Friday 20 December 2013

Quirky DIY Projects – III

In this edition of Quirky DIY projects, we are going to look at ways in which we can put a space that usually gets wasted to very good use. Do you remember the closet under the stairs that Harry Potter had to live in at the Dursley’s? Living in it is definitely not one of our recommended uses for the space, but here are a couple of other things you can definitely try:


Under stair cupboards: In small houses, we need to find creative solutions for storage, and this is a great way to make use of that neglected space under the stairs. Use it as a cupboard either to store clothes and linens or even as a DIY tool storage unit depending on the size. This may be a project more suited to the slightly experienced DIYer but with the right tools, and a lot of informative tutorials and videos online you can definitely do the job.



Under stair workstation: This one might seem slightly simpler than the cupboard project, as you don’t have to bother about doors and can choose to go the minimalist way with just one board for the table, and some open shelves underneath it. All it needs additionally is some provision for power and lighting, and you’ll have one of the most efficient workstations ever! This could also be adapted as a reading corner, which could be a really cozy nook for you to relax in.

For more information on B&D tools that can help you with your DIY, do visit us at:

Friday 13 December 2013

Tips to Go Organic for Lawn Care


Choosing to go organic in caring for your home and garden is a good choice in a time when our soil and food is getting inundated with chemicals. This might mean that it takes longer to build up the nutrition of your soil, so you need to be a bit more patient. But in the long run, you would have a flourishing and lovely green patch, and you can be doubly happy that it is completely organic and eco-friendly as well. Here are some tips to make it happen:

Look for organic growth promoters: One of the biggest challenges that people face when going organic is that the growth is not as prolific and quick as when using chemical fertilizers. It is possible to get a good rate of growth even with organic growth agents such as vermicompost or compost tea, which only require a little bit of extra work from your end. A lot of information is available online and once you set a schedule you might not even realize that you’re doing something that takes a bit more time.

How to handle pests: When the lawn and plants receive enough nutrition they would be hardy enough to not get attacked much by pests. In situations where you have to deal with a few, try to stick to organic remedies such as neem oil and many others that you can make with ingredients available at home.


Following a balanced approach: Going organic is not only about avoiding chemicals but also looking at sustainability. This means ignoring a weed or two if you recognize that it might actually be doing good for the soil, as well as mowing to a slightly higher height for better root growth. It is also recommended to compost your lawn and garden waste to get back rich manure that goes right back into the soil.

For easy maintenance of your garden space, do take a look at our garden tools from B&D: