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Close to Nature Concept Home Ideas – Fish House by Guz Architects
Friday, July 16, 2010
Labels:
bungalow design,
home ideas,
photovoltaic panels
at
10:36 PM
Antique Bedroom Decorating
Sunday, July 11, 2010
An antique chest could sit at the foot of your bed. An antique vanity or a reproduction vanity would be a good addition to a corner of your bedroom. A small Tibetan square table or two could act as bedside tables or night stands. Add some Buddhist statues and artwork to put some finishing touches on the antique look of your bedroom.
Whether you decide to go with a Feng Shui themed bedroom or simply a Chinese antique style bedroom, using the above tips will have you headed in the right direction for the style that you are looking for, and before you know it, you will have a fantastic new style in your sleeping quarters!
Home Interior Decorating: Good Review
Flooring is also another consideration you need to think about because it also has an important role to enhance your home decor. In selecting the proper flooring, you should think about your preferences so you are able to show your taste and personality. Just make sure that you have already made the proper option for your home so you can take benefits from it that will make you able to show your taste and personality.
Simple Home Office Decorating Ideas
You don't need a lavish budget to create a great home office. Here are some easy home office decorating ideas that you can use to help maximize your office's style and function. You spend long hours in your home office, so invest some effort into making it a place you really enjoy being in.The central work station is your desk or table. Your desk needs to be big enough for the task at hand. Make sure you have room not only for your computer, but also for a phone, notepad, and other necessities. Dress up a ho hum desk with a fresh coat of paint.
Create a room with a great view. A cityscape wall mural can transform a drab room into a sophisticated space. A nature wall mural infuses a relaxation and tranquility.
Let there be light. Your desk light shouldn't be the only light source in the room. Use track lighting and aim it at the walls to create an expansive feeling and free up floor space at the same time. A plentiful supply of light fuels energy and creativity.
Go green with plants. Green plants and flowers improve air quality and even lift the mood. Adorn your home office with potted plants or a hanging basket. You can even grow an herb garden on a windowsill.
Stylish storage. Do away with industrial filing cabinets. You can file your important papers away in decorative storage boxes, wicker filing baskets, or a storage ottoman.
Versatile furniture options. If your home office requires extra seating for clients, use multipurpose seating such as a daybed, futon, or sleeper sofa.
Use these home office decorating ideas to make the best use of the available space you have. You spend long hours in your home office, so invest some effort into making it a place you really enjoy being in. Make your home office "work" for you.
Labels:
Home Interior Decorating,
Home Office Decorating
at
12:36 PM
Minimalist House Plans Ideas in Italy
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Andrea Oliva from Cittaarchitettura is the architects behind this modern minimalist house plans ideas in Italy. The house is named as Sulla Morella House with rectangular shape of approximately 11 m wide, 34 m long and 6 m tall. This contemporary house design has two main elements: a concrete and plaster front porch (which is a favorite outdoor entertaining area by summer) followed by the home’s main body.
These ultra minimalist house features large windows that give a magnificent view from beautiful outdoor landscape protected by the depth of the porch during the summer. The windows of this minimalist house plans was created using wooden frames with laminated glazing to protect from cold winds during the winter. The house also features solar panels located the flat roof providing an electricity and a hot water to the inhabitant.
Minimalist House Plans Ideas in Italy
Minimalist House Plans
Minimalist House Plans Design
Minimalist House Plans Staircase
Labels:
Minimalist House Plans Ideas in Italy
at
11:37 AM
Cool Innovative Teasmade Modern Tea Machine with Alarm
If you’re a businessman or you’re a busy man, then I’m sure you will have the tightest schedule ever than the normal ordinary people. Everything must be scheduled within details. Bed time, waking up, morning shower and even tea time or coffee time in the morning need to be scheduled. If you’re such a busy man and really are that busy then this contemporary modern tea machines will be the right...
