THE DESIGN CLINIC

Whether you’re torn on two paint colours or are debating whether to extend upwards or outwards, the Real Homes team is here to answer your questions

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Q What’s the best type of kitchen flooring to cope  with marks and spills from cooking, children and pets?

A The kitchen floor is the second most viewed element when  guests drop by your home, according to a study by Confused.com, so it’s worth spending a bit of time making sure you’re happy with what you lay on it. Kitchen flooring must be durable and easy to clean – and look good. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is practical, waterproof, quick to fit and an affordable option. It can also effectively imitate other materials, such as ceramic or stone tiles, wood or concrete, that might be costly to lay or need more upkeep.

Decorative Victorian-style tiles are seeing a surge in popularity at the moment, and LVT is a great way to recreate the look without scouring salvage yards for the real deal. If you are laying flooring in a kitchen-diner, try a design that really pops by zoning a dining table or breakfast bar/island with patterned LVT underneath, surrounded by wood-effect flooring.

Q I am planning a bathroom renovation. How do I keep  it affordable and timeless?

A One way is to keep curves, steps, decorative mouldings and any ornamentation super low key. The simpler the design, the more costeffective it will be to fit out. The worst bathroom remodelling mistakes happen when your project becomes overly complicated. And it can still be a showpiece even without a lot of stylistic flourishes.