Archive for ‘Architecture’

May 14th, 2012

How wooden blinds can make your home more eco friendly?

Why should you make your house eco-friendly, well not only will you help to combat global warming but you will also to save costs as fuel becomes increasingly expensive. There are lots of things you can do to help green your home, from the obvious steps such improving your insulation to more obscure ones such as fitting wooden blinds. At first glance this may seem somewhat weird but with both of these steps the same principle applies. By blocking and directing natural heat and light you can use less energy heating, cooling and lighting your house.

By blocking windows blinds plug huge these gaps in your insulation and they do so in a way that gives you much greater control over how much light and heat gets in than the alternatives. For example say it’s a hot summer day and you are working in your study which is equipped with venetian blinds. By opening the slats you can let light in without suffering the glare that drawing the blind would cause. Later in the day when the heat and sunlight get a little less intense you can draw the blind to let more in, before closing it fully in the evening to prevent heat escaping and stopping anyone from looking in. This means that there is far less of a demand put upon more expensive and less eco-friendly measures to control your houses temperature such as air con and central heating.

Wooden blinds are probably the most eco-friendly option, because wood sourced from sustainable sources, such as those approved by Forest Stewardship Council, (FSC) tends to have far less of an impact than equivalent amounts of plastic or metal. Not only is it far less destructive to extract, but it also takes far less energy to manufacture wooden products. The process of making wooden goods also produces far less toxic by-products than either aluminium or plastic. In addition the process of growing trees captures carbon dioxide which is then locked into the products produced from these trees.

Wood is also a renewable resource. Whilst metallic ores and oil are reduced by our use, well managed forests replace the wood that is taken from them. They also provide huge ecological benefits by providing bio diverse habitats as well as oxygen, clean water and even new medicines. Of course this means that it is important to only use products from manufacturers who can guarantee their wood comes from FSC approved sources. Unmanaged and illegal logging is incredibly destructive both to the environment and indigenous populations.

The best wooden products come from local forests and manufactures which reduces the carbon footprint caused by transporting the goods. Make your interior stand out with unique fittings by installing shutters and blinds – click here for more info

May 2nd, 2012

How to Hang Curtain Rods?

Hanging curtains is a rite of passage for the new homeowner or leaseholder. Before the knickknacks can be placed or the good china unpacked, the windows must be covered, and they must be covered in such a way that the local busybodies are impressed with the quality of the new neighbours.  Many people, having witnessed the grim results of botched curtain hanging, are afraid to take on the task themselves. Hanging window coverings is not difficult, however, and with the right tools and a few pointers, you can hang your own curtain poles as handily as an experienced carpenter.

The key to hanging curtains is careful measurement. Although a curtain rod should, ideally, be level, many homes are not geometrically perfect. The eye will compare the lines of the drapes and the pole to the lines of the window as well as those of the surrounding wall, ceiling and floor. As a result, perfectly level poles may actually appear to be crooked. It is often better to use the lines of the window as a guide. The exception is the window that is not parallel to the lines surrounding it. In that case, it is best to use oversized, opaque drapes that will match the surrounding lines and trick the eye by covering most of the window.

You will need a screwdriver that matches the screws that came with the hardware for your curtain poles. The hardware should be set at an equal distance from the upper corners of the window. You may also need an additional piece of hardware above the centre point of the window. First, measure six centimetres above each corner of the window and mark the spot. Next, align a straight edge such as a metre stick with the two marks. Draw a light pencil line across the top of the window, extending out about a hand’s-breadth past the corner of the window. Now mark a point on the line at the centre of the window, if necessary, and at three centimetres outside each corner of the window along the line.

Align the bottom screw hole in the hardware with the mark on the line and screw the bottom screw through the hardware and into the wall. Do not screw it all the way in. Now, using a washer tied to the end of a string as a plumb bob, straighten the hardware and mark where the other screws will go. Insert the screws one at a time. Do not over tighten them. Finally, tighten the first screw. Repeat this procedure with the other pieces of hardware.

