Author: ION

  • Best Interior designing apps for your home decoration in 2019

    Best Interior designing apps for your home decoration in 2019

    There are lots of Apps on Interior designing and most of them are mind-boggling. Some are free whereas some are paid. Some are annoying and some are useless. In this article, we are trying to cover a few of them which are popular and most useful. Most of these apps come in both versions, which can be downloaded on Android and iOS both, whereas some are particular to iOS only.

    Shorting a few of them from the long list of similar kind of apps was a challenging task but we have successfully done it. We have shorted apps on the basis of two major factors: Best UI and offering the most versatile designing features to its users.

    1. Magic Plan

    The Magic plan is a great app for designing home plans. This is an iOS app which amazingly helps you create floor plans. This app ensures that you will never get out of ideas and excitingly feeling fun while implementing those ideas.  

    The app takes a few minutes to practice how to use it to bring out the best outcome. It’s very useful for performing calculations. You have to use your device camera and to capture the entire space. While using the app you will have to mark the corners of the space and your job is done, Magic Plan will bring a floor plan for you. You can also upload images from different angles to the app and the rest you can leave on the app. Mr. Alex an expert at assignment provider, says it’s an excellent app for figuring out the distance between two room articles.

    1. Houzz

    If you are planning to renovate or redecorate your place this app will help you with everything that you can look up to. This app has millions of high-resolution pictures for interiors and exteriors both. Through this app, you can also connect with professionals, architects, and contractors. You can also add products to your photos to check whether it is suitable according to your space and design.

    This app is available on both platforms Google Play store as well as Apple store. You can not only design your ideas but can share the same with your family and friends. You can also create the sketch and keep it in your ideabook within the app that can be used in the future.

    1. ColorSnap® Visualizer

    This is another great app for your home interiors. ColorSnap is a free app, available for both Android and iOS users. It is produced by a famous painter Sherman-Williams. This app is going to save your money and time both. Mike Rusevelt an expert at do my homework for me, says it is an amazing app that you can use to decide which paint to use on your wall. You can select colors from a color library which has millions of color and shades.

    You have to click a photo from your device and upload it in this app. The tool will automatically segregate the areas where you can use the paint. Select the paint of your own choice and see its real-time impact. You can download the photos and instantly can share it as well.

    1. Curate

    With the help of this app not only you can decorate your home but also can choose the best place within the room to place the decorative stuff. With the help of this app, you can decide the best decor elements to add to your home interiors before buying it. This app is free to use and can be downloaded from Google play store.

    With the help of this app, you can see how furniture and décor will look and feel in reality so that you can decide which decor is most suitable to fit in your room as per your room space and design. This app works as a visualization tool for homebuyers and renters as well.

    1. Homestyler – Interior Design & Decorating Ideas

    This is another app in the list. Freely available on the Google Play store and App store. You have to click the photo of your room which you want to decorate and upload it within the app.

    The app turns the image into the digital playground. Mr. Alden an expert at best essay writing service says; covering a wide angle photo you can change the paint of your wall, place any decorative stuff from the gallery to your wall, place new furniture products from the suggestion list and see their look and feel to decide which is the best suitable option for you. Not only this but you can also get inspiration from the image library, learn how-tos and more. You can also download the final design in your device or share it directly to your friends and family. This app is very easy to use that is why it has got more likes.

  • Living Room Set vs Individual Pieces: Which Is Better?

    Living Room Set vs Individual Pieces: Which Is Better?

    When you’re buying furniture for your living room, you have two options. You can either buy a living room set that comes with several pieces included or you can buy each piece individually. The question is, how do you decide which way to do it? Here’s a comparison of the two different selection methods.

    How Hard Is It to Choose?

    Choosing a living room set that’s already matched or coordinated is very easy. Once you find the style you want, your choices within that set are limited enough that you can very quickly tick off the boxes to get the complete grouping you want. But if you buy individual pieces, you have to spend more time hunting down the individual pieces that will work together in your room.

    Do the Pieces Work Together?

