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A new year means new goals and for many of us, that means improvements to our homes. As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, homeowners everywhere are looking for cost-effective and easy ways to improve their homes. From panelling to decking, we have come up with the top DIY home improvement ideas and trends that will be big in 2023.

Add Some Wall Panelling

Panelling was one of the biggest home trends in 2022 and it doesn't look to be going away anytime soon. It is easy to see why this home trend is becoming an enduring one. Not only can panelling add interest to a blank space, but it can be used as an architectural tool to help zone spaces, insulate walls and improve acoustics. It is traditional yet modern at the same time and can be an inexpensive and simple DIY home improvement.

There are so many different types of panelling to add to your home and all are

Wall panelling, sometimes known as wall moulding, is a well known decorative wall feature. Dating back centuries and often associated with period properties, wall panelling is making a huge comeback.

This decorative feature also works exceptionally well in contemporary homes. It's extremely affordable and very easy to do yourself. In this article, we take a look at the new up-and-coming trend.

Where Can You Use Panelling in the Home?

The good news is that DIY panelling can be used in any room of your home. It is not just for walls either. From creating a panelled headboard behind the bed to decorative door panels, this new trend can be seen everywhere. Panelling can be used to create a feature wall or decorative borders along the hallway or stairway. A quick internet or Instagram search (using the hashtags #wallpanelling and #wallpanellingideassearch)

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, we are all looking for ways to save money on our bills. Making our homes as energy efficient as possible has become a top priority in the face of soaring energy prices. One simple yet highly effective change you can make to your home is adding loft insulation. When done correctly using the right materials, this can help to slash your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Loft insulation is often described as being like 'a blanket for your home.' Various materials can be used for insulation, but the most common are mineral fibre wool and sheep wool. These fabrics can be rolled into the space between loft joists, into hollow spaces and around the rafters. When purchasing mineral wool or sheep wool, it is important to look at the R-value. This measures how well a material resists heat flow. The higher the R value, the better the

As temperatures gradually decrease, leaves start to fall from the trees, and the days become shorter. The autumnal garden changes to an array of vibrant colours. Now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the coming year. Little changes can have a big impact later on, when the garden reawakens in the spring.

1. Lawn preparation

Small amounts of moss can be removed with a rake, and added to the compost heap. If your lawn has a significant amount of moss, consider applying a moss killer to the lawn first. Lawns that have a lot of moss will also need extra care in the spring. Add grass fertiliser to improve soil quality, to ensure better regrowth later on. If there are any bare patches, now is the time to put grass seed down, before the cold winter frosts appear.

2. Weed control

As the plants start to die back, weeds will become more noticeable. Be sure to pull up all the roots to avoid them growing back next year.

If you want to enhance your garden, taking a look at your fencing is a simple way to make a big impact. While they seem merely mundane and practical, garden fences and gates can really help to transform your outdoor space- both aesthetically and practically. The basic purpose of a fence around your home is to mark out your territory and separate your property from your neighbours. But fencing can, in fact, do so much more than that for your garden and your home.

Fencing and gates can change the look and feel of your garden

There is a wide array of fence and garden gate styles available today and what you choose will impact on the look of your outdoor space. If you prefer a classic look, opt for traditional fence panels. Or, if you are looking for something different,

How do you Make Paving Slabs look Good?

Paving slabs are a great option for creating a long-lasting patio or path and are a good alternative to decking. There are plenty of different materials, colours, and styles available, meaning you can create a path or patio that will complement your home and landscape. But how do you make paving slabs look show-home good?

1.Start with a Solid Base

Paving slabs - particularly if you are building a patio - need to be placed on a solid, level base. Ideally, a professional would do this for you, however, it is

As summertime approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to our gardens and how we can get them ready for the season. It can be easy to neglect the garden and then instantly regret it when the sun shines and we all want to head outside. From adding wooden garden furniture to painting your fences, here are five simple ways to give your garden a spruce-up.

1. Give your garden a good tidy

It may take a bit of work but a really good tidy up is going to work wonders in improving your garden. Prune overgrown bushes and trees and make sure there are no weeds spoiling the view. You may also want to give your shed and fencing a freshen-up with a new coat of paint or wood treatment. Ronseal Garden Paint 2.5l - Various Colours

You've made the decision to add decking to your garden, but another big decision now awaits: timber or composite? These two types of decking each have their own pros and cons. When planning a garden decking project, it is helpful to be aware of these and consider them alongside your own aesthetic goals, the size and shape of your garden, your budget and how much maintenance work you are prepared to commit to.

What are the main differences between timber and composite decking?

It is finally springtime and with the changing of the seasons comes the promise of brighter days ahead. Thoughts turn to long summer days spent relaxing in the great outdoors. And what better place to start than in your own garden?

If you are looking to spruce up your outdoor space ahead of the summer months, then decking could be just the solution for you. Not only does decking give your garden a contemporary look, but it makes the most of the space you have. The best news is that Mill Timber Direct has everything you need to build a deck.

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