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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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Interface Works Collection? Completed it

Interface is the world's largest designer and manufacturer of carpet tile for commercial and residential customers, it is the golden arch of the fast food industry, the Ben and Jerry's of the ice cream world, the cream of the crop. If you're apart of the interior industry you will have definitely heard of Interface, if not, all you need to know is that they make and design sustainable, inspiring flooring and they're really, really good at it. Sit back, grab a cuppa, and read all about the latest exciting creations from Interface.

You may have some preconceptions that Interface are way out of your budget. If you think Human Nature is an amazing carpet plank but you just can't stretch your budget to afford it, Interface have designed an affordable range to complete your design led - flooring needs. Fluid, Balance and Freestyle have joined Dash, Geometry, Hype and Flow in the Works collection to complete their perfect, affordable coordinated package.

Works Fluid carpet planks

Like waves rippling across the shore, Fluid integrates seamlessly with all the products within the collection. The colour pallet of blues greys and earthy tones reinforce a subtle connection with water and compliments the other palettes in The Works Family. By changing how you lay these Fluid carpet planks, you create a completely different look and feel to the floor. Fluid will most definitely add some character to a space, whether that's in an office or hospitality environment.

Design tip: Teal is a big colour trend this year

Works Balance carpet planks Linear, strong and architectural - this is Balance. Plain, stripey carpet planks are a thing of the past in Interface's world, they've designed something that is inspired by the architectural perspectives of tall city sky scrapers. This brush stroke effect carpet plank can either create a contemporary sleek interior or a shabby chic feel depending on what you desire. The eight colourways support the urban theme with variations of greys, dark blues and teal, so you can really go to town mixing and matching to your heart's content.

Works Freestyle carpet planks

The casual, laid back one of the bunch. Inspired by the layered textures of roughly painted wood, Freestyle lends itself perfectly to Interface's Skinny Planks format.

What are Skinny Planks I hear you ask? They're basically just carpet tiles but in plank form like all the others on our website but Interface wanted to be different and call them skinny planks. The Works Collection features seven coordinated designs, created to solve a wide range of flooring challenges - at an affordable price.

Freestyle brings a relaxing informality to any interior whether that be hospitality, hotels or offices, enhanced by eight calming colourways exploring greys and neutrals.

The Works collection is very much inspired by nature, and they can all work together to create different zones and effects. You don't have to break the bank to create a beautifully designed floor, so order your FREE samples today to see these beauties up close.

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Biophilic Design - Can plants really reduce stress?

You don't have to be all hippy dippy to appreciate the rise of the 'Biophilia' design trend.

What is it?

I know you're thinking the word 'biophilia' is made up but I promise you it's not, it actually means the love of nature, it focuses on our innate attraction to nature and natural processes. With urbanisation taking over, we've become disconnected to the natural world. Biophilic Design uses the idea that biophilia is important to our health and well being.

Why is it so popular?

According to a survey conducted by Forth in 2018, 85% of us Brits are experiencing stress regularly, with work and health being the most common causes of stress. We spend the majority of our lives in work (depressing to think about I know), which is why companies have started to think about how they can reduce stress in the workplace. By incorporating elements of nature into a work environment, research has proven to lower stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates whilst boosting creativity and productivity.

How do businesses benefit from it?

Businesses are starting to invest heavily in Biophilic Design elements because it improves employee’s concentration and engagement. Not only that, having an aesthetically pleasing work environment that's beneficial to our health can attract employees when scouting new talent and your current staff won't pull as many sickys. It also improves air quality and reduces build up of dust and mould. Corporate giants like Apple, Google and Amazon are big fans of nature elements.

How to implement it into your space

1. Use natural materials

Wood and concrete are the most popular materials to use in offices, hospitality and retail. You can implement these materials through the furniture, walls and flooring. If you love the look of a concrete floor but don't think it's suitable for a reception or waiting area, we have a fantastic range of concrete inspired carpet tiles and planks that will fit perfectly into a biophilic interior. Milliken's Comfortable Concrete 2.0 and Interface's Human Naturecollection are perfect if you're not keen on turning your office into a green house but you want to bring elements of nature into your space.

Remember to check out Desso Harvest, Interface Urban Retreat and Modulyss DSGN Cloud for other concrete inspired carpet tiles, and our LG collection if you're after a wood effect flooring.