    Buying a set, you can be sure that the pieces are designed to work together well. Their colors coordinate well together or the set is all done in one finish. If the designs are not exactly matched, they’re chosen to complement each other. Buying individually, you have to be sure the final grouping will enhance your home décor rather than look like a chaotic mess. You can do that, but it requires some effort and decorating know-how.

    Is There a Cost Savings?

    If your main goal is to get affordable furniture, a set may be the right choice for you. Often, a living room set is less expensive than the same items purchased individually. There may be special coupons or discounts for sets that aren’t available for individual pieces.

    Is There Room for Creativity?

    You’re completely free to create a living room set that’s uniquely yours when you purchase each piece separately. You can put any piece with any other piece to suit your own personal style. Here’s the thing, though. You also have a lot of leeways when you choose a set. You can still choose options within the set, and arrange it in your room however you like. What’s more, you can personalize it with your choice of accessories.

    What’s Delivery Like?

    You might wonder if there is any difference between getting a set delivered and getting individual pieces delivered. The truth is that there might be, especially if the separate pieces come from different manufacturers. Typically, furniture stores have sets that are ready to ship all at one time. The good news is that even if you order your pieces individually, you should get notifications on when to expect them. Your furniture delivery team should coordinate with you to get all the pieces to you at a time that’s convenient for you.

    So, there are pluses and minuses to buying living room furniture items in a set or separately. Of course, the choice is always yours to make. Whether you put the set together or a designer does, you can enjoy the furniture for many years. All you need to do is buy high-quality furniture that suits who you are and what you want out of life.

  • Best Ways to Snap Impressive Photos of Your Home

    Best Ways to Snap Impressive Photos of Your Home

    Do you want to shoot impressive photos of your home to showcase its unique interior design, or to advertise it in a listing for rent or sale? As much as taking photos of your home may sound easy, making sure that they look impressive can actually be quite challenging.

    If you want to snap photos of your home that really stand out and look great, there are a few things you can do that will have a big impact.

    Declutter the Home

    Before you snap shots of your home, take a look around and try to remove as much clutter as possible. Having clutter will make the composition less focused and distract people from the areas that you want them to pay attention to.

    For photos that are going to be used to advertise a home you may want to go a step further and tidy and clean it thoroughly.

    Balance the Space

    Try to frame the shots that you take so that the composition is balanced. In other words objects such as chairs, tables, desks and other furniture should be distributed on both sides.

    It can help to turn on the grid on your camera, and you can even use the rule of thirds to make the photos more balanced. Additionally this will help you to make sure your shots are level as well.

    Turn on the Lights

    Good lighting is essential for impressive photos – so switch on all your lights. It will help you to make sure the room is brightly lit, and help eliminate any dark shadows from your photos.

    If possible try to take photos when it is bright outside, but be wary of glare if the sun is directly outside a window that is in your shot.

    In some cases some shadows and grain may be unavoidable, but you can use Movavi Photo DeNoise to help with that. It will let you quickly fix grainy photos and make your photos look crisp using its presets, or you can make manual adjustments if need be too.

     Use a Tripod

    Using a tripod can make it much easier to take excellent photos of your home. It will help you to keep your camera still, ensure your shots are level, and make small adjustments to the angles.

    More importantly with a tripod you can keep your camera in the same position once you find a good angle and make adjustments to the composition. For example you could straighten a chair, add a few throw cushions to a sofa, and so on – without risking the camera moving.

    Shoot Low and Straight

    One of the best ways to position your camera is slightly below eye level and straight on. It will give your photo a more graphic feel, and make it look like some of the spreads that you see in interior design magazines.

    If you can you should try to position the horizon (typically the intersection between the floor and wall) at the center of your photo, to give it a symmetrical balance.

    Final Words

    Knowing the best ways to snap impressive photos of your home is a good start, but what is far more important is that you practice using them and improve your technique.

    The more you practice framing shots using what is listed above, the better you’ll be able to develop your feel for good composition and lighting. The first few shots that you take may not be that great, but if you identify areas that you can improve in them then the next few should be much better.

