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10 Calming Colours for your Home Office

Creating a space that you actually want to relax & focus in involves more than selecting comfy furniture. The paint you choose for your walls is just as important. If your walls are loud and vibrant, it's going to do nothing for your stress level. Take some inspiration from these calming rooms—they might just inspire you to pick up a paint brush and mellow out. Oh and when that's all set, light your favourite candle and the work will flow out of you.

1. Light Blue

We all know how calming the colour blue is, it imitates the natural calming areas of the world, the sea and the sky, but have you ever thought about painting your office blue? It looks almost like you're gazing at the sky on a cloudless day. What's more serene than that? I have picked out some light blue shades that I think are truly gorgeous!  Budget - B&Q - Clontarf Matt  Mid-range - Dulux - Blue Babe

High End - Graham & Brown - CIELO MATT 

2. Blush

My fave!! A blush-painted room filled with plants and natural decor screams relaxation. It's the perfect space to sit back and get lost in a good book. A home office doesn't just have to be a home office!My favourite shade of blush ever is Dulux Heritage - Blossom. This is a high-end paint, but most definitely worth it! Below are some cheaper options.

Budget - Dunelm - Rose Matt

Mid Range - Dulux - Blush Pink

3. Sage Green

Choosing a muted sage green will make any space feel tranquil and it's super on trent at the moment too!

Budget - Wilko - Sage Silk Mid-range - Dulux - Tranquil Dawn

High End - Graham & Brown - ACCRINGTON ROAD MATT

4. Beige / Neutrals

Will beige ever not look good?! Calming and chic, a neutral room is something you cannot get wrong! Here's some of my favourite shades.

Budget - B&Q - Santo Domingo Mid-range - Johnstones - Chapel Stone

High End - Dulux Heritage - Setting Stone

5. Lilac

Choose a purple with grey undertones, like lilac, so it doesn't feel too bold and vibrant. For accents, use creams and blues too!

Budget - B&Q - Hokkaido Silk Mid-range - Dulux - Lavender Quartz 

High End - Lick - Purple 01

6. Teal

The perfect mix between blue & green, a teal room can brighten it up and also calm you down! Top Tip! Put gold with Teal to get that rich luxurious look.

Budget - Home Base - Teal  Mid-range - Dunelm - Peacock Eggshell 

High End - Graham & Brown - Jewel In the Crown 

7. Soft Grey

You cannot go wrong with a grey! A colour that goes with everything! Pair it with some natural wood elements and you have a gorgeous scandavian office by just a lick of paint! My fave grey shades are below.

Budget - Home Base - Teal  Mid-range - Dunelm - Peacock Eggshell 

High End - Graham & Brown - Jewel In the Crown 

8. Dark Green

A dark green will make you feel like you're relaxing among nature, whether it's a park or the jungle.

Budget - B&Q - Milltown Matt Mid-range - Dunelm - Emerald Matt 

High End - COAT paints - Ditch The Tie Flat Matt | Very Dark Green Paint | COAT Paints

9. Dark Blue

Blue is the meaning of calm, but why not opt for a deep blue and pair it with rust furniture and natural woods or even opt for gold accents to give that 'rich' feel.

Budget - Wilko's - After Hours Matt Mid-range - Dunelm -  Luxe Navy Matt

High End - Graham & Brown - BRAVE MATT

10. Off White

Not too bright not too dark, the off white paint is a perfect option as you can pair almost any colour with it and if you ever want to switch up colours you can too!

Budget - Wikes - Victorian White Mid-range - Dulex -  Summer Linen

High End - Farrow & Ball - Off White

[dctuk]

How many TacTiles do I need?

TacTiles are one of those great inventions that are so simple but just work. Produced by carpet tile giants Interface, we've been selling TacTiles at DCTUK for over a decade now.

Simply stick them to the underside of the corner of each carpet tile, securing 4 carpet tiles for each TacTile. Contrary to popular belief, only one side of the TacTile is sticky, the other side (subfloor side) has a grippy (not sticky) texture that hold the carpet tiles in place.

They are a genius method of installing carpet tiles that is fast and efficient.

The question we get asked the most, however, is not *what* they are, but "how many do I need to order?"

And that answer, well, requires some explaining. If you can't be bothered with the faff of explanations, scroll down to "What is the solution?" to get the answer and my Excel calculator tool.