2.Hanging plants

Commercial spaces are often quite spacious so it's hard to make the room feel welcoming and comfortable. One way to make the space feel fuller and more alive is hanging greenery. Use different types of hanging plants to create the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or place them more sparsely to create points of visual interest. Just make sure they’re placed high enough, so the office giants don't feel like they’re wading their way through a jungle.

3.Find creative ways to implement greenery

Showcase greenery in a unique way to be the focal point of a room can be a conversation starter for guests and clients. This is an ideal concept when there is little direct natural light to stop your office feeling like a dingy dungeon.

Biophilic Design can be implemented into any space which is why it’s becoming so popular amongst the interior world. I don't think plants are the magical solution to reduce stress in the work place, however they do create a more chilled atmosphere - Just don't forget to water the plants! Otherwise your luscious living office will turn into a plant graveyard.

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Carpet Jargon for Dummies

If someone told me 3 weeks ago I would no longer be a sales assistant in a retail store because i’d be writing blogs about carpet tiles, I’d think you were mad. I’d say, “whose arsed about carpet tiles? You just stick them on the floor and you’re good to go”.

Well, after a week of working at DCT, guess who’s now fascinated with carpet tiles? This girl. I feel like I’ve fell down a magical carpet tile rabbit hole but Nouveau Cosy Toes softened my fall.

*Take a shot every time I say the word carpet tile*

I’m Naomi and i’m here to explain in layman terms all the technological sh*t about carpet tiles that I didn’t understand 2 weeks ago.

Now, I knew what a carpet tile was because it’s pretty self explanatory, but I didn’t know the benefits of laying carpet tiles instead of broadloom (a big roll of carpet). I didn’t know the carpet tile market is booming, which is a little embarrassing since I went to university and studied marketing and growing market sectors, but hey ho at least I know now. The second thing I didn’t know was how pricey carpets can actually be, so you need to be money savvy and choose carpet tiles. There’s less wastage so it doesn’t feel like you’re throwing your money away and they’re easy to fit from what I’ve seen.

Some of the popular industry terms that I heard going around the office left me thinking I was stupid for not understanding this whole other foreign language. I’m going to explain some of the terms I’ve learned over the past couple of weeks so you too don’t feel like Joey from Friends.

Heavy contract use

This basically means the carpet tile is perfect for high traffic areas such as entrances or offices.

Pile composition

A fancy way of saying what the tile is made out of.

Commercial application

Another fancy way of saying the carpet tiles are being fitted in a office or public space.

Colourways

Basically colour choices of each carpet range. Why say colour choice when you can sound all professional and say colourways?

ECONYL

If you see this word floating about the carpet tile corner of the internet, it’s a good thing. The material that makes up an ECONYL based carpet tile was once polluting our oceans but Aquafil Group found a way to fish some of the plastic sh*te out of it and make use of it. Read more about the process here.

Cut pile

Carpet is most commonly made up of lots of little loops that all come together to create flooring magic. A cut pile construction comes about when there loops are cut to create tall tufts that stand upright.

Tufted loop pile

Tufted loop pile tiles are those which haven’t gone through the cutting process described above, so the loops are still…well, looped. These tiles are extremely wear-resistant and easy to clean.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a tough substance that manufacturers often use to offer durability, anti-germ qualities and handy moisture-repelling properties.

Well, that’s enough of carpet tile lingo for now, if you want to reach out to me and have a chat, you can find me on Linkedin, Twitter or email me at naomi@dctuk.com.

For now, you’re best calling our lovely sales team on 03453022675 If you have any queries because it’s only a couple weeks into this role and quite frankly, I don’t have a bloody clue about most things and don’t want to give you any wrong advice. Give me 3–6 months, then you can ask all the questions you want!

[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!

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Do you need underlay for carpet tiles?

Okay so you’ve browsed through our vast selection of fabulous carpet tiles from some of the best in the business and now you’re wondering, do I need underlay too? What exactly is underlay? What does it do? Well you’ve come to the right place because we’re here to spill the tea on underlay.

What is Underlay?

Underlay for carpet tiles is designed to sit underneath your chosen carpet or flooring design so it won't be visible to interfere with your décor vision or chosen design aesthetic and rather serves its purpose as a support for your carefully chosen, insta-worthy carpet tiles.

What are the benefits of using underlay?

Using underlay for carpet tiles can minimise impact noise, so when you’re dancing around your living room to Beyonce into the early hours of Sunday morning, you won’t get as many noise complaints.