Brilian Moderncritter Scratcher for Your Lovely Cat
Kitchen Design
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The kitchen is the heart of the home. The hub. The family meeting ground. Where it all gets done: cooking, entertaining, conversation, math homework. Whatever lifestyle revolves around your kitchen, making it a place you want to spend your time is an exciting venture. Superkitchens is the place to be to get design ideas, product information, the latest trends, help from experts and links to the very best the industry has to offer.
From custom cabinetry to decorative drawer pulls and everything in between, Superkitchens is the comprehensive source for all of your design needs. Is your style Traditional, Modern or Contemporary? Not quite sure? Browse through the showcase of kitchens in the gallery or view selections of counter tops, flooring, lighting and windows to zero in on a kitchen style that will suite your family’s taste.
Labels:
Kitchen Design
at
8:53 PM
guide to kitchen planning
Everything you need to know to layout a basic floor plan for your SuperKitchen! Standard sizes of cabinets, appliances and sinks plus industry standards for the Work Triangle, countertop space for task areas. Print out the kitchen planning grid for entering your room measurements and your 'rough draft'.
Cabinetry is sized using the 3" increment system. While custom and semi-custom (built-to-order) cabinets may allow some 'odd dimension' modifications, using the 3" system will serve you well when working on your basic floor plan.Most appliances are standardized sizes, but a few, like microwaves are not. Always check appliance manufacturer's specifications to be sure you have allowed the correct amount of space for your final selection in each category!
Dishwashers - 24" wide (for installation in a cabinet, raising the height, allow 27")
Free-standing and drop-in ranges - 3-" wide
Cook Tops - 30", 36" wide. (Some modular units available in 42" and 48" wide)
Wall Ovens - 27", 30", 36" wide. (Note: since wall ovens are always built-in, actual oven widths vary. The dimensions given here represent the cabinet sizes required.)
Refrigerators - free-standing models, 30 - 36" wide. (Built-in models, up to 48" wide)
Trash Compactors - 15" and 18" wide
Microwave Ovens - Varied
Sinks - Varied, but most are designed to fit in 30", 33" or 36" base cabinets. (Be sure to check manufacturer's specifications on your final selection!)
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (a trade organization for kitchen and bath dealers, designers, manufacturers, etc.) has established guidelines for kitchen planning. Prioritize the guidelines in case you cannot accomplish them all. Check them off as you complete your plan to be sure you have planned adequate space for each task area in your kitchen. Be sure to have a kitchen design specialist review your plan before ordering
Transforming the room with a complete kitchen makeover? Superkitchens can assist you to manage your remodel, estimate your cost, and should you choose to, select a design professional who can advise you on everything from measuring for new appliances to selecting an elegant faucet. Updating your kitchen with a new look? A fresh coat of paint, new wallpaper or changing the window treatments can go a long way in refreshing the style of your kitchen.
Labels:
guide to kitchen planning
at
8:50 PM
Ideas For Bedroom Design
Saturday, July 3, 2010
With the exception of your kitchen, bedroom design is the second most popular room to revamp in our homes. Bedrooms need to be places of calm and peace with soft colours and shades and comfortable furniture. Bright colours are not really recommended as they do not befit a calming ambience. Warm, soft and neutral colours are more suitable for your bedroom. Your furniture should reflect the atmosphere you wish to create and should be of the best quality you can afford. Do not neglect to plan your flooring either. Bedroom floors should be carpet or natural wood, both of which are warm and if you choose wood, rugs can be placed for further comfort. A cold floor is not really recommended, so tiles or marble are nor really suitable as they are quite cold and could be slippery - not really a good idea when one is still a bit sleepy.