The main problem is that we can't just create a calculator on our website that gives an exact answer based on the square metreage of the room, unless the room is an exact square.

This is because the number of tactile required depends on the shape of the room.

For example, if I said 8 carpet tiles need 15 TacTiles this would be true. If your room is a 2 x 4 grid of carpet tiles.

But if we create a line of 8 carpet tiles (1 x 8 grid) then the number needed would be 18 TacTiles.

Both rooms are 8m2 but the number of TacTiles required is different. And the larger the space, the greater the difference becomes. So when a customer comes to us and says "I need to buy 200 carpet tiles, how many TacTiles do I need?" we have mostly mumbled our way through these conversations with lots of mmms, errrs, and... "how about buying this lovely spray can adhesive instead?"

After thinking about this problem A LOT and trying to work out a formula that would allow me to create a calculator for our sales team to enter a square metreage that provides the number of tiles required I recently admitted failure and instead turned to be my genius, brain-box of a brother who I thought my know the answer. And he did.

What is the solution to the TacTile problem?

The small piece of good news is that there is a simple formula for square layouts that are the same length on both sides. For example, if we use the below 3 x 3 square grid of carpet tiles:

If we say the number of carpet tiles on each side of the grid is a (so in the above image a=3) then formula would be 4a+(a-1)².

To make this easier for customers I have created a simple TacTile calculator in Excel where the customer can enter the linear metres of the width (which would also be the height) of the room and the calculator will work out exactly how many TacTiles are required.

As mentioned above - this only works if the room is square. And so if the project space is not square then the room needs to be divided up into squares and then the linear metreage of those squares entered into the calculator for precise quantities.

To make it slightly more confusing, but more helpful for customers, on DCTUK.com we sell TacTiles in sheets of 6 because most customers will not need to buy a whole roll of 500 TacTiles. The calculator works out the number of TacTiles required and then lets our customer know how many packs they should order on our website.

Another solution (For those who were in set 1 for maths at school)

The other formula that my brother worked out that might be useful is for the maximum number of TacTiles that would be required for any possible layout, provided all the tiles are connected on at least one side to another carpet tile in that batch. (So this excludes a situation where, for example, the customer bought carpet tiles for two different rooms in the same batch).

If the number of carpet tiles is t, then the formula is 2t+2. So if our customer was supplied with 2t+2 TacTiles, then they would always have enough for the corner of every carpet tile, but they might have some left over, effectively "wasted".

At larger numbers, those wasted TacTiles become a mega problem that can't really be ignored (unless you're the *burying your head* in the sand type).

For example, if a customer orders 625 tiles, then if they are laid out in a square grid they will need 676 TacTiles. But the maximum number of TacTiles for all possible layouts is 1,252. So nearly half the TacTiles will be wasted and in fact as the number of tiles increases, the number of wasted TacTiles gets closer and closer to 50%.

What other flooring adhesives can I use to fit carpet tiles?

Well, we still highly recommend TacTiles, and if you need help working out how many you need, just get in touch with our friendly UK sales team. But there are some alternatives:

For small areas

Double sided tape is an easy and secure way of fixing carpet tiles to the floor for small projects.

Sticky Stuff Tackifier spray adhesive is also great for small areas, or even large areas that are being loose-laid but need a bit of stickiness at the edges of the room. It's our own brand of adhesive and always kept in stock. Plus, it's a tackifier so is not permanent and won't leave a horrible mess when the tiles are lifted up at a later date.

Bostik Spray adhesive is a spray solution for semi-permanently sticking carpet tiles to the floor - we also keep this in stock in our distribution hub.

For larger areas

Bostik Fix A320 Tackifier is available in a 5kg or 25kg tub and is perfect for larger installations. Spread the tackifier across the floor and allow to dry. Then simply lay the carpet tiles on top.

Uzin U2100 Carpet Tile adhesive is sold at DCTUK.com and is a great option. It’s got a super-fast drying between 30-60 minutes, so enough time to watch an episode of Line of Duty before its on to the next DIY task.

The F.Ball Styccobond F44 is often the fitter's favourite and well known for it's yellow branding. We stock this and can delivery next working day.

If you need any help with TacTiles or the above adhesives, just give our team a shout by calling 0345 222 1541 or jumping on our website Livechat.

[dctuk]

Flooring Renovation in Edinburgh!

Come on a road trip to Edinburgh with us!

