The best choice in Roman Blinds

Roman Blinds or PVC blinds are either solid or made of foam. They have special features such as durability, UV light resistant, being waterproof and also easy to clean. Their slats are lightweight and so with large windows it can make raising them quite easy. These faux wooden blinds are cheaper than wooden blinds, as the slats and other parts are all made of PVC. They can be fitted with motors to ease operation. They also come up with remote control, and manufacturers often offer a limited lifetime warranty when you buy Roman blinds. Want to know more about Roman Blinds?

Most faux wood blinds are made from high quality and fire resistant materials. They also claim to be made from lead free additives. Apart from buying blinds, there’ll be windows and doors that warrant the need for quality curtains.

When ordering online for ready made curtains, it’s obvious that you’d be a little confused about what size you need. Now there’s no need to be worried about whether you have the right measurements or not because you can do the job yourself in a jiffy with no chance of going wrong. The easy to use guide lets you take your own measurements and enables you to place orders at the quickest so you shipment will reach your home within 3 weeks.

How To Use Candles With Feng Shui

The belief of Feng Shui comes with five elements – earth, fire, metal, water and wood – of which several combination make productive cycles, while other combination make destructive cycles. When any one element is matched with another element adjacent with its own, productive cycles come into effect. This happens because water can sustain wood, while wood feeds on fire; ashes make earth, while earth makes metal; metal can hold water. Therefore, if one of your rooms has wood as its primary element, effective Feng Shui would suggest to add water elements or fire elements within that room since water feeds on wood as wood feeds on fire. For these cases, candles add a beautiful touch while making Feng Shui effective.

If we take a closer look at destructive cycles, we will be able to tell which elements aren’t recommended for use with others: fire, metal, water and wood. It is obvious how water can put out fire, how fire can melt metal, how metal can cut through wood, how wood can clog the earth, and how earth can muddy up water. Despite the fact that these particular elements are normally seen as horrible combination in Feng Shui, one element can still be used in conjunction with its adjacent element when in destructive cycles, in order to decrease the power of the stronger element. If a particular room is filled with overpowering elements of metal in the form of contemporary modern furniture, for example, this can be minimized by adding certain wood elements in the form of green plants or fire elements in the form of a fireplace, red pillows, or attractive candles.

With this general understanding of how the elements work, we can now make effective use of candles in decorating. Within areas that are predominantly filled with water or metal elements – these would be rooms that come with many silver or blue colors and metallic furniture – candles can help decrease the power of these colors by adding more balance. If you wish to make use of Feng Shui in rooms where there are no elements that overpower the others, candles can still be used along with complimentary elements such as brown rugs or plants because these shapes can be associated with elements of the earth.

Candles are the simply way of bringing natural elements within your home. They can also be a great starting place to start introducing Feng Shui designs. Additionally, scented candles prove to come with amazing Feng Shui since they enhance moods with their particular smells. In general, candles offer a basic beginning in producing a pleasant environment with great decorating style.

How To Effectively Use Mirrors In Home Decoration

Mirrors offer a very special touch when it comes to home decoration by creating an illusion of spaciousness and adding a lot of light. The definition of a mirror says that it is a reflecting surface which forms the image of objects whenever light rays come from these objects and onto its surface.

Typical mirrors are sheets of glass which are coated on the back with either silver or aluminum which creates images through reflection. This kind of mirror appeared and was made in wide-spread production during the era of the 16th century in romantic Venice.

Here are several tips and tricks in making use of mirrors through home decoration:

1. Put mirrors on walls adjacent to interesting pieces of artwork or picture, so that the mirror can reflect its image and create an illusion of space.

2. Hang decorative mirrors in dark rooms or near the vicinity of a window to allow light to bounce off these mirror and create a more natural surrounding of light inside the room.

3. In order to make an illusion of more depth within a room, try painting one of the walls in contrasting, dark colors compare to the remaining walls. Then place decorative mirrors on this dark wall in order to make an illusion of more depth within the room.