To begin with, you need to devise a plan of your bedroom complete with correct measurements and positioning of windows, doors and electrical sockets or switches. You can do this on graph paper or you could use one of the many interior design programs for your computer. Once you have chosen your colour scheme, you can then choose fabrics, carpets or rugs and other soft furnishings. If you are having new furniture, measure the available space carefully so that you maximize your storage space. You might like to have fitted furniture which really will make the most of your available space, particularly if you only have a limited amount of space or an unusually shaped room. There is so much beautiful furniture to choose from that you will be spoilt for choice.
If your bedroom windows face east or west, you might like to consider blackout linings for your curtains. This will restrict the amount of light that gets into your room and this can be a huge factor in regions where light increases as the seasons change, nobody wants to be woken up at 4am with bright sunlight blazing into their bedroom. Curtains are a feature of bedrooms and can make or break the design, so choose your curtain fabric carefully. You may like to have your bed linen to match your curtains and there are many manufacturers who produce beautiful sets.
Carefully consider how you wish to light your bedroom. There are so many different styles to choose from. It would be best to choose something in keeping with the rest of your decor. A bedside lamp is always nice and you should be able to find colours to match the rest of your linen and soft furnishings. Be careful of the amount of electrical equipment you have in your bedroom. Whilst having a television and a pc in your bedroom might be convenient, but do remember that bedrooms are a place of rest, peace and tranquillity and neither of these items promote that.
There are many TV programmes, websites and magazines offering advice and ideas for interior design, so make use of them to form your own ideas and get the bedroom of your dreams.
Labels:
Ideas For Bedroom Design
at
10:40 PM
Interior Design For a Children's Bedroom
Rooms for children come in all shapes, sizes, colors and themes. They will have certain likes and dislikes, so it would a good idea to decor as the way as they want.
You will want to decide on furniture, an organization system and a theme when you are decorating for kids. You can begin to make several choices on window coverings, what to put on the walls, and which comforters and sheets will go on the bed once the theme has been picked.
They may even be able to help you decorate if your children are old enough. First thing to do is make a miracle touch on furniture. You may want to get durable furniture.
Since furniture is a big investment, you do not want to buy something you will cry over if it gets scratched or damaged. Look for beds and dressers that will suit with their needs.
It is better if your furniture allows for easy upgrades and fit into a variety of decor. Solid wood such as oak will be a great choice and keep looking good.
Next thing to do is creating a play area. A room with small space can still have an area on the floor for them to play. You need to place beds against a wall so there is area for toys or maybe a space to spend time with friends.
When it comes to the theme, it should be fun. Sometimes make a theme based on their favorite hero like Spiderman is not a good idea. Spider Man furniture and accessories is difficult to update with interior design living room as your child's interests grow and change.
Another important thing to consider is kid's storage. Keeping a kid's room neat and tidy is a must for both parents and children. Storage can help to achieve it easily.
Labels:
Interior Design For a Children's Bedroom
at
10:36 PM
Bedroom Design and Lighting
It matters a lot whether you are married or single. Many married people do not require a sexy bedroom, especially if they have children, whereas single people, particularly women, would rather a sexy boudoir. Single men are inclined to go for a functional bedroom with a computer station in the corner.
There are three ways you can go about designing your bedroom: You could use pen and paper; you could use software or you could plan it in your head. Whichever way you decide to go, you will need to think about style and lighting. Let's say that you will be using pen and paper to sketch out your design, because that is what most people would do.
Graph paper is the easiest to use exactly. Pick the largest scale that will allow your longest wall to fit on the page. So, if your sheet of paper is 12x7 inches and your room is 5x3 yards, then your scale would be 2 inches to 1 yard or 2:36, which is 1:18. Draw in the walls of your bedroom.
Next draw in immovable objects like windows and doors and then electrical points and light fittings. The rest is yours to do with what you like. At this point, you may want to make a dozen photocopies of your sheet of graph paper, so that you can outline different ideas.
Draw in where you want large furniture to go - things like the bed, wardrobes and the dressing table. Now mark in where you need extra electrical sockets to go. Next job is to clean everything from the room, lift the carpets and strip the wallpaper. Now what colours do you fancy?
