Archive for ‘Interior Design’

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

CategoryArchitecture, Bathroom, Bedroom, Door & Window, Home Insulation, Interior Decoration, Interior Design | CommentNo Comments »

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April 7th, 2012

Kitchen Ventilation: You’ve got to move it!

When planning for kitchen remodeling, airflow is not the first item of business on a homeowner’s or designer’s mind. But good airflow is a vital component to a well-designed kitchen. After all, what good are beautiful kitchen cabinets and fantastic tile floors if the entire room smells like old grease?

Effective Ventilation
The first consideration in a new kitchen is cooking ventilation. Despite the excellent products on the market, too many kitchens have underpowered or ineffective ventilation systems. An effective ventilation system must vent to the outside, rather than simply recirculate the air. Recirculation systems simply move odors around, hoping the eventually dissipate – but they often don’t. Additionally, effective systems have a fan that is the right size for that particular kitchen. The power and size needed in a fan varies according to the size of the room, but many systems are underpowered. An underpowered fan does not effectively remove smoke and odors, even if it is vented to the outside. This can lead to greasy build-up on kitchen cabinets as well as a musty kitchen smell.

Efficient Operation
Ventilation needs to be efficient – moving the most air possible for the lowest cost. Both the system purchased and the installation of that system will affect the efficiency of the ventilation. Several manufacturers have “green” systems that increase efficiency through heat recovery, compact construction, and low wattage use. Also consider the length of warranties on the parts used in the ventilation system. Longer warranties may reduce overall costs. Another factor in creating an efficient kitchen ventilation system is correct installation. If installers take the most direct route to the outside, avoiding turns and angles as much as possible, it will allow the use of a smaller, more energy-efficient fan.

Design in Ventilation
Design, in both aesthetics and engineering, is another important consideration in ventilating a kitchen. When considering looks, there are a wide variety of kitchen hoods, both freestanding and attached, that add beauty as well as function to kitchen remodeling. There are also cooktops with built-in fans than can work for some kitchen designs. But don’t stop with choosing a great exterior design. Also find an electrician who understands vent design. A good installer, for example, will know how to install the fan remotely, away from the hood, for quieter operation. There are also systems that use a silencer for even quieter operation. Explore all the different options available to get the best vent design for the unique kitchen layout in your home.

Whole Room Airflow
Cooking smells are not the only reason for good kitchen ventilation. With the amount of traffic that moves through a kitchen, smells from pets, shoes and sweat build up and can create an unpleasant atmosphere without good ventilation. Make sure at least one window in the kitchen opens to provide airflow. If possible, put the window that opens opposite the main entry to the kitchen, allowing air to pass through easily. Consider an undercut or a bottom vent in the kitchen doors. They’ll ensure good airflow with the heating and cooling system in the home.

With thought and planning, a kitchen remodeling project can accommodate effective ventilation for a more enjoyable living space. While it may not be as much fun to choose a hood fan as it is to choose kitchen cabinets or new appliances, a well designed ventilation system is important to the overall enjoyment of a new kitchen.

CategoryInterior Design, Kitchen, Renovation, Tips & Advices | CommentNo Comments »

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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.

CategoryArchitecture, Interior Decoration, Interior Design, Tips & Advices | CommentNo Comments »

January 20th, 2012

Tips For successfully combining old and new decorating styles

For first-time homebuyers and the rest of us that are tight on cash, hand-me-downs shouldn’t get the cold shoulder. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for home dwellers to combine pieces they already own with furnishings they’ve inherited, borrowed or bought for next to nothing.   They’re also looking to add their own personalities and experiences to their rooms.  Sterile rooms that give no clue to the homeowner’s personality are out.

The resulting style is considered eclectic, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not a haphazard style.  By using some decorating guidelines, you can bring excitement and pizzazz to a room that combines traditional and contemporary style.

Eclectic decorating refers to a concept that mixes all kinds of decorating elements.  The age of the furnishings, their colors, textures and overall styles are combined, but there’s purpose behind the merger of the various pieces.  Truly artful eclectic decors highlight the best parts of each style.  Learning how to mix contrasting styles takes some time, but is worth the effort.