One 3 hour train journey later and we land ourselves in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh! We did go for a pretty good reason though as this project was no normal office fitting! Read on to find out more!

What tiles were fitted?

This fitting was for an app developer company called X-Design! So as mentioned before, this was no standard project, this project was full of intricate cuts and designs with bright colours and a mixture of textures! Used throughout was the Forbo Tessera carpet tile collections in Cloudscape, Layout and Outlines, along with Forbo Flex Wood & Material LVT. They also used the super comfy Milliken Nordic Stories Tectonic, which if you don't know, Millikens tiles are all cushion back which is why I said super comfy! Seriously you have to try these tiles out!

How did the fitters lay the carpet tiles down?

Wel they used 2 adhesives! They used the Bostik Fix A320, and our very own Sticky Stuff! You can purchase both of these on our site too!

If you want to book our fitters for your project then click HERE!

Watch Our Video!

[dctuk]

Restart with a Refresh of your Space

Have you heard about the new Coronavirus Restart Grant?

You haven't? Gosh, have you been living under a rock? Isn't it just as well I'm here to tell you all about them!

The trusty Government has decided that if your non-essential business has been affected by COVID-19 (well, duh! Who's hasn't?!) then they want to help you get back up on your feet. Handy - I know.

They are handing out up to £6,000 for non-essential retail and up to £18,000 to the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors.

What is the Coronavirus Restart Grant scheme?

The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses that rely on delivering in-person services for the general idiots...sorry, public 👀

How do I get the Coronavirus Restart Grant Scheme?

So, according to the Government website, you are eligible if your business is based in England, you are rate-paying, you were trading on 1st April 2021 and you are in non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care or gym sectors.

You cannot get the funding (boo!) if your business is in administration, insolvent or has been struck off the Companies House register (tut tut) or if you have exceeded the permitted subsidy allowance (I hope you know what that is because I don't).

The important question...How much can I get on the Coronavirus Restart Grant Scheme?

If you are eligible, you will be paid a one-off grant of up to £6,000 if you are in the non-essential retail sector. If eligible, you will be paid a one-off grant of up to £18,000 if you are in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors.

And now to answer the question you are all thinking...Why are we talking about this?

Well, funny you should ask! Yes, we are a flooring company and should have no business talking about Government grants...however, here at DCTUK, we pride ourselves on being super helpful people (not to blow our own trumpets or anything).

These Restart grants offer the perfect opportunity to invest in your business and give it that love and attention it's been craving for the last 12 months. You want to keep it affordable - we get that - luckily for you we don't call ourselves the home of affordable design for nothing. Our promise to you is high quality luxurious products at a budget friendly price, you don't need to blow the whole grant on flooring just to achieve something great.

Besides, don't trust what we have to say, head over to the Government website to find all the above information in a much more miserable and boring fashion. We look forward to welcoming you back to our wonderfully bright, colourful and easy to understand website when you realise that we are talking perfect sense.

[dctuk]

WIN a Full Home Office Furniture Set!

Have you entered yet?!

To celebrate the launch of our NEW Home Office Furniture collection, we have decided to give one of these away on our residential Instagram account - @affordabledeesignpodcast. As most people are still working from home, we know how difficult it is to find the perfect office set up. That is why we have introduced our full office sets, they all come together so no need to search for individual items and we have a range of prices to suit every customer from affordable to more premium.

The Details...

Anyway back to the competition. One lucky winner will win our 'Tadworth' set worth nearly £500! What a prize!

How to enter..

1. Follow our residential Instagram - click HERE!

2. Tag a friend

And that's it! It's that simple, just 2 steps. If you want a BONUS entry you can share to your story and tag us! But that is completely optional.

Related Blogs

15 Budget Home Décor Ideas to update your space!29 March 2021

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[dctuk]

10 Modern Coastal Bathroom Ideas

Summer is approaching...

If you're looking for a bathroom that will inspire you to finally give your home's interior an upgrade, this blog is going to be right up your alley. With summer fast approaching and no time like the present, a coastal bathroom is the new thing. From nautical elements such as anchors made from rope and fishing nets hanging on walls as art pieces; to lake house accents such as driftwood furniture with white slipcovers- there are many different types of “coastal" design styles available out there today!

1. Beige Shiplap and Pebble floors

There’s a lot to love about pebbled floors and beige is a colour that will stand the test of time. The two work together so well to create a homey and inviting bathroom. Natural wood furniture also goes very well with these two elements too! Don't want to replace your whole floor? Why not try the pebble emelent in your shower!