Red or pink is sexy, blue or green is more neutral. Black is weird. Dark grey would be depressing, but a very light grey might be all right. Go down to the paint shop and try to get some sampler tins so that you can paint small patches on the walls. Or borrow a wallpaper catalogue to take home.
Install the extra sockets before you begin decorating. The woodwork is usually painted white or off white; cream or rose white are nice warm colours; apple white is a little cooler. After painting and decorating move your carpets and furniture back in along with any new furniture you have bought.
Install your new lighting. Table lamps, wall sconces and floor lamps can be a lot more effective than ceiling lights. They also allow you to highlight certain areas of your new bedroom. Table lamps allow one person to sleep while the other reads. A desk light will permit one to work and the other to sleep and a floor lamp will provide general lighting so that you do not trip over if you have to get up.
Labels:
Bedroom Design and Lighting
at
10:35 PM
Exterior Home Improvement Projects
Friday, July 2, 2010
In the hot days and cool evenings of summer, nothing beats sitting outside and enjoying a cool drink and good company outside, maybe to grill food, or just enjoy spending time. Yet how can you enjoy these wonderful moments if you have nowhere to sit, and nothing to look at but your home that could probably use a little fixing up? I know exterior home improvement projects may not be at the top of your to do list, but acting now, while home repair is cheap is your best chance for having the space you have always dreamed of.
My fondest memories of being young were sitting in that old rocking chair on the screened porch, enjoying the outdoors without the bugs and allergies. Why not make your house a home with a porch, or deck to grill up your favorite summer treats? Home improvement companies specialize in these "a little too big" job for an ordinary homeowner. Its not just large additions that a specialist tackles either, carpentry repair and framing, something VERY necessary, can be handled without the headache by hiring a professional, and resting assured the job is done well, because you don't pay until you personally inspect the work done on your house.
Sometimes these projects are imperative too. When your hardboard masonite siding begins to falter, repair is truly the only option, and doing it yourself is almost impossible without knowing the ins and outs. So again, instead of spending your time worrying, and perhaps spending money to NOT fix your problem, take advantage of the tough times and do that fix up your wife has been asking about for so long.
Labels:
Exterior Home Improvement Projects
at
12:04 PM
House Design and Renovation Tips
Remember the song from the sixties that sang about little boxes on the hillside, and they are made out of ticky tacky, and they all look just the same. Bit of a cynical look at modern housing methods and probably not too far from the truth. Good house design has given way to mass produced housing at budget building prices.
We have gone through lots of housing phases in the past as governments try to get the equation right. At one stage they were building whole suburbs of welfare housing that did all look just the same. A building contractor would get a contract to build a whole street of these things and so everything was mass produced. All the timber was pre-cut in the factory and the whole street went together as one as various tradesmen went from one house to the next doing the same job over and over again.
Of course the system didn't work as tenants didn't appreciate being housed in little boxes in rows and rows all the same. Therefore they did not look after the properties and the government ended up with whole suburbs of substandard property that was never going to be worth anything. Welfare housing is now integrated into the community and is the same standard as any other house in the neighborhood. At least the tenants feel a little more accepted.
This mass produced concept has spilled over into the private sector of housing too and has adapted some stereo type ideas of modern society. To take the traditional housing method in Queensland Australia as an example we can see the massive swing away from functional housing. Queensland has a warm climate and is famous for the traditional housing system there known as the Queenslander. This was a timber framed house built up on stilts and surrounded by a verandah. It was on stilts to create a cool draft under the floor. It had a varandah right round to keep the sun of the house walls. The effect was a very comfortable and functional house that has stood the test of time and is prized today as a symbol of prestige and wealth in the inner city suburbs.
However, out in the outer suburbs, we have reverted back to the little boxes again all made out of ticky tacky and all looking just the same. We think it just grand to live in our brick veneer in the suburbs and spending a fortune each year on air conditioning. Why is the human race so thick sometimes.