  • 7 Tips for a More Organized Home

    7 Tips for a More Organized Home

    Being organized can deliver a variety of benefits, such as helping you be more timely, feel less stressed, and even feel more confident. Sometimes, though, you may be organized in life, but your home may be a disaster. If you ever find yourself wandering around your home trying to find something, it could be a nuisance.

    And this simply means that you need to become more organized in your home. No matter if you’re in an apartment or a house, here are six tips for a more organized home.

    1. Clean it up.

    Sometimes the disorganization of a home comes solely from the fact that your home isn’t clean. Cleaning your home will force you to get organized and put things where they belong. If you don’t have time to do a thorough cleaning of your home, consider hiring a professional cleaner to do so. While the cleaner won’t organize your home for you, they will do the basics, such as cleaning countertops and leaving your belongings in one place. This way, you can focus on getting the belongings in order instead of worrying about dusting and vacuuming. If you want a little help, hire a cleaner on an easy app like TaskRabbit.

    2. Go through storage areas.

    Are you one of those people that simply throws things in closets or drawers without having any organization around it? If so, you’ll need to go through these storage areas and get them organized. Make piles to make it easier on you, such as a garbage pile, a donate pile, and a keep pile. Then, organize all the belongings in the keep pile so that the items are easier to find and that they are in a place that makes sense. For instance, having bathroom cleaner in a living room closet may not be the best use of space.

    3. Invest in bins.

    Sometimes getting organized simply means having a better overall strategy for your belongings. Investing in bins can help you become more organized. These bins come in a variety of sizes, so you can buy small ones for littler items and bigger ones for bigger items. Then, be sure you keep the bins organized. Instead of throwing random stuff in the bins, have a bin for party supplies, craft supplies, winter clothes, etc. Then, be sure to label the bins. This way, when you’re looking for something, you’ll have an easier way to find exactly what you’re looking for.

    4. Have a designated space for your belongings.

    During the organization process, you should also try to have a designated space for everything. For instance, you should have one set location for your keys, a set location for mail, a set location for bills, etc. Having a designated space for your belongings will help keep your home more organized and you won’t be spending time looking for important things. When you decide where these spaces are, be sure that everyone in your home knows where these places are. This way, if someone else brings in the mail, you can rest assured it will still be in the designated space.

    5. Organize your cabinets and drawers.

    Just because items are hidden behind closed cabinets doesn’t mean you shouldn’t organize them. If your kitchen cabinets aren’t optimized for space and efficiency, conduct a local search for reputable contractors. For example, if you were looking for kitchen countertops and cabinets in Tacoma WA, survey several providers of Tacoma cabinets before you make a final decision.

    Opening your cabinets and seeing a mess can easily overwhelm you, and when you have areas of the home that aren’t organized, it becomes much easier to accumulate clutter in other areas, too.Just like a closet, this is something you use everyday, and should be organized appropriately. Baskets and clear containers will work wonders towards achieving an ultimate clean space. You can even get creative and use mason jars to separate utensils and other items.

    Additionally, you may be suffering from the piling mess of Tupperware dishes in your cabinets; put them in their own separate bin to ensure they stay in one place without a hitch. Lastly, hooks can be your best friend in the kitchen and beyond: use them for mugs, pots and pans, hand towels, and much more.

    6. Start new habits.

    If you allow yourself to be disorganized, it will only escalate throughout the day. This is why it’s important to start new habits. For instance, make your bed every morning and ensure that your clothes end up in drawers or in laundry baskets. By making it a point to do these small little organization tasks, you’ll find that the organization efforts start to make their way into other parts of your life too. And if you can encourage others in your home to start these habits too, you’ll find your home to be more organized.

    7. Have a cleaning schedule.

    Staying on a schedule can make it easier for you to keep your home organized, so make it a point toestablish a cleaning schedule. For instance, set reminders to go through closets and drawers once every couple months. This will keep your space more organized and make it less of a task for you to do when the time comes.

    You should also schedule bigger cleaning projects, such as going through your closets and making donation piles every few months too. This will keep you from hanging onto things you don’t need and provide you with more space when you need it.