Once the hardware is in place, erase any visible pencil lines. Feed the pole through the rod pocket or loops of the curtain, taking care that the finished side faces toward the room. Hang the curtains by attaching the pole to the hardware. If the pole is very long or the cloth is very heavy, you may require help with this part of the task.

February 20th, 2012

Things you need to know for building a veranda!

Building a veranda is surely a conscious act. There are many things to consider, The administrative steps, style, openings, solar control, To make the best choice. Here are some tips to think in the right direction.

What material for which style?
There are three main materials to build a conservatory. Aluminum, in particular is well suited for more contemporary conservatories. It is also the cheapest material. Wood, on the other hand is a little more expensive, However it is ideal to produce more luxurious verandas with British style. Finally the steel, the most expensive material, is well suited to a conservatory tradition and finesse. The three materials have a durability of more than 20 years. However, when it came to maintenance there might be a little problem for wood and steel.

How to choose a conservatory roof?

One can opt for an opaque roof, made of aluminum sandwich panels and foam insulation. It is light, well insulated and adaptable. But that darkens the room. So we lose in life comfort. One may prefer an all-glass roof. In this case, it is essential to provide solar control to avoid stifling in summer. The ideal is a mix of both. We put the glass above the openings of the house, window and doors, for example, which can also benefit from the light inside the house. Moreover, we set an opaque roof.

How can we control the sun in a conservatory?
By external solar protection, first: shutters, for example, which provide protection against thermal and acoustic even the rain, or by canvas awnings, but only suitable for square or rectangular windows and are only effective against heat. You can also choose Venetian blinds integrated into the adjustable double glazing, which has the advantage of requiring no maintenance. Alternatively, internal blinds fitted with a reflecting surface, which are preferable when a trapezoidal windows.

Who should I call to build a conservatory?
A true professional in a conservatory! Avoid contact a craftsman who is building one or two a year if we are to avoid the problems of poor workmanship: poor sealing, too fragile frame, glazing etc. unsealed. It is important to ask if the professional has all the necessary assurances and guarantees. We must also ask him how he made conservatories per year, and a list of customers that you contact to get some feedback on the quality of work.

January 6th, 2012

Add warmth to your home this new year

Interior design 2012

If you’re looking to change things up a bit this New Year, consider making some changes to your home. A new decorating scheme can add flair and warmth to your house, making it a space that relatives and friends can’t wait to spend time in. A few touches here and there will transform a home with little effort, letting you kick back and relax in your new space.

A warm and cosy home is an ideal way to make your living space inviting for both family and friends, particularly in the cold winter months following the New Year. You can add warmth to your home in a number of ways, from new accessories to appliances designed to insulate and heat.

For accessories, choose textiles in warm colours. Drapes are an instant way to give a room a face lift, and curtains in fabrics like velvet or faux suede add depth and a comfy feeling. Rugs, throw pillows and a soft blanket on the back of a sofa will add warmth without costing too much. Make sure to pay attention to the colours you choose, however. Look for reds, browns and deep purples. These shades are modern and stylish and create a warm vibe instantly.

For even more heat, choose appliances that bring a bit of summer climates indoors. Electric heating systems used to be archaic pieces that stood out when placed in a room. This isn’t the case today, though. Electric heating systems come in a variety of chic designs that are meant to work with your décor and blend into a space. You can find these appliances in modern styles, traditional styles or contemporary styles. Make sure to describe to your local shop what you’re looking for to ensure you get the piece that’s right for your home.

When combining warming accessories and appliances, make sure to spread the design throughout the home. Living rooms, bedrooms, even kitchens and bathrooms can all benefit from these tips. Start by layering elements throughout the home, like a pop of colour here and there that you want to incorporate. By working a little at a time, you can transform the entire house without putting forward too much time or effort.