4. Produce charming entryways through framed mirrors with floral swags hanging up. This can also help create more light through the entryways and provide chances to make last minute checks before leaving through the door.

5. Expand smaller dining rooms through a placement of ornate mirrors at its wall. Doing this will create the illusion of a much brighter and much larger room.

6. Put decorative mirrors right in front of beautiful mantels and fireplaces in order to create a reflection of an interesting piece within the room.

7. Some mirrors should be grouped and hanged with various shapes and sizes to work as a gorgeous display on the wall.

8. Add mirror tiles or mirrors behind bookcases for more depth.

9. The kitchen should get an additional mirror on the backsplash of its countertop to reflect more light while food is being prepared; they are also simple to maintain.

10. Put a personalized mirror on damaged or unattractive furniture, such as coffee tables, end tables, dressers and tabletops.

Mirrors can be used in various ways to enrich and brighten home decorations. Visit retail stores, flea markets, stores that concentrate on home improvement, as well as the internet, to find prices that can fit any budget.

A Beautiful Home

They say little girls dream of a perfect wedding but most people always dream of owning the perfect home. It’s a place that will shelter your family, allow you to indulge and will in a big way be an expression of who you are. As such, it all comes down to how well you design your interiors. For most of us who aren’t artistically designed this needn’t be such a curse after all. You can still get the best interiors without having to break your head over designs.

The world is moving at great paces and so are all other things in it. To keep abreast to modern needs the concept of interiors is changing. You no longer need a designer to fix an appointment, visit and then tell you what to do. You can be your own designer, and it doesn’t stop there. A little careful planning will ensure that your interior designing is perfect.

When selecting perfect furniture it’s essential you keep in mind the color of the wall paint. It’s true you won’t do a paint job too often but what if you choose to change the shade a couple of years later, will your furniture look odd then? In order to steer clear of such issues, start by choosing furniture that has more value. It’s simple; choose contemporary furniture that fits with everything. You needn’t buy entire sets of furniture. If you choose intelligently, you can keep picking furniture as and when you like something and use it wherever you please. You can pick recliners, foot stools, low seating furniture, maybe even an ottoman. You needn’t have a boring look at home if you pick wrought iron furniture.

There’s a great deal that you can do on your own. Take help by checking online galleries and home improvement magazines to know the latest about furniture.

Cool Tool AC

THRMAL COMFORT IS A CRITICAL factor in workspace, which have to be designed to provide a certain degree of comfort. And offices, large and small, are being modified to account for this. This section covers common methods of air-conditioning used in workspaces.

BASICS:

• HVAC: A system that provides heating, ventilation and air-conditioning through individual or combined processes.
• Air handling unit (AHU): This component of a HVAC system conditions and circulates air. It is usually a room equipped with supply-return fans that maintain air movement, heating/cooling coils that control the moisture content of the air, and filters that condition the air.
• Conditioned space: Any space within the building, where thermal comfort is provided.
• Ducts: A duct is an encased channel, through which air moves around in a HVAC system. It can be made of metal (usually aluminum), fiberglass or other flexible material.
• Air inlets: grills, louvers and diffusers through which air is drawn out from a conditioned space.
• Air outlets: grills, louvers and diffusers through which air is delivered into a conditioned space.
• Conditioned air: Air treated in an AHU to alter humidity, temperature and cleanliness levels.
• Exhaust air: Air discharged outside, from any space within the building.

METHODS:

Most workspaces use two methods of air conditioning:

• Central
• Portable

CENTRAL AIR- CONDITIONING:

Central air- conditioning in workspace is usually done through the ceiling. Ducts distribute cool air to multiple rooms.

