Keeping your home safe from fire
by Fiona Ellis
Fire safety in the home is very important at any time but especially so during winter when many homes rely on heaters and open fires for warmth. Fiona Ellis gets some expert advice.
Living
DIY & Decoration Archive
Never mind Ikea, get it for free
by Elaine Larkin
Elaine Larkin looks at second-hand and ‘new-to-me’ options such as Oxfam’s furniture store and ‘Freecycling’ where you can get true bargains or free furniture
Buying Irish antiques
by Ros Drinkwater
According to a top UK economist, now is a good time to invest in antiques. Irish antique furniture, silver and ceramics are prized for their craftsmanship – and their rarity. Ros Drinkwater offers some advice on making wise choices
Getting the energy balance right
by Elaine Larkin
Is feng shui just a fancy term for rearranging the furniture or does it actually have a positive effect on your household? Elaine Larkin finds out what it’s all about and how minor changes might make a massive difference at home
Green, clean and cheap
by Kathy Foley
Look around the kitchen and you’ll find super-power lurking in everyday items. Kathy Foley makes the most of lemons, vinegar and baking soda – and gives her top 10 tips for utilising these magic ingredients
Time to clear the clutter
by Elaine Larkin
Elaine Larkin talks to a ‘clutterologist’ who tells her that people need to get tough if they want to declutter their homes. Television shows such as Desperate Houses and Cash in the Attic are a stark reminder to viewers of how much they have stored throughout their homes.