Don’t forget lighting to add a soft touch to any space. Table lamps, chandeliers and other overhead lighting create an inviting feeling throughout the day, creating bright light in the morning and a dim glow in the evening. You can add small table lamps to any spot to warm it up, like on a console table or a countertop in a hall bathroom.

Whatever your design plan, make sure your home reflects your personal tastes and style. A home should show off your personality and be a welcoming place for you to come back to. With a bit of forethought and planning, you can use some simple tips to create a warm and inviting glow in your home. It’s the perfect way to kick off the New Year with a bit of design flair.

December 20th, 2011

5 Tips for Creating Space in Your New Home

space in home

Moving house is meant to be an opportunity to ‘clear out’ – in most every guide you’ll read, it advises to take a good look at all your stuff and chuck out what you don’t use or won’t fit in your new digs before you pack up your belongings.

For most people, it rarely works out this way: rather than having a full-on clear out, your finalising your change of address and sorting checking home insurance rates. What you end up with is five or so boxes filled with an eclectic mix of junk that you couldn’t class.

So what do you do once you’re at the other end of a move? You’re shacked up and starting to unpack – and your house is getting just as cluttered and as full as your old house. How do you make space, or an illusion of space?

If it doesn’t go, throw it
It’s easier to get rid of things now you’ve moved in; you can see things don’t fit and won’t ever fit, so throw them out and don’t look back. Don’t bother finding a place for it if that’s where it’s going to stay forever, unused and unlooked at.

Removing Walls
Have you thought about expanding the space you have? There may be a few walls you can get rid of to give you more space to work with. Most new build houses have kitchens that open into dining rooms – look into what walls are important to the structural integrity of your building and then see what you can knock down. Open plan rooms aren’t just more spacious, they let in light and brighten what space you do have.

Simple, Clean Colours
Clinical white is overused in decorating – while it can give the illusion of more space, it can also be glaringly overwhelming. Look into soft light greens and pale yellows for warm, but reflective, walls that make a room seem brighter, bigger and fresher.

Building in Storage
This is a dangerous route to take, as you might just end up hiding your clutter away to gather dust. Built in storage can be anything from walk-in closets to roof space, though; think about how you can best utilise the small nooks and crannies of your house to hide your junk. Is there room for a shelf over your toilet, or in the corners of your kitchen? Is there room for a bookcase under your stairs?

Reflective Surfaces
This is trick often used in restaurants and commercial establishments: a mirror can give the impression that the space is double its actual size. Think about putting a mirrored front on closet doors or having a floor length mirror in your hallway – just make sure you’ve used the tip above so what it’s reflecting is a clean, neat home!

December 11th, 2011

Take advantage of the space under the stairs

Space under the stairs

While housing prices continue to climb, and that it is difficult to find space to fit all his belongings, what a shame if you are not able to maximize every square foot of your home. But there are many ideas to maximize every corner, as the place beneath the stairs. Precisely, here are 3 ideas for development dedicated to this space often lost.

Develop a library
One way to use space under the stairs is to make a small library. For this, we can choose a rack-shaped boxes of stairs so you can slide it under the steps or decide to create a library yourself by layering different colored boxes that are screwed or that one glue them available once selected. And here’s an extra space dedicated to storage of books.

Set up a home office
Find a place to set up his office is not always obvious when lack of space in the room. If you have stairs, so it’s time to think! Under the steps, we easily suspend two or three shelves for books and workbooks available. Just below, place the office neither seen nor known. Planning to win the key (see the picture against)!

Install storage
Finally, the available space under the stairs can be converted into storage, be it shoes, household items, clothing. Among the ideas to remember, there’s boxes on wheels, custom closets or shelves on which there are boxes and baskets.

November 9th, 2011

Four Ways to Freshen Up an Old Frame

Before you discard frames in a box destined for the thrift store, look at them in a new way. Maybe you don’t like the shiny brass finish, or the plain molding looks too- plain. Whether the frame is made of wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic, it can be repainted to look like an entirely different creature. Consider these ideas to revive old frames so they’ll find a home in your current motif.