Advantages-

• A single system can be used to air-condition huge spaces.
• A central air-conditioning system is more efficient than individual AC units.
• All cabling and wiring is done through ceiling ducts, so no messy cables and wires are visible.
• Sophisticated filter system are capable of removing microscopic particles. Air from outside is continuously pulled in through a filter, where air borne particles are removed.
• Since the whole system is controlled in the AHU, the noise level in the workspace is cut down.

Disadvantages-

• The thermal Level can be controlled only in the AHU, so the entire system runs at the same temperature.
• The whole system shuts down in the event of a failure.
• The entire system has to be kept running, even if a part of the workspace is not in use.

PORTABLE AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS:

• Portable AC units or individual AC units are an alternate method of air-conditioning. These units can be easily transported on wheels or fixed in the office. Individual units come in two forms: split ACs and monoblock ACs.
• Monoblock units have ducts that vent return-air to the outside of the building. The units are fixed in the windows of external walls. The air is then replaced by fresh air form outside.

Split AC units filter the return-air into fresh air that is circulated in the room. They can be fixed on internal as well as external walls.

Advantages-

• Individual units can be used to cool office spaces which are not used often such as auditoriums, meeting rooms, hub rooms, server rooms, recreation rooms, resting rooms, etc. This proves more economical, as unlike a central air-conditioning system, all the units are operate separately.
• Since each unit is an individual entity, the thermal level in each unit can be controlled.
• The central air-conditioning system can be turned off when not needed. This saves power.

Disadvantages-

• The space does not look very neat, since the units project out of the walls.
• Wires and cables are visible.
• The noise level cannot be controlled.

COOL TIPS:

• Select your air- conditioning system based on the type, usage and the hours of occupancy of the space, as well as the number of occupants and the type of equipment in the space.
• Solar load is directly proportionate to the orientation of the building and the glass areas. A north- south orientation has less solar load than an east-west orientation. Hence, it is preferable to use glass on the north-south faces of the building. Also, using smaller sized window can reduce the solar load.
• Glare-reducing glass or tinted glass can be used on the external feces of the buildings.
• Lighting fixtures should be carefully selected, since they emit heat.
• Excessive usage of wood should be avoided, since wood emits heat.
• Natural stone (marble and granite), metals (steel and aluminum) and gypsum board absorb heat and keep the room cool.
• Odour absorbers and air freshers are a must, to avoid stale smelling rooms.
• And lastly, make alternate provisions for fresh air. This can include balconies, terraces and recreation zones.

Make Your Home Beautiful

In order to lighten the atmosphere at home, select light color for the walls. Sure there’s a chance that it gets dirtier much earlier but it’s not your biggest problem. If you have the write paint on you can easily clean all stains with simple soap water. If you want to add color, concentrate on upholstery. You can add a lot of style by selecting curtain holders that are classic designs. This offers a solid look and is worth a compliment. Choosing bright colored curtains will invoke just the spirit you want.

Apart from this make sure you choose cushion covers that match. Be liberal with your use of cushions as they add to the comfort factor and will allow guests and family members to get comfortable in any corner. You can add rugs on the floor and no we’re not talking about investing a fortune in Persian rugs. All you need to do is pick up a lot of rugs and change them often so that they add to the style quotient of your home.

Create additional sitting space in your hall by arranging for mattresses or loveseats to be put in the corner of your living room. Make sure you don’t put a big sturdy table in the middle of your living room as that won’ serve too much of a purpose and will compromise space. Instead, use a smaller wicker table, or maybe cane. Such varieties are light and can be easily shifted to another part of the room when guests are over creating a larger space for people to hang out.

Another great choice to add color is to use stain glass windows. These designs will always be received well and adds to the color factor even in a plain room. You can choose your own designs for the stain glass which helps in upholding the spirit of your home at all times.

False Ceiling

TIMES have changed and so have ceilings. No one wants to see exposed cables and wires, and ducts and cracks in the ceiling. Wires are being hidden, fancy lighting fixtures are being used, and central air-conditioning is being provided, all though the false ceiling. In this section, we talk of materials that can be used to design false ceilings.