Labels:
House Design and Renovation Tips
at
11:57 AM
Interior Design Ideas For Your Home
Interior designing has always been fun, hasn't it? The fact is, you do not have to cough up extra cash to 'expert designers' to design YOUR home. You can Do It Yourself! Just be sincere to your spouse and kids, sit down, think through and decide. It's actually that simple - I am giving you the tips that I myself have used and earned accolades from neighbours. I am sure, you will too!
As a general advice, keep your living room the brightest and your bed room the darkest. Keep other rooms in between. Remember, Kitchens may emit some smoke if you are not using a chimney. So, try to keep it a darker color at least on the walls if you do not want to clean them every other day! Also remember to match the color of your wall/furniture and even the appliances to the color of the tiles on the floor.
There are people who want neutral colors like Beige, Black, White, Grey etc. There are people who want vibrant colors on the walls and everywhere else. Consult with your partner to decide on which color you want painted for the walls, furniture and so forth. You may try painting all the rooms with just one color. This would be a great idea, only that some people who are creative, may not like it. The other extreme is to paint each wall in a room with different colors or at least alternate or opposite walls with different colors. There are people in between, who would like to paint each room with one color.
Create cup boards and draws to store your groceries. In fact, you will need ample space for this and this should be your foremost consideration in designing your kitchen. Design the height, placement and width of the draws based on how frequently you will reach out to the items; most frequently reached out should be nearest and the most easily accessible to you. Next up is moving space. Of course, you need space to move about, don't you? Keep ample straight line space so that you don't bump over your partner when both of you rush to your offices!
You don't want to forget your appliances, if you are a no-gadget-no-life kind of a person. You have the microwave ovens, multi-burner gas stoves, electronic chimneys, mixers, juicers, coffee makers, toasters and so forth. Design spaces compactly for these. You could consider buying custom packages from the market if you have a deep pocket!
Bed room has to be gloomy and yet full of life! Challenging, huh! It is really all about designing your bed room the first time. Choose appropriate colors on the walls and your bed and your sheets as well. Do not forget to light your bedroom appropriately. People often make the mistake of lighting the bed room as if to host the G7 summit. What? Well...
If you are having school-going kids or teenagers, ask them their thoughts. Get as creative as you can when you decorate your children's rooms. Use cartoons on the wall, but only wall papers so that they can redesign it after they grow up. Use vibrant colors. If you have 2 or more kids, consider buying a stepped cot. Most importantly, ask them. If they do not like your idea, they may resist using that room!
Disclaimer: This is not intended to replace professional advice and should at best serve as general information or tips. You are urged to seek professional advice from practitioners in the field to help you further.
Labels:
Interior Design Ideas For Your Home
at
11:56 AM
The Added Convenience Of An Indoor Swimming Pool
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Homeowners who enjoy the added luxury of owning a home swimming pool will surely tell you of the countless hours of enjoyment - and increased property value - that their swimming pool has provided them. In fact, more and more people who are embarking upon new home construction are choosing to include the backyard swimming pool in their initial construction plans. But for some homeowners, climate and convenience have prompted them to opt instead for an indoor swimming pool - a place where they can enjoy the luxuries of the water unobstructed.
The indoor swimming pool is just what its name suggests - an enclosed swimming pool that is within a building or home. Many public facilities - such as gyms, country clubs, hotels, and schools - offer an indoor swimming pool. But now, more than ever, there is a growing trend for the private sector to include an indoor swimming pool in their home design. In this case, the pool may be within the confines of the home - or within an attached atrium that is surrounded by glass. In either case, the indoor swimming pool is protected from the elements - including temperature and bugs - and allows users to enjoy the water without having to give any thought to the time of day - or time of year.