One of the key ways to seamlessly combine two different periods in a room’s decor is to use a common color throughout the room.   Shades of brown, for example, can tie together a low modern sofa and a traditional parquet floor.   Shape is another element that brings together a room’s furnishings.  Old-world pieces such as an antique globe can work well with contemporary bottles to pull together a room that features furnishings from different time periods.

It’s also a good idea to use furnishings with clean, simple lines that can successfully pull together old and new décor styles.  For example, Shaker and Mission furniture are prime examples, as well as oriental-inspired pieces.   The key is to find pieces that don’t jar the senses but instead work well within the existing decor of the room.

You may have been bequeathed a treasured piece of furniture such as a dining room table that belonged to a beloved grandmother.  You want to honor your relative by using the piece in your home, but it doesn’t match your style.  You can still make it an important part of your décor by complementing it with modern, geometrically inspired dinnerware.  The antique dining room chairs could be covered with imitation leather.  Alternatively, you could display vintage photos of the family in the dining area using chrome frames.

Successfully combining antique finds and new pieces in a room may seem to be a daunting task, but you can accomplish it when you strive to find pieces that complement each other’s strengths.  The resulting eclectic décor offers the added benefit of showcasing your personality in the room.

By: Erik Braunitzer and courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for NYC Apartments.

CategoryInterior Decoration, Interior Design | CommentNo Comments »

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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.

CategoryArchitecture, Cooling & Heating, Interior Design, Renovation, Tips & Advices | CommentNo Comments »

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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.

CategoryArchitecture, Exclusive, Interior Decoration, Interior Design, Staircase | CommentNo Comments »

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November 24th, 2011

Wardrobes for the whole home

Beautiful Wardrobes designs

Generally we think of wardrobes as just a place to hang clothing, but if you think about the more sophisticated wardrobes from Italy they really are just one or a series of very tall cupboards in a huge choice of colours and textures, with either hinged or sliding doors and a choice of fittings that can be set up in virtually any configuration. So there’s no reason that wardrobes need to be confined to the bedroom and we are now seeing wardrobes being used all through the home for a number of different reasons.  The doors are often very attractive plus sliding doors save room as they don’t need to be opened out. The cupboards can come in a huge variety of sizes, which can also be altered at the factory or by your wardrobe fitter. Their height works well too, since they are usually at least 2 metres tall they are a very efficient use of floor space.

A few of the ways bedroom wardrobes can be used in the rest of the home is as under stair cupboards (the doors can be cut at angles for an exact fit & the wardrobes are a perfect depth), as hall cupboards either to provide a large amount of extra storage or to provide a cloakroom cupboard for coats, umbrellas and wellington boots.

Wardrobes also make excellent wall/media units & some can incorporate open shelving or even a home office desk. Sliding doors allow you to quickly & effortlessly hide the TV & then uncover it for watching, whilst still looking as good (no messy opened hinged doors).  Fitted wardrobes also make surprisingly good laundry cupboards, the size is just right to fit a washing machine &/or dryer (wardrobe cabinets are usually the same depth as kitchen cabinets) and good quality Italian wardrobes have shelves strong enough to hold a dryer.

Even better the higher end Italian factories have realised this and are now producing accessories especially for these ‘non wardrobe wardrobes’. More attractive in a contemporary home than traditional built in fitted cupboards and offer incredibly versatile and space efficient storage for the entire home.

CategoryBedroom, Decoration & Accessories, Furniture, Interior Decoration, Interior Design | CommentNo Comments »

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October 2nd, 2011

How to personalise your nursery

You’ve spent weeks pouring through baby names and have finally come to a decision. You’ve got your hospital bags ready to go at a moment’s notice. You’ve read any and everything you can find on baby care. You’ve interviewed paediatricians and dentists. You’ve even started planning for school and have opened a savings account.

With your little one on the way, you only have one thing left to prepare: the nursery. Flipping through magazines, catalogues, browsing websites and blogs, you see the same ideas again and again. You want to personalise your child’s nursery. Make the room hers and hers alone. You don’t want to copy the same old patterns. You want new, fresh and unique.

Start with a bare room. The best way to personalise a nursery is not to have any preconceived notions. Strip the walls and floor bare. A blank canvas will allow your imagination to soar. Now you have to find a place to begin, to kick start your creativity.