What is a false ceiling and Why is it used?

A false ceiling is a ceiling that is suspended from the main ceiling. The suspension is fixed to the walls, roof or beams of the superstructure. In simpler words, a false ceiling is a second ceiling created bellows the original.

A false ceiling is used…

• To conceal service lines, such as air-conditioning systems, electrical wiring and sparklers.
• To give thermal insulation.
• To soundproof rooms such as meeting rooms, auditoriums, etc, which require a quit environment?
• To accommodate lighting systems.
• To provide lighting effects such as hidden lighting, wall washers, cove lighting and floating light effects on the ceiling.
• As a design element.

Materials used…

1. GYPSUM BOARD (GYPBOARD): Lightweight, flexible and fire and moisture resistant, gypsum is most commonly used for false ceiling. Gypsum board panels are tough, versatile and economical, and are fast replacing other ceiling materials such as POP. Gypsum board can be used while constructing false ceiling. as well as to renovate old ceilings. The material is fire-resistant, waterproof, as well as soundproof, which is why it is the most preferred material for false ceiling.

A gypsum panel could have tapered or square edges. Panels with tapered adage are used for ceiling since the gap between each edge can be filled, to give a smooth surface. Square-edges board can be used. Where visibility of the joints is a requirement. A suspended Gypsum board ceiling can be constructed by nailing Gypsum board panels to each other, or by fixing the panels in a metal grid (usually steel). Generally, gypsum panels of 600 mm×600mm are used.

Gypsum ceiling are popular because:

• The ‘dry construction’ eliminates the use of extra water while making the ceiling. This also keeps the building clean.
• Gypsum board is quite flexible. It allows for various shapes and design-such as plain, curved, stepped, coffered, pelmet, drop design, etc.
• Gypsum board has high impact-resistance and is very strong. It is possible to suspend a load of up to 15 kg from the ceiling without any difficulty.
• A Gyp board ceiling suspended on a metal grid forms a strong ceiling design.
• The ceiling can be easily decorated with wallpaper or paint, 24 hours after it is constructed.
• Glass fibre-reinforced gyp board makes excellent insulation material.
• Gypsum ceilings are non-resonant which makes then good soundproofing.
• When exposed to fire, gypsum gives out water, which is converted to steam and helps combat the fire. This is what makes the ceiling fireproof.

2. METAL CEILING PANELS: Metals ceilings are suitable for a large Range of applications. The false ceiling is constructed with metal panels. Which are coupled with insulating materials to make them soundproof? They are ideal for concealing ducts and wiring, since they can be easily installed and maintained.

Aluminum or steel panels, 600mm×600mm in size, are generally used. The panels can be laid on a visible steel grid with T-sections or cross-sections that are suspended from the ceiling by rods. This result is strong, long-lasting surface, which is easy to access. The panels can also be clipped to each other or clipping into a suspension system having springs. That method prevents the panel edges from being seen.

The third method is to stretch the metal sheets to form various shapes, which can be suspended form the ceiling. This treatment is ideal for obtaining a variety of shapes in the metal, without changing its soundproofing ability.

Advantages of metal ceiling:

• They reduce overall cost, since they are easy to install and access.
• Hidden services can be easily accessed since the panels are removable.
• They are ideal for workspaces which require clean environments and services that require maintenance such as the machinery rooms, the AHU, etc.
• They have a monolithic look.
• They give the space a very modern look and blend well with glass.

3. FIBREBOARED AND FIBRE/MINRAL REINFORCED TILES: False ceiling can be made with fibre or mineral reinforced tiles and fibreboard. Fibre reinforced tiles are strengthened with wood vegetable fibre, wood waste, reed paper and agricultural wastes. Mineral tiles are Ceramics reinforced with natural stone, wood, vegetable fibre, bitumen and tars. This process increases the insulation capacity of the product.