    Having an organized home comes with plenty of benefits, and you’ll find that using these tips provides you with a more organized home that you can be proud of.

  • Allergic to Mold? What You Need to Know

    Allergic to Mold? What You Need to Know

    As a homeowner, you may be concerned about the health effects of mold in your home, especially if your building is older. You may have heard of particularly nasty things about black mold. So what can you do to protect your family and friends from the negative health effects of mold? Well, luckily, mold isn’t a big problem for most people with healthy lungs. However, it can be very irritating for those with asthma or allergies.


    What is mold?

    Mold refers to types of fungi that grow both indoors and out. They thrive in warm, damp, and humid areas, and they reproduce by spreading seed-like substances called spores. Unlike mold itself, mold spores can survive harsher environmental conditions, like dry areas.

    Mold exposure symptoms include congestion, wheezing, and irritated eyes and skin. People with mold allergies or asthma may have stronger reactions. People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing certain medical treatments, may also be more sensitive to mold.

    Generally, most people feel fine around the everyday mold. In fact, mold is everywhere and you likely encounter it every day.

    What about black mold?

    When people talk about “black” or “toxic” mold, they’re usually referring to a mold species called Stachybotrys chartarum. While vilified by many, S. chartarum is less common than other forms of mold. And while some molds may produce toxins, according to the CDC, “[h]azards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house.”

    If you find mold inside your home, it’s usually not necessary to test what type it is. You can usually treat any mold growth the same way: remove and prevent it from spreading.

    But if you are too concerned about heavy mold in your home I’d suggest using some mold test kit to get rid of mold.

    How to get rid of mold?

    If the mold situation is less than ten square feet, you can probably handle the clean-up on your own. The Environmental Protection Agency has practical tips on how to handle this. Make sure you protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator (available in most hardware stores).

    If the mold damage is extensive, or if the mold is encroaching on things of value, consult with a professional.

    Control Moisture

    Mold thrives in damp, moist areas. So it’s not enough to clean out the mold; you must prevent it from coming back and spreading by dealing with the underlying moisture problem.

    The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has some solid tips on preventing mold growth in various rooms in the house:

    • Use the right equipment and take care of it. If you have a humidifier, clean it out twice a week. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels, and get a central air conditioning system with CERTIFIED asthma & allergy® friendly filter attachment.
    • Bathrooms are, obviously, very moist areas. Quickly repair plumbing leaks. Clean sinks and tubs at least once a month to prevent soap film, and use exhaust fans or crack open a window during showering to improve ventilation.
    • Kitchens are also notoriously moist. Clean your refrigerator and garbage area regularly. As with the bathroom, use your exhaust fan when you are cooking and washing up.
    • Laundry rooms and basements are also good places for mold to lurk. Again, make sure these places have adequate air circulation and tackle plumbing problems in a timely manner. Don’t leave damp clothes lying around, and encourage groundwater to drain away from your house. Get rid of dead vegetation and leaves in your rain gutters and around your foundation.

    More Guidelines for People With Allergies and Asthma

    People with allergies to mold should first try to avoid contact with mold. If contact does occur, or if you have a serious reaction, talk to your doctor. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help manage your condition. For example, if you have asthma, you may take an inhalable nasal steroid like Nasonex® Nasal Spray (mometasone).

    Otherwise, regularly cleaning your house and nipping moisture problems in the bud will not only help you breathe easier figuratively (having a neat home is comforting!) but also literally.

  • What to Keep in Mind When Buying Hydroponic Equipment and Systems for Your Garden in Canada

    What to Keep in Mind When Buying Hydroponic Equipment and Systems for Your Garden in Canada

    Canada’s Weather

    Canada, like many countries has a varied climate and the weather pattern is generally defined over 4 seasons.  Summers can be very warm in places and winters very cold. For the avid gardener or farmer, this can pose some problems as it means that certain crops can only be grown at certain times of the year and unpredictable weather conditions, for example an extreme winter or a very cold summer can mean a poor performance in the garden or a limited or minimal yield from crops which have been planted.