1. A Pop of Color

What better way to pull in your accent col or than from a frame or two in a room. This is a great choice for plastic frames, especially with Krylon’s new line of Fusion paints for plastic (in spray form to make it super-easy). Kids and teens might like a collection of brightly colored frames for artwork, posters, and fave photos.

2. Metallic

Whether your home has splashes of rubbed bronze, brushed silver or burnished gold in light fixtures and faucets, you can carry on the theme in your frames from a can of spray paint. The techniques may differ, depending on the type of finish you’d like or if you want to achieve a faux patina. As with most paint finishes suggested in this article, you’ll want to start with a primer base:  Brown for bronze, gray for silver, and white for gold.

3. Unify a Grouping

A collection of a single color of frames can look stunning together, even if their sizes and moldings differ. Use them to frame black and white photos, floral prints, mirrors, or remove the glass and let their ornate beauty shine.

4. Make New Look

While some like making the old look new, others prefer the old no matter what. Distressing and antiquing are two paint techniques that can be used to instill a bit of the vintage on recently-made frames

October 4th, 2011

How Proper HVAC Installation and Maintenance Can Affect You

When it comes to your home, comfort is one of the most important issues you will need to face.  After all, comfort is the difference between a “house” and a “home!”  And when extreme weather conditions set in, that issue becomes even more crucial.

Excessive heat?  Bitter cold?  Those shouldn’t interfere with your ability to be comfortable in your own home; you and your family should be able to enjoy comfortable days and nights regardless of the temperatures outside.

This is where the professionals come in. Having an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system installed in your home by professionals with HVAC degrees will provide your family with immediate and noticeable improvement in comfort levels.

But, of course, it doesn’t stop there.

The odds are good that your home already has some form of HVAC system in place.  But is it the right one?  Was it installed by professionals that you would trust?  How old is it?  And did the previous home-owners, if any, maintain it properly?

These are all questions you need to ask yourself.  While having an HVAC system at all may seem like a step in the right direction, you would be surprised at the variety of options available…not all of which would be right for your home, for your family, or for your needs.  Even if you already have an HVAC system in place, it might be wise to have a known and trusted firm come out to appraise it.  A lack of proper maintenance can seriously reduce the effectiveness of your system, and the amount of money you’ll spend simply running an inefficient system may actually be outbalanced by the purchase of a new one.  It’s nice to believe that any previous owners kept up on the maintenance of their HVAC system, or even that they made good choices in the first place, but should never assume it’s true!

Besides year round comfort, there is another substantial benefit to having an HVAC system installed:  the ability to save you a great deal of money in the long run. Forget the little space heaters and the inefficient window air conditioners; a fully integrated home HVAC system will mean smaller utility bills, and that means more money in your pocket.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how beautiful your yard is or how stunning your interior design looks if you find yourself wearing a jacket indoors in the middle of winter or hiding in the refrigerator through the heat of summer. Comfort and functionality will always trump aesthetics when it comes to your everyday life. Home is where you live, so make sure that you live comfortably.

September 15th, 2011

How To Create The Perfect Conservatory

Screened-in porches and conservatories have a strong appeal, especially when the surrounding landscape is beautiful. They provide a place of solace for you to sit in the mornings, enjoying the pink hues of the rising sun. Eat lunch as if you’re outside, or read a book. Entertain an entire party in the relaxing comfort of a conservatory. Keep in mind, however, that a conservatory is a major addition to a home, so if you have high mortgage rates or another expense staring you down, it would be best to sit down and figure out a budget. If you are able to afford it though, a conservatory will add value, both financially and aesthetically, to your home.

However, a conservatory provides an extra level of serenity which a porch cannot. Because conservatories are solid structures, crafted from wood or steel frames and set with glass windows, you can enjoy them in the blazing heat or bitter cold. Air conditioning and heating further insulate against the elements. The weather is no problem since snow, rain, and wind are blocked. In the heat of summer, bugs are trapped outside, leaving you and your guests to enjoy the room in peace.