They can provide added underfoot comfort, so there will be a literal spring in your step when you wake up in the morning.

Where can you buy underlay?

Right here at DCTUK! We have two fantastic options available for carpet tiles, let’s take a look at what they are.

First up we have Interface’s Interlay Underlay carpet tiles. Expertly cut to the exact same size as all of the carpet tiles we stock (50cm x 50cm), these insulating tiles are easy to install and provide a polished and professional finish without the premium price tag.

The second option is InstaLay Underlay is the perfect partner for carpet tile flooring. When it comes to InstaLay, stability and versatility is a given as it can be applied under most flooring solutions, while a unique peel & stick system reduces installation time by more than 50%. As if that wasn’t enough, InstaLay also provides anti-allergy and antimicrobial qualities and is made using recycled tyre rubber so you can reduce your carbon footprint without having to lift a finger. Let us introduce you to Shaun from Instafloor, he’ll explain all you need to know about Instalay Underlay.

If you’re also looking at underlay for LVT, we do that too! Click here to view all our underlay options.

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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]

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]

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!

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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!

Follow us!

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]

Welcome to the team Lewis!

So I think we can all agree that 2020 has been one of the most challenging, most bizarre years we’ve all ever encountered. Covid-19 has turned everyone’s world upside down, shaken it sideways and spun it in ways we couldn’t imagine. But through this pandemic, people have shown humanity, we’ve all come together and are helping each other through it, and from a business perspective, all the team at DCTUK are incredibly grateful for all your support! Because of our amazing customers, we’ve been able to grow our little scouse team, so let’s break the ice and find out a bit more about Lewis..

Tell us a bit about yourself Lewis and what you do for DCTUK

Recently joined DCTUK as a Commercial sale executive - sales focused and account management. Need flooring for a project? Give me a call! 0151 242 1546

Very outgoing and competitive.

What were you doing before you joined the team?

Previously a manager in car rental. Work my way through graduate management scheme from trainee to Rental Branch Manager.

When not at work, what do you do for fun?

Season ticket holder at Anfield. ⚽

Spending time with family and friends 👪

Was training for Tough mudder post covid💪

If you could have 3 people over for dinner (dead or alive) who would you choose?

Nye Bevan - Former Secretary of State for Health of the United Kingdom

Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool Football Manager

Robert Downy Jr - Actor

Any parting words of wisdom?

Keep working towards your goal and result will follow.⭐

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Welcome to the team Kimberley!

So I think we can all agree that 2020 has been one of the most challenging, most bizarre years we’ve all ever encountered. Covid-19 has turned everyone’s world upside down, shaken it sideways and spun it in ways we couldn’t imagine. But through this pandemic, people have shown humanity, we’ve all come together and are helping each other through it, and from a business perspective, all the team at DCTUK are incredibly grateful for all your support! Because of our amazing customers, we’ve been able to grow our little scouse team, so let’s give a warm welcome to Andrew, Lewis and Kimberley! Let’s break the ice and find out a bit more about Kimberley..

Tell us a bit about yourself Kimberley and what you do for DCTUK

I like to think of myself as very approachable/easy to get a long with 😊

I am very outgoing and very adventures as I love my travels (Holidays/City breaks)

I have just recently joined the fitting team as an administrator. Want to enquire about fitting? Give me a call! 0151 242 1547

What were you doing before you joined the team?

I lived in Dubai for 4 years working for Emirates airline - Travelling around the world (Moved back to Liverpool in 2015) ✈

For the last 5 years I worked for Signature Living as a Receptionist at The Shankly hotel (2 years) and then moved to head office to the sales department and my role was Group coordinator for the groups staying at the hotels 🏨

When you're no at work, what do you do for fun?

Watch Liverpool matches with my family ⚽

Spend time with my Nephew 😊

Eating out/having drinks with friends 🥂

Attend Zumba classes 💃

If you could have 3 people over from dinner who would you choose?

Bill Shankly - Liverpool Football Manager

Bob Paisley - Liverpool Football Manager

Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool Football Manager

Any parting words of wisdom?

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and its better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring ✌

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It’s time to revamp your home

It’s finally September and most parents know what that means… the kids are back in school! We can all agree this year has been hard for everyone and as someone who is writing this blog post with no children, the parent's who have been in lockdown with their children for months on end does not seem easy. So give yourselves a massive pat on the back!