That’s where the crib comes in. Find the crib that will be the “anchor” of the space. A nursery should be built around the biggest centrepiece. Choose a crib that is aesthetically pleasing but safe. Read customer reviews and compare different models. Once you have the right crib, set it up in the nursery.

Now you can begin to envision all sorts of possibilities. The style of the crib will allow you to pick out the right dresser and changing table. With those colours in place, you can paint the room to complement or contrast those colours. Don’t worry about pink for girls, blue for boys, yellow and green for neutrality. Choose colours that stand out.

Next, move on to the floor. Carpet is nice for bare feet but not easy to clean. Messes can be multiplied many times over in carpet fibres. Hardwood and tile are easiest to clean. Wood is the most homely of flooring. Spread out an area rug and you’ve got one beautiful space.

On to the windows. Something that best compliments wood floors are kid’s Roman blinds. A nice set of matching kid’s Roman blinds will dress up the windows nicely. They’re easy to clean and not difficult to install. Moreover, they add a sense of sophistication to the room.

Embellishments are next on the list. Hanging wall letters, artwork, family keepsakes, photos, a piggy bank, decorative pillows and blankets will do nicely. You can spell out your baby’s name with hanging wall letters. Artwork can be a big plus to personalise your nursery. Perhaps a safari scene or maybe a boat on the ocean. Go tropical with an island painting. A bit of island living will go great with the kid’s Roman blinds and wood floors.

Last but certainly not least, add the necessities. A hamper, humidifier or dehumidifier, baby monitor, bottle warmer and lamps.Now you nursery is complete. It has all you’ll need for your baby. When family and friends come to visit, they’ll marvel at your creativity.

CategoryBedroom, Door & Window, Interior Decoration, Interior Design | CommentNo Comments »

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July 5th, 2011

Architect Vs interior designer.

Architects and interior designer plays a very important role in the beautification & comfort of our life. Today we want to explain who is who? Who does what? It is indeed two different professions, although it is true that today many people carry both hats. Here is a brief overview of the two businesses in order to understand the issues.

Architect

According to the dictionary definition, an architect is the person who carries out the plans and directs the construction of buildings. The first known mention of the word architect is in the fifth century BC It consists of “arkhi” leader and “Tekton” carpenter. An architect is involved in all stages that allow the construction and development of a space. This is the prime contractor for the work. He will oversee the planning, development plans, the construction program, and advice building owners. Real conductor, it must be able to know the project well and bring to a conclusion. Now, we need a graduate degree in architecture to be a professional. The profession is governed by the “code of ethics for architects.”

Interior designer:

An interior designer is rooted in domestic behaviors and cultural rights. It will design the architecture of the inner life. It must bring out the personality of the occupants of the space. It will be borne by the interior space (volume, color, light management, integration of furniture).

CategoryArchitecture, Interior Decoration, Interior Design | CommentNo Comments »

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June 3rd, 2011

Buying a sofa bed?

A sofa bed is a good compromise between a sofa and a bed. I agree that for drawing room a beautiful leather sofa is a must. but when you do not have a living room and bedroom.The opening is simple and quick in case of sofa bad, the slatted frame is made and the mattress has a kink in the middle. Where to buy a used sofa, check that: the opening mechanism, the state and condition of the bed mattress.

This type of convertible is named after the noise at the opening of the bed. The mechanism allows the conversion of click clack in bed. This is an area of ​​friction and tension. So do not hesitate to try several times before purchasing mechanism.

The frame is a fundamental part of the click clack. Its work includes maintaining the sofa. The slats are sometimes worn, lose their firmness or fall apart. Nothing is more annoying than having to get up at night to replace a dislocated lath. Do not hesitate to turn you over, sit, to test the strength and firmness of the slats.

The quality of the mattress and no doubt the standard of comfort of your settee. Check the fold as a priority: it is the main wear zone of the mattress. Beware cambers of the mattress that could give you back pain because of poor support. And finally, check the condition of settee cover. It has a dual function: the aesthetics, and protection of the mattress.

The sofa bed is a movable modal. A sofa bed is used, however casual furniture, an extra bed. For everyday use, it is better to invest in a sofa nine, that investment was profitable by the life of your new sofa bed.

CategoryBedroom, Furniture, Interior Decoration, Interior Design | CommentNo Comments »

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