Of course, as with any swimming pool, ongoing maintenance of the indoor swimming pool is essential to ensuring that the pool stays in proper working condition. Often homeowners will enlist the services of a professional swimming pool maintenance company that will clean, maintain, and repair the swimming pool according to the terms of their contract.
However, there are certain safety issues that must be addressed if you choose to have an indoor swimming pool - especially if there are children in the home. While an outdoor pool can certainly be dangerous, you at least have the opportunity to fence off the pool area so that children do not enter without being accompanied by an adult. If you have a pool inside your home you must take extra precautions to ensure that children are supervised at all times and know not to enter the pool area without permission. It may be advisable - depending on the ages of the children - to keep the indoor swimming pool behind locked doors. In addition, all children should be taught to swim, as well as taught comprehensive pool safety.
An indoor swimming pool can be a luxurious addition to any home. If you use it safely and maintain it well, it will surely bring you many years of enjoyment.
Labels:
House Design
at
2:27 PM
Tips For Country Kitchen Design Ideas
How does one design with a country theme kitchen? One of the most important factors is the colors used in the kitchen. Those that bring in warmth and a fresh and clean look and feel are often recommended. Softer hues of green, yellow and brown may be preferred as well as other earthly colors. To help achieve this effect, kitchen owners will often flower and plant details into the area through wallpapers, frames or the real thins in vases and pots.
Because country style kitchen design ideas aim for the earthly look, the materials used are also made of those that can easily be found in nature, such as wood. Such wood can be used for the furniture found in the kitchen as well as other items. The cabinets of the kitchen may actually be made of wood as well as the countertops, tables and chairs. A small couch may even be placed in the kitchen, to serve as a sort of lounge for the guest, but it should have a cover in soft hues and perhaps with flower accents, to go with the whole theme.
Of course, the floors of such kitchen design ideas will be made of wood as well. You have the choice on what type of wood you want to use and on what type of finish to apply on it. Just make sure that it goes well with the other parts of the kitchen and not look out of place.
Other items to complete the country-themed kitchen design ideas will be, as mentioned earlier, framed pictures or paintings of plants, flowers or various scenes. Country style kitchens often boast off open fresh air, too. Thus, lace curtains will often go well to achieve just this. You will see how enticing it is to look into the kitchen with the curtains flying above the windows and with fresh air coming in and out. You can also add other accessories into your kitchen, according to your preferences, but just make sure that they will go well with your kitchen's theme.
Now that you have kitchen design ideas with country themes, it will be much easier for you to have it realized. Just remember to plan your kitchen well so that you will not face any additional expenses when building it. Also, stick to your plan and if you have to do revisions, do them all at once and do them only if you have to. Have some fun with your kitchen design ideas and then get to enjoy cooking lots of great food in your new, airy kitchen.
Labels:
Tips For Country Kitchen Design Ideas
at
1:45 AM
3D Model Buildings and 3D Interior Design - Making Buildings Better
3D model buildings - as the name indicates are set of 3D models prepared from different angles and dimensions of any building structure. They represent a 3D object of a building by taking into consideration various geometrical entities and rules. 3D models buildings are made with focusing heavily on different factors like width, height, breadth, lines, surface with curves of building components.
Such 3D models buildings are really helpful in most of the following areas:
o 3d architectural models
o roof 3d model
o 3D interior building modeling
o 3D exterior building modeling
o 3D building architectural models and products
o Various types of buildings such as commercial, residential, industrial buildings are using such 3D models buildings effectively
3D interior design is also important for better building construction. Use of proper 3D interiors designs of your proposed building structure will not only make your building attractive but also will give you various ideas about your building interiors. These 3D interior design services are used in:
o interior design rendering
o interior architectural design
o interior design furniture
o Office interiors
o Interior house design
So there is no doubt that if you use 3D models buildings and 3D interior design for constructing your building, then your building will definitely be as impressive as you would have liked.
Labels:
3D Model Buildings and 3D Interior Design
at
1:41 AM