Because the kids are no long under your feet 24/7 and the house is back to being a little more quiet and calmer, now is the perfect time to spruce up the house.

Flooring for the living room?

Your carpets have probably taken a beating from being a full house for months on end, so we here at DCTUK have selected a carpet tiles which can bring new life back into your living room.

Nouveau Vintage Plank is a perfect carpet plank to transform any room. Ok it's not exactly a carpet tile but it's just as nice! It even has sound reduction qualities, which we know can help keep things a little quieter. The cherry on top for this plank is it comes with a 7 year guarantee, giving you some faith in your new carpet.

Colour carpet tiles for the playroom?

A child room is never the tidiest place in the house, but it does inspire imagination. Their room one day could be the castle on top of the hill, and the next day a local shop. Whatever they are inspiring to be their flooring goes through a lot.

We have picked out a tile to withstand the test of your tile, Nouveau Rainbow is Made with StainSafe material, and is bleach safe, meaning it is easy to clean. For the cherry on top it comes with a 7 year guarantee! This carpet tile lets your child grow without worry of destroying the carpet.

Carpet tiles for the kitchen?

With the children, back in school the kitchen may seem a bit quieter during the day, but they will come home hungry and tired from their first day back. But before the child come rushing back into the house, why not treat the heart of the home.

DCTUK Nouveau Country is perfect for making any kitchen feel a part of the home. This tile won't fade after encountering water and has fire resistant qualities. What more could you ask for? Well to top this amazing kitchen tile off it also comes with our 15 year guarantee.

Can you put carpet tiles in a bathroom?

Your bathroom is a way to escape for some peace and quiet, lock the door, light a few candles and relax. When you have children in the house it's not often you get some alone time, so why not make your alone time more luxury on your feet.

DCTUK's Nouveau Spa is like the difference between camping in a two-man tent in the middle of the forest or checking yourself into a five-star hotel for the night. It is perfect for any bathroom and comes in arrange of colours.

Last but not least, the bedroom.

Your bedroom should be somewhere you love, not only to get a bit of peace and quiet, your bedroom should be your palace. Add some luxury to your room, and treat your feet with Nouveau Cosy Toes II.

Available in a collection of whites and smooth greys, this range is perfect for the home where bare feet are going to be tippy toeing around.

Time to get the tape measure out, well after a nap since the house is quiet with the children at school.

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Purple: combining the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red

Forget Purple Rain, here we prefer a more invigorating Purple Haze that gets the blood pumping rather than leaving you soaked right through. That’s right you guessed it (if the title didn’t give you any hints) this week we are diving into the magical and mystery world of purple.

When it comes to interior design purple is not an easy colour to work with, think - how many purple items you own? That’s what I thought - single digits only (it’s cheating if purple is your favourite colour by the way). Despite this, purple is an extremely versatile colour that can be both flamboyant and calming.

Purple is more than just a transitional colour favoured by teenage girls, it’s the main event that will give your interior a sense of luxury and elegance. With a huge colour palette ranging from lavender and lilac to mauve and grape, the different shades of purple will evoke varying emotions in us and will create a range of different interiors.  

Opting for lighter shades of purple (such as lavender and lilac) will aid in creating a calming space. As we all get to grips with our new daily routines and reduced interactions with other human beings, it’s quite easy to become overwhelmed and anxious and this is where purple takes centre stage. Named one of the top colours to soothe anxiety and promote wellness, purple hues can help create a calming and peaceful environment and this is just what the doctor order in these chaotic times (also known as 2020).

Brighter shades of purple will bring an exciting energy to a room or space that is currently lacking that much-needed va va voom. Purple is playful and is associated with an escape from reality and magical images. Opting for darker shades provides the perfect backdrop for you to add colour through furniture and finishes to create a striking look. Just remember, there can be a such a thing as 'too much purple' - be careful not to go too OTT.

Long associated with wealth and royalty as purple dye was precious and expensive, inviting purple into your colour scheme will give your interior a sense of opulence. Whether you’re envisioning a bright and creative space and need luminous purple carpet tiles or are decorating a bedroom with beautifully soft, light purple carpet tiles, you’ll be amazed how much new flooring can totally transform a space.  So if your looking for extravagance on a budget (and who isn't nowadays) then head on over to DCTUK to shop all things purple.

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Why is everyone loving Nouveau Home?