    Farmers are very much at the mercy of the weather and when their crop is affected, their livelihoods are too. Farmers and growers are continually looking at methods to maximise their yields. Hydroponics is a method which some growers and farmers look to master, you can learn more about it here: https://wholesalehydroponics.ca/

    What is Hydroponics?

    Hydroponics is a way of growing crops without the need for soil. A solution which is full of necessary nutrients for growth and water is given to the plants. When a plant is planted in soil, it is the soil which would support the growth of the plant’s roots but in hydroponics, where there is no soil, an alternative method of support has to be used.

    Plants can be placed in a natural substance such as rock wool or even suspended in the air. The nutrient rich solution is delivered to the plant in different ways depending on the system you choose to employ (there are 6 main systems). Hydroponics is not a new concept, it has been around for many years. Setting up a system takes a bit of time and knowledge and requires certain equipment and maintenance throughout the process. For the farmer however it can deliver some very worthwhile yields and therefore huge financial benefits.

    What Crops Can You Grow Using Hydroponics?

    Hydroponics can be used to grow a large number of plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables and the restriction would mainly be to do with the space that you have rather than the technique of hydroponics. Fungi such as mushrooms cannot be grown hydroponically.


    Advantages of Hydroponics

    • As Hydroponics uses an artificially created environment, the farmer or grower is not dependent on favourable weather conditions, so severe winters or poor summers will have no effect on the crop.
    • It allows year round growing of crops which would normally have a seasonal growth pattern.
    • It allows for crops to be grown in a country which would not normally support the growth of such a species so for example, a lot of the fruit which we associate with mediterranean climates could potentially be grown in Canada’s cooler climate.
    • It allows for a larger yield and hence has a financial benefit for the grower.
    • Plants can be bigger, better and more healthful.
    • It allows for production in Canada as opposed to having to import certain vegetables, plants, herbs and flowers and removes the seasonal aspect so that fruit and vegetables normally associated with seasons can be available year round.
    • It can produce a plentiful supply of fruit and vegetables to support the needs of a growing population.
    • Soils are commonly depleted of nutrients due to some of the modern methods of agriculture. In order that our fruit and vegetables be nutritious and offer healthful benefits, the soil needs to contain the proper nutrients so that the crop can grow to its maximum potential. Soil depletion means that crops will be poorer both in quality and yield. Hydroponics allows for the proper supply of nutrients to the plant and so potentially producing not only a healthier product but producing a greater yield.
    • For the water saving amongst us, hydroponics reuses water so that any water which is not used by the plant is collected and recirculated through the system.
    • Hydroponics allows for versatility, you can grow your flowers, vegetables, fruits etc in your spare room if you want, you do not have to use garden space so for those without a garden, it can mean that fruit and vegetables can still be grown.
    • In Hydroponics, plant roots do not need to spread as much because the nutrients, oxygen and water are delivered directly to the plant. Root spread is usually as a result of the plant’s search for its nutrients. Since there is less root spread, plants can be placed more closely together meaning that you can use less space compared with conventional growing. Farmland is therefore conserved.
    • In Hydroponics, you control the nutrients so that the plant can be sure of getting exactly what it needs at the time that it needs it. In soil grown plants, nutrients can be unpredictably delivered. Hydroponic growing allows nutrients to be conserved and re used.
    • There are no weeds which, for the grower, means a saving in terms of their time and effort.
    • Pests and plant diseases are far less common meaning again that there is less waste to the yield and for the health conscious, very importantly, the need therefore for  insecticides and pesticides can all but be eliminated.
    • The need for crop rotation to help with soil depletion becomes unnecessary.
    • Hydroponics can be enjoyed by all. It can be a hobby for the domestic user providing endless hours of enjoyment and it can be used commercially to produce a large yield of healthy plants outwith their normal growing season.

    Equipment

    When it comes to Hydroponics, there are choices and system requirements vary. Before beginning, it would be a good idea to educate yourself around all of the possibilities that exist so that you are able to best source what will work for you. If you are a small domestic user, your needs will be far different from the commercial producer.