2. Blue and White Subway Tiles

This one is a coastal bathroom favourite! Look how beautiful the subway tiles look in the form of nautical stripes? Even choosing just the one colour and not alternating still looks beautiful. Very coastal chic and modern!

3. Circular Window

If you have the opportunity, why not change your bathroom window into a circle! It's like taking a vacation on a cruise in your own home ha!

4. Faux Marble Floors

Marble is expenisve, but why not cheat it? Going to do a bit of shamless promotion here but we are the flooring experts after all! DCTUK have lots of good LVTs that looks like real marble flooring! A marble floor gives the bathroom that bright and fresh feeling you want when going for a coastal look. Check out my favourite the Gerflor Creation 55 Clic Carrare or the Forbo Allura Click Pro White Marble LVT!

5. Rope Mirrors

Rope mirrors really make the bathroom feel like a true coastal nautical escape.

6. Minimal Seashell Decorations

Sometimes you do not need to spend a fortune on updating your interior, it can be as simple as minimal decorations to grab the vibe you want, such as seashells for a coastal bathroom. Why not head to your local beach and pick them up for free?!!

7. Blue Accent Wall

When you think of coastal you think of blue and white right? If your bathroom is all white, why not add a blue accent wall, this will add extra depth and character.

8. Blue Wall Art

Again it doesn't have to be huge. A simple piece of wall art can go so far in completing your bathroom look.

9. Decorate with Nautical Accessories

Accessorize your bathroom with all things nautical! With the right accessories, any old space can feel like a secluded beach. Put away that boring towel and get yourself some seaside-themed pieces such as a boat ornament and a cute framed art to remind you of where you are each morning when getting ready.

10. Fish Scale Showers

I know what you may be thinking fish scales? Really? But just look at these pictures, it looks like a seaside heaven!

Tag Us!

Like any of our ideas? Tag Us! Follow us on our socials!

Instagram - @dctukdesign

Home Intsagram - @affordabledesignpodcast

YouTube - The Affordable Design Podcast

[dctuk]

15 Budget Home Décor Ideas to update your space!

If you've got nothing to do (which most of us don't right now), and want to get a little creative, these quick-and-easy home updates will have you feeling like an interior designer.

If there's one thing that most homeowners can agree with: it takes far too long for many of us to justify (or afford) taking our beloved abodes from drab to fab. For those who don't mind spending some spare change or breaking out their DIY skills though... read on!

1. Add some greenery!

A touch of green in your home is a great way to inject some life into an otherwise bland space. They look especially great in an all white room. Not sure how to get started? Don’t worry, I got you covered with this list of fake plants that will make any room come alive & the best part, they won't take your time up caring for them! Check them out here!

2. Change cupboard door handles

If you're sick of the same old, boring handles in your kitchen drawers and cupboards, swap them for a new design. Cup handle or simple door knobs work well with Shaker-style kitchens while bar handles are perfect for any modern scheme! We have found a great site for this here.

3. Put up floating shelves

The floating shelf is the perfect addition to your home decor. Not only can it keep those treasured books handy, but you may be able to find a place for that fake plant you bought earlier or your pretty trinkets. A good way of adding character? Put them in different heights and colours!

4. Mismatched Furniture

Got your eye on a charity shop find, but worried it won’t fit in with your existing pieces? Mismatched furniture is the new thing. You can do this in any room you like! So if you’ve found a bright pink chair and love it, don’t feel you have to purchase a whole new set!

5. Have a gallery wall!

A gallery wall is a trend that everyone loves right now. It can be as affordable or extravagant as you want it to be, but either way the result will look expensive! Whether you're a pink princess or neutrals queen, this your chance to inject personality onto your walls for less than expected without breaking the bank in process. Why not frame your children’s art work or samples of wallpaper from shops?! (It's free!)

6. Create a candle corner

Are you totally candle obsessed right now?! Well we are! Candles are the perfect accessory that look amazing and also relax you at the same time. Collect all your candles from around your home and put them together in one corner to create a tres chic display!

7. Layer your cushions & blankets

It's time to grab all those extra stored blankets and pillows and pile them up on the bed. Not only will it be cosy, but you'll also have a relaxing den that looks like its stepped straight out of a boutique hotel!