Making Some Small Adjustments

There are a thousand ways you could enjoy a conservatory, but many owners simply build them and leave it at that. However, some small adjustments can help you create the perfect conservatory. A ceiling fan will help to circulate the air, helping to regulate the temperature in the summer. While the room shouldn’t get too warm to begin with, sunlight can still feel hot against your skin.

Potted plants can increase your connection to nature. Conservatories are perfect for vegetation since they’re wide open and provide plenty of sunlight. Candles and light dimmers can create an atmosphere of intimacy, allowing you to enjoy a romantic evening with your significant other.

Whilst a more time consuming investment, conservatory blinds ensure that you can use the room at any time of the day and on any day of the year. You don’t need conservatory blinds to sit out there; they simply make the room more comfortable in a number of scenarios.

Consider a bright, sunny day without a cloud in the sky. With the sun hanging directly overhead, the glare is almost overwhelming as you try to read a book. A little shade would go a long way, and blinds on the ceiling windows would cut the worst of the sun’s rays out.

You might also try to relax and have an intimate dinner with your loved one out beneath the stars. Because it’s wide open, you lack a sense of privacy. Putting blinds up along the walls will afford you that needed privacy while allowing you to watch the stars in the sky above.

Depending on the size of the room, conservatory blinds can run from about £500 to £3,500. More complex designs typically increase the price. A convenient alternative to manual blinds (which you have to open and close by hand) is a set of remote control blinds, allowing you to open and close the blinds effortlessly.

August 18th, 2011

10 Easy Garage Renovation Tips

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you start looking into a garage renovation project, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 10 things you can do to increase the impact of your efforts!

1 – Paint
This is the fastest and cheapest way to give your tired garage a facelift. No professionals required and something that you can easily do yourself over the course of a weekend. Depending what type of garage flooring you currently have you could even paint that surface, though its durability will be a future issue. (Don’t worry, more on that later!)

2 – Drywall
If you have a “true” garage, meaning unfinished walls, you might want to consider putting in drywall to give it a more finished look. There are a ton of online tutorials about installing drywall, however, if your space is relatively small, you might want to consider calling in a pro for this one.

3 – Shelving and Storage
Since the garage usually ends up being our go-to storage spot for everything, setting it up to function well is a cheap and fast way to save space and tidy those piles of boxes or sports equipment. There are all manner of storage systems available these days; everything from ceiling mounted racks for large items to easily installed shelving units.

4 – Garage floor coating
Depending on how you intend to use the space, replacing or covering your existing garage flooring can make a huge difference. There are DYI interlocking foam tiles, indoor/outdoor carpets, and textured paints or if durability is important, a polyaspartic coating may be worth a few extra dollars for a long lasting finish.

5 – Space dividers

If you have a large garage that needs to serve several different functions, consider splitting up the space with room dividers. These come in several different formats from ceiling mount pieces that can slide on tracks to simple foldable frames that can be re-configured on a whim.

6 – Let in the light
If you would like to utilize your garage more than you currently are but don’t because it’s a dark and dingy space, think about replacing your garage door. Getting one with windows will let in natural light and brighten up the space. They can be easily installed and purchased at almost any home improvement store.

7 – Heating

If your garage’s subzero temperatures keep you from using it in the winter, consider some of the many heating options available. Though not necessarily a DYI option, hard wired base boards or even a wood burning stove will let you enjoy the space year round.

8 – Creative use of square footage

Your garage doesn’t have to just be used for storage or a winter space for your car. Installing a workbench or table can easily turn it into a craft or hobby room or even a home gym!

9 – Kid friendly
If your house lacks sufficient square footage and you’ve got active kids you can easily cover your existing garage floor with thick mats for a kid friendly horse around or gymnastic area.


10 – Planning

No matter what you do to your garage, planning is essential. Take the time to really think about how you want and need the space to function and go from there. There is no point in doing a reno if it turns out later that it’s inefficient and doesn’t get used.