage 20th Century teak wood modular three bay modular wall unit comprising of four white metal painted upright supports with a series of adjustable shelves, sliding door cupboard, full front bureau section and chest of three drawers all with brass supports. Measures approx; 163cm x 273cm x 36cm.
Estimate: £300 – £500

RETRO HANGING CEILING LIGHT / CHANDELIERLot 586: RETRO HANGING CEILING LIGHT / CHANDELIER
A retro 20th Century hanging ceiling light / chandelier having a thick central chrome column with a series of five further column supported by shaped arms with each having domed shades. Ceiling bracket to the top. Sold as untested by ourselves. Measures approx; 87cm x 55cm.
Estimate: £200 – £300

GUY ROGERS - LARGE MID CENTURY TEAK FRAMED SOFA / DAYBEDLot 605: GUY ROGERS – LARGE MID CENTURY TEAK FRAMED SOFA / DAYBED
George Fejer & Eric Pamphilon – Guy Rogers – A large retro 20th Century Designer three seater sofa settee / daybed having a teak wood frame with shaped armrests with all raised on tapering supports. Light purple fabric upholstery. Wear commensurate with age. Measures approx; 70cm x 200cm x 83cm.
Estimate: £200 – £300

P. B. COW & COMPANY LTD - AVIATION - ALUMINIUM-CLAD DRESSING TABLELot 632: P. B. COW & COMPANY LTD – AVIATION – ALUMINIUM-CLAD DRESSING TABLE
P. B. Cow & Company – Hunting Aviation Ltd – A retro 20th Century Art Deco aluminium-clad Basildon Bedroom Furniture dressing table desk of twin pedestal form having a central kneehole recess flanked by three banks of drawers to each side. Each drawer with bakelite handles. Makers label present. Wear commensurate with age and loose mirror. Measures approx; 128cm x 108cm x 54cm. Further parts of the bedroom suite in the following lots.
Estimate: £80 – £120

5 things to remember when buying a new home

5 things to remember when buying a new home

There’s a lot to think about when buying a new home. It can be an exciting and stressful period all at the same time! Therefore, you want to ensure that you’re prepared for everything that comes with purchasing a new property. So let’s discuss five things to remember when buying a new home.

Consult a real estate agent

It’s their job to help you find the right home and negotiate the best price. A real estate agent will be able to help you find the right home for your needs and budget. They can also provide guidance on the negotiation process and help you get the best possible price for your new home. When looking for a real estate agent, be sure to ask for referrals from friends and family. You can also check out online reviews to get a sense of different agents’ reputations.

Hire a mortgage broker

A mortgage broker is a professional who can help you find the best mortgage products to suit your financial situation. They have access to many lenders and can negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal possible. When you’re buying a new home, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to budget for additional costs such as stamp duty, legal fees and moving day expenses. A mortgage broker can help you find a loan that takes these costs into account so that you don’t end up in financial difficulty down the line.

Book a home inspection

Many people skip this step to save money, but it’s very important. A home inspection will help you identify any potential problems with the property before you buy it. It’s much better to find out about any issues before you purchase a home rather than after. This way, you can negotiate with the seller to have them fix the problem before you buy the home, or you can factor in the cost of repairs when making your offer. Either way, it’s important to know about any potential problems with the property before making such a substantial purchase.

Think about the in-between time

There’s often a time in-between moving out of your old home and into the new one. Whether you’re waiting for the perfect house to come on to the market or your current place is selling slower than expected, you’ll need a place to store your things. This is where a self storage facility comes in handy. You can store everything from furniture to boxes of clothes and holiday decorations. This will free up space in your current home and give you one less thing to worry about when moving day finally arrives.

Sign up for house insurance

House insurance isn’t required by law, but your mortgage lender will almost certainly require you to have it. House insurance protects your home from damage or destruction and can help you recoup some of the costs if you need to rebuild or replace your home. It’s important to shop around for the right house insurance policy before you buy a new home so that you’re adequately covered.

Conclusion

These are a few important things to remember when buying a new home. By following these tips, you can ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you take the time to prepare in advance, you can avoid many stressful surprises down the road.

In the interim at least, you’ll find that planning out your bedroom furniture for the best room layout, assigning possible rooms or renovation plans, and discussing how you’ll manage the kerb appeal of the property can help you pre-empt your move and also enjoy that excited anticipation in advance.

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