8. Add a bar cart!

Like a nice tipple on the weekend? Who doesn't! Why not impress your friends and get yourself an awesome bar cart to keep in your living room. Bar carts can be surprisingly cheap, you could find them at charity shops or upcycle old pieces of furniture!

9. A statement mirror

A statement mirror is a quick and easy way to bring some drama into your living room without overspending. Why not give it try? If you shop around you will be surprised to find some very budget friendly ones!

10. Darken up your space

You've heard of brighten up your space but have you thought about darkening up your space? No? Well why not. Guessing the rest of your house is light and bright, why not opt for a moody bedroom to give your house contrast and give that real cosy feeling, after all the bedroom is where you want to be most cosy! A quick tin of dark paint will do the job and all the other accents will fall into place! Black goes with everything right?!

11. Add a bright rug

One of the best ways to spice up your room is with an eye-catching accent rug. These are a great way to add some much needed colour and character into any neutral space!

12. Put a throw on it

Bored of your kitchen chairs but can't afford to but a whole new set? Why not put a throw on it?! (Channelling my inner Beyoncé right now). We found this gorge £20 throw on Amazon! Check it out here!

13. Make a well-lit statement

A stunning light fixture can be the perfect way to add a little glitz and glamour into any room without having to do much else!

14. Statement cushions

Cushion cases are the PERFECT way to add colour, style an personality in your living room. Especially if you are struggling to involve colour. It's a cosy way to add everything you're needing. It's also incredibly budget friendly, cushion cases can be as cheap as you want them, and you can still use your old pillows!

15. Painted coffee tables

Coffee tables have most definitely come back into fashion but instead of purchasing an expensive new coffee table, give your current one a fresh look with a new coat of paint that matches your décor.

Follow us!

Like this blog? Be sure to follow our all new 'home' Instagram account which gives you the best daily interior design inspo! Follow here!

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Nouveau Connections Stripe vs Nouveau Connections

What is the difference?!

So, you're looking at which carpet tile to go for and you have whittled it down to Nouveau Connections and Nouveau Connections Stripe. After all they are twin sisters, so incredibly hard to choose between the two, right? Well, I'm here to help!

Basically the Nouveau Connections Stripe just has thicker ridges making the 'stripes' look more prominent - therefore the stripe name..duh. Whilst the Nouveau Connections still has the ridges but they are just thinner and less noticeable. So, it really depends on personal preference here.

The Nouveau Connections Stripe comes in 8 colours and the Nouveau Connections comes in 12 colours.

I still can't decide, can I buy both together?

Of course! They fit together like two peas in a pod! You can mix and match these carpet tiles to your hearts content. Not only does it look super cool (like me)😎, it can also have a really beneficial reasoning to this too.

EG. Ever had that awkward moment of walking into a meeting thinking it's just a free table? Well problem solved. Why not use the Nouveau Connections Stripe to zone out different areas? So, pop down the stripe to show the meeting tables, and pop the Nouveau Connections down for walkways / other areas. Or in true 2020/2021 fashion, use it for social distancing purposes!😷

I have bought the Connections Stripe but I need to replace just 1, is this possible?

So, you or your colleague have spilt your microwave meal for lunch on the floor and you just can't get it out. That's fine! We now offer a Pick n Mix! No, I'm not talking about those stale sweets you get in bags from the ice cream man. I'm talking about the new section on our website that lets you order any quantity from a range of different carpet tiles! And guess what, Nouveau Connections Stripe and Nouveau Connections is involved! No more forking out money for a whole box of 20 just to replace the one. Just buy the one! Simples! So, not only is this going to save you money, it's going to save you time too! Do you know how easy and quick it is to replace one carpet tile?! It is as easy as zipping up your jacket!

[dctuk]

Want to sprinkle some salt on your carpet tiles?

Erm What?

I know, I know that is a very strange title for a blog but I don't actually mean REAL salt like the type you put on your chips, I'm talking about the Desso Salt carpet tile! Sorry to dissapoint that this wasn't some weird hack to clean carpet tiles but I think you'll still enjoy reading, I hope...

Anyway, have you heard of the Desso Salt & Rock collection?

They go together like salt n pepper, I'm quite dissapointed it's not called that but what can you do.🤷🏼‍♀️

Let's start with the Desso Salt, now you can see why it's called this as it's a unique carpet tile that looks like it's got sprinkles of salt throughout! This two-tone, high/low design comes in 6 stylish colour ways which can be used exclusively or paired with the Desso Rock!