    There are different types of hydroponic systems available but all use the same basic principle of directly feeding the plants a solution full of nutrients, supporting their roots and allowing them access to oxygen.

    There are 6 main types of systems to choose from

    • Drip System
    • Deep Water Culture
    • Nutrient Film Technique
    • Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)
    • Aeroponics
    • Wick System

    All systems have their advantages and disadvantages and are described briefly below,

    Drip System

    As the name suggests, the plants are drip fed their nutrients. This type of system uses a pump which controls the water and nutrient feed to the plants, it is used with a timer. A choice of growing supports can be used, rock wool is often the preferred choice with this system. There are two types of systems, one which allows the water and the nutrients to be recirculated and one which does not and both systems have their place.

    Deep Water Culture

    This is a very simple system. The plants are held in a foam based material and they float above the solution, like a raft, which contains the nutrients. In this system, the plant roots are submerged into the water. It works using an air pump and an air stone which is a porous stone which is used to provide oxygen to the system. This system although simple is however limited to certain plant species, not all will do well with this type of growing system.

    Nutrient Film Technique

    In this system, the plants are placed in a tube like structure, in air, there is no other support. The solution containing the nutrients is passed through the tube in a steady and continuous flow from a reservoir below. The unused solution is able to drain back into the reservoir to be once again used. Air stones are used to provide oxygen.

    Ebb and Flow

    This system uses a reservoir and a tray which sits above the reservoir to hold the plants. The idea is to have the plants submerged in nutrient rich water or ‘flooded’ with water for a period of time, after which the water drains back into the reservoir.

    This water is not rich in oxygen, it is the next cycle which produces the oxygen for the plant as after the ‘flooding’ process, oxygen is pulled into the system for the plants. A pump is used with a timer which can be adjusted to suit the cycle times which are required. The plants can be supported using a variety of different materials.

    Aeroponics

    In this system, the roots of the plants are suspended in air and are regularly spayed with a fine spray of nutrients on a regular basis. The roots should not be allowed to dry out. The oxygen supply for the plants is provided from the air itself.

    Wick System

    This is another simple system. The water and nutrients are stored in a reservoir and the plants are in a tray which is connected to the reservoir via a wick which allows the nutrients to travel from the reservoir. The system uses an air stone and an air pump to provide oxygen.

    When deciding on your system, examine the advantages and disadvantages of each and find the one that best serves your purpose.

  • 5 Tips for Finding a Reliable Commercial Insurance Agency

    5 Tips for Finding a Reliable Commercial Insurance Agency

    Commercial insurance agencies have flooded the market—making it hard to get a reliable one for your cover needs. Being duped is real. Scammers have upped their game.

    Thus, you must be keen before choosing a particular insurance agency. Fortunately, the following tips will give you the checklists you need and the things to look for in a reliable insurance agency.

    Word Of Mouth

    Get recommendations from friends. Ask them about the best commercial insurance agencies. Go to Facebook. Ask your friends on Facebook to give you some recommendations. Leverage on other social media platforms to ask for recommendations. Get referrals from family members. With a word of mouth, you are able to get numerous referents—giving you a place to start your insurance agency hunt.

    Do Your Research

    Don’t just pick any insurance agency before conducting in-depth research. Go to a government body that regulates insurance agencies. Ensure that the agency you choose has the necessary qualifications. Insurance companies like Texas Business Insurance at Thumann Agency, Inc have handled numerous claims.

    Licensing and Experience

    Licensing is key when it comes to the commercial insurance industry. An agency that is not insured is likely to disappear and leave you hanging. So, do your research. Ask for licensing. Plus, consider the agency’s insurance experience. Go for the most experienced insurance agencies.

    Online Reviews

    Go online. Read past customer reviews. Go to online forums. Post your questions there. With online reviews, you are able to distinguish rogue agencies from genuine ones.

