We are in the design phase for a new build. We have quite a lot of glazing in our design (lots of North facing windows, including 6 panel opening door) and we are looking through our options for thermal performance. If we were only able to afford one of thermal broken aluminium or low e film, what would you pick? Are they worth it for our climate (Wellington)? Advice welcomed!

Hi there, We recently renovated our house earlier this year by removing all the exisiting wallpaper and painted the walls over tge exisiting plasterboard. However, I've noticed straight line cracks appearing around our window edges. It's only cracking around windows and not doors. Anyone know why these are happening and should i be worried??Please note our house was built in 1970s and walls are not insulated so maybe its because of the recent cold weather but pretty annoyed with this. Any assistance would be great! Cheers

Looking at the bench , I assume that aged look is what you are going for ? How artistic are you ? I'm thinking you'd carry on in a similar vein -- paint the trim in white , but while its still damp ( so within say 30 minutes ) dab on some off-white and even buttery cream , using a sponge , in a bit of a 'rub' pattern . Likewise , I quite like the faded blue jeans look on the sill -- thats a bit harder to do , but maybe a cream base , then thin the blue with turps or water , and also sponge it on , but basically in solid rubs , like you were nuggetting your shoes .

Hi, I was hoping to do herringbone subway tile for splasback behind stove but I am also doing tile splashback behind my sink that has a window. Herringbone isn’t going to work there. Any suggestions on tile laying pattern that would look best for both? Considering stacked horizontal or vertical or traditional brick. Is there any way to still have herringbone by stove but dfferent by sink so it won’t look silly? Thanks! tile I am using - it is 75 x 300 layout