So what is Desso Rock?

Desso rock is a single block colour tile with a 'rock' like texture. A resilient tufted construction, cutting edge colour palette and a refreshingly affordable price tag are the ingredients which make a recipe for sweet flooring success!

It comes in 12 different colours, so a great choice to create some cool flooring designs! It's great to match with any branding or interior you may have in your space.

Check out the middle photo below, these guys have matched the flooring to their branding and a piece of there furniture!

So who are these tiles suitable for?

They are suitable for any commerical properties, for example, offices are a popular place that people choose them for. However, I really can't tell you where you can and can't put your carpet tiles, so throw them down in your home if you really want too! There's no rules here!

We just say commerical as they are super durable and can withstand lot's of footfall, the 10 year guarantee proves this!

If you're wanting to see some more pictures and get more info then just check out our video below!

[dctuk]

The Milliken Wireframe is here!

The in-house design team at Milliken HQ sure are busy-bees and over the years Milliken have released a huge variety of fan-dabby-dosic collections and the best thing about them you ask? They’re all so unique.

Milliken products are designed to force you out of your carpet tile comfort zone with their one of a kind show-stopping designs. So if you’re ready to leave the safety net of monochrome, Milliken have got your back.

They're SO ideal for any commercial or residential spaces that need a lil’ injection of va va voom.

So, what's new?

This durable and hard wearing Milliken Wireframe collection will razzle your dazzle and transform any space. These carpet tiles are a multi tile design with a unique pattern so you can place them in any random order when laying them - what a time saver! The Wireframe collection is in fact cushion backed. So yes, this does mean they will last 40 - 50% longer than hardback carpet tiles and provide an extra bounce in your step.

Produced using 100% nylon fibre, these tufted level loop pile carpet tiles deliver wear-resistant, fire-retardant and anti-static qualities that lend themselves perfectly to both domestic and public interiors. So whether you're looking to improve your home or kit out a brand new office, grab a cuppa, browse the collection, order your free samples and hey presto, Bob's your uncle!

If you want to see this collection up close, go watch our video below!

[dctuk]

The carpet plank that looks like wooden floor?! WHAT!

Ever got your hands on a carpet plank that looks like wood but doesn't feel like wood? Well that's exactly what Forbo's Flotex Wood Effect Carpet Planks are, a replication of wooden LVT without the slippery coldness!

We've seen a massive interest in these planks this year and for good reason. Who doesn't want furry wood-effect flooring planks made for heavy contract use whilst looking amazing?

'What does carpet have that traditional wood doesn't have?' we hear you ask... Durability, underfoot comfort, the ability to reduce unwanted noise, anti-slip qualities and the ability to move or replace singularly and that's just for starters. Flotex Wood is a fine example of the more affordable and cutting edge options on the market when solid or engineered wood is just no good. Take a look at Flotex Wood Effect carpet planks in action.

Inspired Health and Fitness Club

We used a mixture of 3 different coloured planks from Forbo Flotex Wood-effect Carpet Planks to fit out the gym within Inspired Health & Fitness Club in Cambridgeshire. The outcome was spectacular!

This installation is just one of many office fit-out projects that DCTUK is currently involved with nationwide. If you're looking for a professional vinyl or carpet tile fitting solution, then get in touch today.

Forbo Flotex Wood Effect Planks in the home!

We didn't fit this one but don't they look great in our customer's living room. It's great for this type of space because the short, straight fibres that make up this faux wood won't trap in dirt particles so these babies will be as easy to keep looking fresh as the real thing. 

Want to see the Wood Effect carpet planks up close? Watch our video!

[dctuk]

How to choose flooring for different rooms in your home!

What should I look for when choosing flooring for different rooms?

If you're looking for the perfect flooring to match your personality, there's something here for everyone! Whether you want a budget-friendly option or lavish luxurious floors, this blog has everything you need. Choose from LVT, carpet tiles, carpet planks and more - we've got all of it broken down by room!

How do I choose flooring for my Living Room?