Whilst we love all carpet tiles equally, there is a very special place in all of our hearts here at DCTUK for our very own exclusive Nouveau range. I am sure you’ve already heard us rabbiting on about our beloved in-house brand Nouveau, well that is because our number one, numero uno mission is to ensure high quality carpet tiles at rock bottom prices and there is no better way to achieve this than with Nouveau.

From colourful carpet tiles for the craziest playroom to more neutral colours to create a relaxing setting, all of Nouveau’s carpet tiles are designed to complement your interior to a tee or to set the scene for a total interior overhaul. With some of the best carpet tiles in the biz and at a price you won’t believe, stop what you’re doing immediately and begin shopping Nouveau for the home (your home deserves it).

First things first let us introduce you to Nouveau Cosy Toes II, aka the cream of the crop and DCTUK’s longest standing bestseller for the home. Nouveau Cosy Toes II is everyone’s ultimate go-to gal for the home. This luxurious range is available in a range of whites and smooth greys, perfect for creating a chic and classy space and boasting a thickness of 10mm, these babies really are some of thickest in the business. Made using Stainsafe© technology, they may look soft but don’t be fooled, stains are afraid. Boasting a manufacturers guarantee of 7 years, you’ve got peace of mind when installing these tiles that they are in it for the long run.

Due to the increasingly cosmopolitan planet we live on we sometimes can overlook the home comforts that never fail to satisfy. Nouveau Home Comforts is perfect to create a relaxing environment to unwind in at the end of a busy day. This elegant range of carpet tiles are not just pleasant to look at and fashion-forward when it comes to interior design, they also boasts impressive light and water fastness properties so you can have faith in its appearance and performance retention. Boasting the perfect collection of brown or beige carpet tiles for all fully fledged members of the beige brigade out there, Nouveau Home Comforts arrives hand in hand with an impressive 5 year guarantee and our 365 Returns.

Inspired by the bright lights of the big city, Nouveau Urban got its name for its unbelievable endurance, budget friendly-price tag and anti-static and anti-bacterial qualities. Not only that, Nouveau Urban is also made using Stainsafe© yarns meaning they are super easy to maintain and bleach cleanable - making them great for areas where spillages are commonplace. With 13 exciting colours to choose from, 100% Polypropylene fibres have been expertly crafted using tufted loops to produce a flooring solution that promises to withstand the trials and tribulations of rigorous use. It’s now time for you to see what all the fuss is about...

Turn a drab space into a swish and stylish space with Nouveau Rainbow. With their tufted loop pile design and durable nylon construction, these ethically-sourced carpet tiles are the ideal choice for those looking for extravagance on a budget. Boasting a 30dB noise protection to help hush pesky overexcited children, this design-led range is available in 13 diverse shades for you to choose from. Comfortable to touch and even easier on the eye, Nouveau Rainbow is sure to tickle your fancy.

Once you’ve chosen your favourite carpet tile design, the gang at DCTUK will come along and fit it, meaning the overall finish will be completely professional and look nothing short of fantastic. No waiting period, whether it's daytime, evening or weekends, we will work around your schedule. Nothing is too big or too small for us here (we don't judge) and we will literally fit anything. Check out more about our nationwide residential fitting service here!

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Flooring for schools: Sheet vinyl

So we’ve previously nattered on about carpet tiles for breakout areas in the education sector as well as our most affordable flooring solutions, but it’s time for us to leave carpet tiles behind and switcheroo over to the world of sheet vinyl.

From nurseries to universities, educational environments demand attractive, hard wearing and low maintenance flooring solutions. The education sector can be the most challenging and treacherous for your poor floor. Spillage after spillage, a constant stream of traffic and a whole host of heavy furniture - it really is pushed to its limits. Vinyl flooring is the perfect choice for education sectors as vinyl is a highly durable solution able to withstand heavy footfall in busy and challenging environments.

Here at DCTUK we have a range of sheet vinyl products to suit your needs and this guide should help you understand that basic dos and don’ts when it comes to selecting a new flooring.

Sheet Vinyl for School Corridors

School corridors probably experience the highest levels of footfall with the whole school racing down as soon as that bell rings. These areas can take quite the pounding. Therefore the flooring must be highly durable and low maintenance in order to withstand the never-ending traffic.

Polysafe Standard PUR - standard by name but certainly not standard by nature. Polysafe Standard provides the perfect combination of safety and style. Slip resistant and easy clean thanks to its polyurethane top coating, this low maintenance flooring solution is great for heavy traffic areas as it has teeny tiny particles incorporated to help improve traction.

Altro Walkway - an excellent solution where durability is key. Altro Walkway boasts an impressive 36 on the pendulum wet test to ensure all little ones remain on their feet as they dash between lessons. With 42 diverse colourways to choose from, there is something to suit every interior project.

Forbo Eternal Colour - meets the three essential requirements; resistant to chemicals, extremely durable and very easy to clean. The Eternal range is extremely hard wearing and able to withstand the heavy footfall school hallways endure whilst offering a range of bright and visual textures designed to inspire.

Sheet vinyl for Cafeterias

From pasta king to ham sandwiches, left over spag bowl to jam roly-polys, these floors are ready for it whatever is thrown (or spilled) at them.

Polysfae Vogue Ultra PUR - features a high quality cross-linked polyurethane reinforced layer and is UV cured to provide a low-cost and polish free maintenance regime. Each of Vogue Ultra's stylish designs is laced with luminous quartz fragments for a bedazzling finish that also provides those all-important anti-slip properties.

Altro Reliance 25 - an excellent all round performer where hard-wearing, cleanable and stain-resistant properties are essential. Plus Reliance 25 comes with some lip licking tasty extras, such as 25 years slip resistance, 20 years product guarantee, just to give you piece of mind with the product.

Forbo Sphera Energetic - bold and contemporary, Sphera Energetic is easy to clean and to maintain, thanks to its highly durable PUR finish. Embossed for superior appearance and durability and boasting dirt hiding properties thanks to it’s flecked design, Forbo Sphera is setting new standards in homogeneous vinyl flooring.

Sheet Vinyl for Schools WC’s

WC's need to stay clean and safe at all times whilst providing a firm grip to prevent any whoopsie-daisy moments on wet areas around the sinks and toilet areas.

Polyflor Hydro - as delicate looking as a glittering ocean but as tough as a towering tidal wave, Polyflor Hydro promises to be as hard wearing as it is decorative. This slip-resistant vinyl solution significantly reduces the risk of slipping as clever little embossed 'pimples' allow water to escape quickly and easily.

Altro Marine - highly decorative and a visually appealing product, but you should never underestimate its level of endurance and anti-slip capabilities. Featuring unique easy clean PUR Technology, Marine delivers maximum performance benefits for an exchange of minimal maintenance costs and is perfectly suitable for barefoot and soled feet.

Forbo Safestep Aqua - this clean and modern collection meets the hygienic and aesthetic requirements for WC's. Scoring 36 on the wet pendulum rating and R10 on the ramp test, this organic range features a unique embossing to provide anti-slip properties. Safestep Aqua is available in 8 different colourways meaning there is something to suit any area in need.

Sheet Vinyl Changing Rooms

Slip resistant and easy clean is of utmost importance where banana skin moments are frequent. Changing rooms flooring must be durable enough to withstand these unique conditions, from being drenched in water by soggy barefoot feet once swimming lessons are over to being trampled on by studded football boots just moments later.

Polyflor Quattro - Slippy slippy no more. Quattro has been designed to provide a high degree of slip resistance in continually wet areas. Engineered to achieve a sustainable slip resistance of 50+ on the Pendulum wet test, this range is not only practical but also offers superior comfort underfoot whilst maintaining high performance and safety.

Altro Aquarius - Dry and wet environments are no match for this adaptable safety vinyl. Designed specifically for areas where wet, dry, shoe and barefoot use are all necessary. Featuring Altro’s easy clean Maxis PUR technology, Aquarius promises to keep its long term ‘cleanability’ and effortless maintenance in check.

Forbo Surestep laguna - A champ in the world of safety, Surestep Laguna significantly reduces the risk of slipping in wet areas whilst still creating a modern and fresh interior.The floor is also coated with a PUR pearl floor surface finish for protection and optimal hygiene (and most importantly low maintenance).

We'll even fit it for you too!

After we've found the perfect vinyl to suit your project requirements, we'll even roll up our sleeves and lay them for you too. We offer a bespoke installation service and call upon our team of expert fitters to make sure we achieve that professional finish every time.

So if you are looking for a stress free installation then head on over to our fitting page to book yourself in! Or alternatively, give us a call on 0345 222 1541.

Check out these previous fitting projects we completed at Southampton University and Grove Primary School...

So for a safe but slick, chic and oh so stylish space, shop vinyl flooring at DCTUK here.