Fibremineral-reinforced materials are used because:

• They have high insulation against sound and fire.
• The fibre increases the hardness and the toughness of the material.
• The material can be decorated with paint or other finishes improving the aesthetics of the room.
• Water repellents and preservatives can be added to increase the life of the product.

4. PLASTER OF PARIS: Plaster of Paris (POP) is commonly used for constructing false ceilings. Gypsum, which gives out water when heated, makes POP. Post-heating, gypsum softens and is then crushed to form a powder. POP hardens instantly when water is added to it. It is applied to fibreboard or a wood base, which is then suspended to form the false ceiling.

Advantages of POP:

• A smooth, uniform finish.
• The surface can be recorded or painted.
• POP false ceiling are easy to construct and maintain.
• The ceilings are reality light.

5. PLYWOOD: Plywood ceiling are widely used for their visual appeal. These ceilings are created with strips of ply glued or nailed together. The strips are held together and strengthened with ply supports at equal distances. Ply ceiling are generally used in place with cold climates.

Advantage of ply ceilings:

• They are strong and look appealing.
• They can be given various finishes, or painted to get the right look.
• They can be treated to increase their lifespan.

However, ply ceiling are difficult to maintain, since the are prone to termite attacks. The room has to be thermally controlled to reduce the humidity in the air. Also, the wood is prone to warping and other physical changes, with time.

Colour At Work

“TO PRAPHRASE LENNON, I’D LIKE to be … out in the sun… in a fragrant garden…in the shade.”

At on time most of humanity worked under the sun in the fresh air. Our ‘offices’ were roofed by sun-dappled trees and hand carpets of tender green; our walls were rough brown barks.

In Charlie Chaplionesque ‘Modern Times’, tin roofs blotted out the sun and went to work in brick and steel structures. The office, in banal grey and beige, was the perfect machine to work in. Churning out machine-age products and people.

Today, we were in the world of ideas, even the notion of an office is an idea, it is a table in a home, a slim hot-desk in a corridor, a plastic seat or a plug-point at some transit airport. Ideas travel. We share them with colleagues and clients. They travel across distances and time. As day turns to night and light dawns elsewhere, time and space boundaries blur. As do distinctions between work and home in a 24/7 world space. In a connected world, we are always at work. So it is imperative that we are happy at work.

The office, as we know it, dates back to a little over 125years. The turn of the 19th century, around 1875, coincided with the invention of the light bulb, the typewriter, the elevator, the telephone and the building of skyscrapers. Invented within a span of 15years, these were the catalysts that spurred the creation of the 20th century office.
Today these “rules” for an office don’t apply. Workspaces have moved on, influenced by social and rapid technological changes.

Though offices still remain the physical setting for us to meet, connect and do business, we strive for a vari-coloured visual experience. We anticipate exciting interactions with colleagues and stimulating work environments that create a kaleidoscope of opportunities. Mechanical device enveloped us in the 20th century office. The electronics of the 21st century have freed us from this box.

Emerging technologies such as the internet, email, mobile phones and video-conferencing have redefined the way offices function. Our screens are the windows to the world. Today’s office is about buildings communication, not monuments. It is about people not prestige. Offices are more people-centred. Open spaces allow people communicate easily. Glassed cabins hint at transparent dealings. Joyous coffee-break areas can draw discussions to a delectation end. Comfortable lounge areas allow a bit of space for personal reflection.

There is much more flexibility. The size of your workspace is no longer your status, it’s how you work and lead people. People work in teams and even those grouping and linkages change constantly. Given this constant evolution, when we were asked to design surface materials and colours for BP Ergo Modular office system we had to find an anchoring idea amongst the change. We based our colours and materials concepts on the way management constructs are defining office processes, and its influence on office interiors.