So you have decided on that dream house. The one with the 2 car garage and the white picket fence (we wish). But wait, there is one thing to do before you sign on that dotted line – make sure your living room has the perfect floor! Where should you start? What type of flooring would be best suited for your home’s décor? Why not consider some LVT flooring. One of the biggest 2021 trends right now is that rustic chic vibe so say goodbye to boring yellow tone laminate floors and hello to our Polyflor Camaro Georgian Parquet Wood LVT! This floor offers that rustic vibe we all want but still keeping it expensive looking and not breaking the bank too much!! You can order free samples of this here! Check these photos out!

How do I choose flooring for my Kitchen?

We've all heard the phrase "Don't judge a book by its cover" and it's true, but we are doing exactly that when we enter a room. Let’s be honest, I don’t know why but the kitchen is the social aspect of the house. Ever been to a house party? Where does everyone gather? It’s the kitchen! So one of the main points to factor in when looking for a kitchen floor is durability and how easy it is to clean! So again I come back to LVT, there’s no beating this when it comes to easy cleaning and durability. My top pick for the kitchen would be QA Luvanto Endure Pro Click Warm Grey Stone Tiles. With this, you get the classic look of tiles but the modernism of LVT! It's a timeless product that won’t ever go out of style! This would also be a great pick for a bathroom too! See pictures below for inspo!

How do I choose flooring for my Bedroom?

See the bedroom is a difficult one, because you are torn between wanting it to be cosy, warm and something to sink your feet into when you wake up on that cold winter morning, but also wanting it to look classy and not old fashioned, which can sometimes happen with carpets!

However, It just so happens that we have the perfect solution for you. I know just call us the flooring experts - oh wait we are! Let me present to you the Nouveau Cosy Toes. This carpet tile is a carpet tile like no other. You can forget old fashioned looking carpet tiles and welcome in this luxurious flooring! The Nouveau Cosy Toes is going to give you that perfect balance of a chic looking bedroom whilst also still keeping your feet comfy and warm! Designed with both aesthetics and comfort in mind, this line of carpet tiles will be an instant hit for those who want something different yet practical. Don't forget to order your FREE SAMPLES of this so you can see just how thick and cosy this is!

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So whether it be kitchen, living room or bedroom, we’ve got you covered here at DCTUK! If you are still struggling and want more help, just pop over to our amazing live chat service where one of our lovely assistants will be there on hand to help, and don’t worry they are not robots like most websites, these guys are real people!

Also be sure to follow our NEW Instagram to get your daily fix of Interior Design inspo!! Stay tuned because we have big plans coming your way!

Follow us HERE!

[dctuk]

Carpet tiles that look like concrete?!

Thinking about getting new flooring in your home or office? Give Nouveau Concrete a chance! 

Nouveau Concrete - What is it?

The Nouveau Concrete carpet tile collection is made up of 5 striking colours, they're 50cm x 50cm carpet tiles and are perfect for both home or workplace by creating a space that is interesting, vibrant, modern and altruistic. The concrete effect is right on trend for this year as the Biophilic effect of "bringing the outdoors in" is still a major trend in the design industry.

Let's take a look at Nouveau Concrete in a home and office setting!

On the left is Nouveau Concrete in a bedroom giving it an ethereal vibe. Along with the wallpaper it's transformed the room into a calming, soothing place. On the right is Nouveau Concrete in an office setting. The vibe here is very different to the bedroom. The concrete alongside the brick wallpaper and black metal features gives the room an industrial look which has been trending for years now. Both look amazing!

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Have you seen our Black Friday Deal yet?

We're starting Black Friday early this year because why not?!

There's 25% off across our website and we're giving you extra surprises for you that we think you'll love, we'll be revealing what those deals are every day up until the 30th November!

Some of the deals will include an additional 10-20% off certain products on our website, FREE Amazon Kindle, half price floor fitting, £100 cash prizes, Love to Shop vouchers and SO much more!*

Make sure you keep an eye out on our socials like Facebook, Instagram and Youtube to find out what each daily deal is, watch the video below to find out today's deal 👇

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How to make a small space seem bigger

So it’s lockdown 2.0 and the urge to rearrange and declutter your house has crept back up since the previous lockdown - it certainly has for me anyway.

We’re no interior design experts at DCTUK but we do love it and love to share some great advice with you all, so here’s 5 tips on how to make a small space appear bigger.

Open plan layouts

When it comes to modest sized living or work spaces, open plan layouts are the number one, the numero uno, the must-do method to trick the eye into seeing more space than there really is.

Doing away with partition walls, unnecessary doors and anything which cuts the area more times than a supersize pizza on a Saturday night is the perfect way to open out and widen the space to create a more breathable interior.