    Vet Them

    Don’t fear to interrogate potential insurance agencies. Ask them questions. Know their explicit terms of service. Don’t ignore complaints from other past customers. Look at their online testimonials. An agency with many complaints is only going to frustrate you. So, stay away from that commercial insurance agency.

    The power of interviews when it comes to choosing a commercial insurance agency cannot be underestimated. Conduct face to face interviews. Call them. Ask important questions. Tell them your insurance needs. Ask them if they have the solutions you are looking for.

    Knowledge

    Choose an insurance agency with enough knowledge in different fields. Ensure that that agency is knowledgeable enough to handle your explicit needs.

    Effective Communication

    Communication is another important aspect when it comes to commercial insurance matters. An insurance agency that uses a lot of jargon is out to confuse and convince you into purchasing its products. Everything should be explained in a simple and straightforward manner.

    Products

    Your commercial insurance needs must be adequately addressed. So, don’t just take any product. Go for one that suits your needs. Ensure that the insurance company you choose is able to give you a product you can be proud of.

    The Bottom-Line

    The commercial insurance sphere is quickly growing. However, the growth has opened the door for rogue and unprofessional insurer. Therefore, clients are advised to take caution when selecting an insurance agency. With the above tips, you are on your way to landing your dream insurer with the right products. From conducting interviews to reading online reviews—these tips are sure to get you a reliable commercial insurance agency.

  • Product Review – Platner Side Table

    Product Review – Platner Side Table

    knoll

    About the designer

    Warren Platner was one of the colleagues and a protégé of Eero Saarinen. His unfettered creativity and drive to take the modern movement to a whole new level ended up helping him come up with brilliant designs – of which the Platner collection is now a part of. Platner was actively coming up with newer ideas when the cultural shift of the modern movement was leaning on the more ‘expressive’ side. As such, his work was as cutting edge as it was innovative at the time. His ability to merge competing aesthetics not only redefined the perception of the modern theme, but also helped make the Platner collection absolutely iconic.

    About the product

    backtomod

    Before the midcentury modern movement became a force to be reckoned with, modernism was all about the utmost minimalism in the most stark and bland ways. But with the onset of this style, experimentation within this genre became common ground. Warren Platner took full advantage of this fact and helped introduce something totally unique and new to the modern vocabulary – a gentle decorative aesthetic that was simple but graceful. This is how the Platner collection came into being.

    The Platner stool itself is a sophisticated combination of welded curved steel rods and circular frames. It’s both structural and decorative – a blend that was groundbreaking while modernism was still being explored to its fullest in 1966. The concept behind the stool rendered a fine line between rational and ornamental. The simple complexity of this side table is still a very welcome addition to contemporary home interiors. The gorgeous metal accents of its body are perfect for enhancing the surroundings, and the overall result is truly beautiful.

    About the materials

    madaboutthehouse

    The simple yet graceful looks of the Platner side table are largely thanks to its excellent material choice. The tabletops are available in a wide variety that ranges from glass to marble and wood. Each material comes with its own thickness (0.5” for glass, 0.75” for marble, and 1.125” for wood) and they’ve all been especially treated with different finishes to retain the integrity of the material for as long as possible.

    The base of this side table is constructed from vertical steel rods that have been artfully welded to circular framing with horizontally oriented edges. The metal finish is either bronze with paint or polished nickel. There’s even a plastic ring at the bottom for easy placement and maneuvering.

    Complementing interior design styles

    floridadesign

    Here’re a few interior design styles that you can complement your Platner side table with;

    • Contemporary: The streamlined dissimilarity of the contemporary style is the perfect home for this type of a stool. It would look great and provide an epic contrast with its timelessly relevant aesthetics.
    • Retro: There’s an experimental feel about the Platner side table that would translate really well within a retro style setting. It’s the kind of combination that is as eclectic as can be, but still manages to look really complementary.
    • Vintage: The metal accents of this side table would be an excellent addition to a vintage style interior design. Its shiny wire-based structure would be able to accent the traditional, old-school aspects really well.

    These are some of the aspects that you need to know about the Platner side table in order to emulate it naturally and relevantly within your homes, offices, and other spaces.