As designers, we are stimulated by visual and sensorial cues; trend forecasts, mood boards, imagery on travels, a dinner platter arrangement, a simple coffee mug, a fleeting fragrance; even the world in a song. In terms of trends, deeper colours have given way to more optimistic, fresher and younger colours. No surprise, as the average age of the new office-goer is much younger! Surface pattern has given way to material texture. Colours appear as transparent glass and acrylic; or as pearl and metallic finishes.

As a counterpoint to this, there is the movement toward materials respecting the nature intent and content of the product. In choice of woods, there’s a slant towards figured wood grains, textured fabrics and materials that are warm to the touch. Seamless, countered and artisanal are three system and space design mantras we hear.

STORYTELLING:

The colour of choice is… Pleasure at work! Officers narrate a story about their brands. The story of the company’s growth is told by the way their space and interiors are designed. The brand, product or service as present in the market place, is reflected in the workplace. The choice of space, volume size and planes, materials and colour in the office are a narration of the company’s policy and benefit. It is no longer a boring office that says the same thing as all other. The interior elements of the office also crate brand differentiation. The brand or tag line is converted into the same experience for its employees and visitors.

Typically, this approach to design is following for big brand manufactures and service providers such as car companies, technology providers, sports goods or news, television and music network. The telling of the storey may be serious, whimsical, or amusing. But there is always an element of surprise, hidden in the narration.

CONNECTING:

The colour of connection is… Harmony at work. There is a new nature of business processes today. Clients and businesses work together to achieve business goals. People are working in set of colleagues. The office is just one foxed point in a network that straddles a virtual world. People pass through this node as one of knowledge, and ideas. Every person is a locus in an ever-extending web of dynamic teams. With so much moving shifting, the spaces also have to be changeable! Colours need to connect with each other, just like people do.

Multipurpose spaces, workstations, meeting rooms and breakout areas allow for the germination, nurturing and execution of ideas. In the connected office, you are not tethered in time or space. Thinking time is accepted as doing time.

COMMUNITY:

The colour of comfort is…Familiarity at work. In some companies, employees are the true office-owner. This is where they spend a lot of their time. To the extent that the office is a home away from home, it has to be grounded and comfortable.The office layout is modeled on the locality we live in. there may be an open ‘park’ or atrium, a corner store, a bank, tea shop, magazine kiosk and postal service. The office recreates a community by encouraging simple everyday contact, chai-breaks and birthday celebrations. We run into friends and acquaintances in our gurukul training rooms, smoking areas, the cafeteria, and corridors or at the caroms table. We call out to them over low walls or seek them out in their cabins.

What Are Your Interior Choices

Your home may be permanent, but what changes are the interiors. In fact, at some point it becomes a necessity because there’s so much on offer. Every time you glance through a magazine, watch a sitcom, or even visit a friend, you’ll always be attracted to something new in regards to interiors. Designers take inspiration each day and with every season change, you’ll finds a new look that’s considered apt for your home.

It sure can get confusing and at times depressive because you can’t keep buying upholstery and mats all the time. It’s true that if you invest in quality products, your upholstery collection is going to be yours for long. As such, buying each season may seem a waste of money. Instead, you can choose to mix and match to create new styles. Furthermore, you needn’t let go of everything. Pick up new stuff at intervals and it needn’t be at the start of the season. Buying stuff at the end of season sales is a big money saver. The stuff you get your hands on will be perfect and at discounted rates.

You can choose to invest in a few paintings, wall hangings, wind chimes, new vases, and other decorative stuff for your homes. To create a new atmosphere, you can get scented candles and dim lights with attractive lampshades. There are brilliant contemporary styles to choose from. You can even get miniature chandeliers to make the living room look classy.

Getting pretty vases and choosing to fresh flowers at regular intervals creates a personalized look and keeps the rooms energy right on top. There are plenty of things you can do to keep out monotony if you simply look around you rather than concentrate on expensive investments. As they say, home is where the heart is, make sure you do enough to add joy to this sentiment.