Open plan is super popular so don't be afraid to merge to your dining area with your living room, or your office breakout area with the shared kitchen.

Clear the clutter and get creative with your storage

Okay so we're all guilty of a little hoarding here and there. If you want to turn your teeny tiny interior into a treasure trove of space however, you're going to have to kiss goodbye to the clutter.

The first port of call is a trip to the local tip to get rid of anything that is unnecessarily collecting dust but if you really can't bear to part with your paraphernalia, it's time to get creative with your storage.

Shelves, bookshelves, boxes, coving and mounted storage spaces are a great way to keep stuff from getting under your feet and making the place seem smaller. Think beds with storage space, desks with drawers, stylish shelves and footstools that double up as storage.

I got a bit creative with my bedroom storage and took the doors off the pre-existing cabinets and replaced them with IKEA boxes. So now my bedroom looks like an IKEA showroom and I absolutely LOVE it.

Mirror, mirror on the wall.

Mirrors are a tried and tested technique for making a space seem bigger than it is. Large mirrors trick the eye into thinking the room goes on for miles and miles, even when you're dealing with the same square meterage as a Polly Pocket pony stable.

Simple, angular mirrors mounted on walls are the best way to master this illusion, as opposed to lots of little stand alone mirrors in the shape of a cactus or heaven knows what else. Think vast but minimal.

Keep bold patterns and vivid colours at bay

I respect and appreciate the maximalist designers in the world but it’s just not me - it’s beautiful and chaotic but it makes me feel claustrophobic. And when it comes to small spaces, minimalism is the way to go. Light, neutral colours are your best option because dark shades will shrink the area and rob you of those all important centimetres. Get your creative fix with more subtle statement pieces like mix and match cushions, a feature rug or some decorative frames pinned up on the wall.

Got any pictures of your lockdown rearrangements? Tag us on insta @dctukdesign we'd love to see!

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The hassle free, Self Adhesive Flooring

QA Luvanto Pace - the hassle free flooring perfect for all you DIYers out there. ​​​​​​​

What is QA Luvanto Pace?

It’s an LVT collection from QA Luvanto that features a self-adhesive underlay backing on each plank/tile. This special feature ensures you can fit this floor super fast - like you're some sort of sticky flooring fitting superhero!

What are the benefits?

No need for adhesive - These planks/tiles have built in adhesive, perfect for a fast installation and a real money saver.

Reduces noise levels - QA Luvanto Pace LVT reduces noise levels by 20dB because of it's snazzy sound reducing features. This means you don't need additional acoustic underlay. Not to mention it's also waterproof - making it pet and kid proof and perfect for any room in the home.

Compatible with underfloor heating - These sticky sensations can withstand underfloor heating as long as the temperature is below 28 degrees.

It has a PU surface treatment - This means Luvanto Pace has a surface treatment that prevents scratches and marks from appearing, which is a big bonus as you don't want your floors scuffed by pets or your little ones!

Can be removed and re-laid - This backing allows the plank to be lifted several times, making it easy to reposition or replace.

Watch our Podcast with Matt from QA Luvanto!

https://youtu.be/UAivHXjEY5w

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We can fit flooring in your home!

Not only will you receive top notch, affordable, quality flooring from us but you can also enquire to get your flooring fitted in your home by our skilled fitting team.

We can fit your whole house with carpet tiles (not the walls or ceilings sorry) from £380 which is our day rate.

Want to know more? Of course you do! Keep on reading to find out about what we can and can't do 👇

The low down

Some of us are naturally gifted at DIY and can fit, fix or build anything without an instruction manual, but for those who need a little extra help, we're here to fit the floor for you.

What we can do ✅

We can offer you our fantastic fitting service nationwide! That's right, so if you live at the very top of Scotland or the very edge of Plymouth, we can get to you.

We also straight lay all products. From carpet tiles to carpet planks to LVT. We can do it.

Our team can uplift/dispose of existing flooring AND recycle your existing flooring too.

Only available evenings and weekends? Don't sweat! We can fit your flooring at these times.

What we can't do ❌

Just like life, there are some rules and they cannot be bent or broken. Here's what we can't do when it comes to fitting your dream flooring.

Our fitters can't move your furniture, so just make sure the room is clear before they arrive.

Check out some of our handy work...

Click here to start the process