Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Author: ION

  • Transform Your Outdoor Space Without Requiring a Building Permit

    Transform Your Outdoor Space Without Requiring a Building Permit

    Almost a quarter of people in the U.S. population made home improvements in 2017 and the remodeling activity is expected to steadily increase through 2021.

    Image by idodesign from Pixabay

    Done well, remodeling can improve the aesthetics and the value of your home. Remodeling is usually an expensive and time-consuming process, therefore, the last thing you need before starting this process is government officials delaying your project for months because of a building permit. Not all home remodeling projects require the approval of the local authorities. Find out how to transform your patio without requiring a time-consuming building permit.

    Image by SonG_SUSTech from Pixabay

    Extending the Patio Using Awnings

    Home renovation is both an exciting and potentially stressful period for homeowners. Specific reasons for renovation differ according to individual families but customization is a major motivation for renovation. A study by Houzz found out that over a quarter homeowners renovate to customize the home. Installing awnings is one of the ways you can customize your outdoor spaces without needing to seek authorization from the local government. Awnings achieve the dual purpose of protecting your windows/patio from extreme weather conditions and improving the visual appeal of your home. They can provide a shade for outdoor entertaining on the patio regardless of the weather. Awnings come in a variety of sizes and styles and you need to plan carefully to find something that suits your home. It is important to make sure that the way your install awnings does not deprive you of sunlight during the winter months. The best way to maintain control over your awning is by using a retractable design. Such retractable awnings can be adjusted or removed at will. Some advanced models are motorized and adjusting them is just a switch flick away.

    Creating a Shed Using a Pergola

    Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

    A pergola is another structure that can completely transform your outdoor spaces. You will not usually need a building permit for a pergola unless you make it too big or too tall. A pergola can be used to highlight a walkway, give a shade, or to serve as an outdoor living room for entertaining. There are dozens of shapes and designs you can choose from, although hexagonal, cuboid, and circular pergolas are the most common. In any case, It is important to make sure that the pergola harmonizes with your landscape and architectural design.

    Pergolas are build from a variety of materials. Wooden pergolas are cheaper but they are more susceptible to fungi, termites, and moisture damage. Steel and aluminum pergolas usually cost more but they are easier to install and they are usually more durable than wooden pergolas. Some homeowners choose to install a roof over the pergola to protect it from the elements. You can choose from transparent panels or sails for the roof if you need it to allow sunshine through. You can install lighting in the pergola if you intend to use it after sunset.

    Demarcating Using a Trellis

    Image by David Mark from Pixabay

    Adding a trellis to your patio is an easy way of beautifying your outdoor spaces. A trellis can be used to cover over unsightly parts of your home or demarcating parts of the garden. In addition, the trellis may give your family some privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors. Homeowners can choose from a number of designs and materials for trellises. Wooden trellises cost less but you may need to carry out regular maintenance on the wood every year. Wire trellises on the other hand, require less maintenance, and are favored by people who abhor the chores involved in maintaining the structure. The trellis can support a wide variety of vining plants. Wire trellises can last many years without maintenance. Naturally, the sturdiness of the trellis will be determined by the plants you want it to support. Heavy plants like wisteria will require more study structures compared to lighter plants like morning glory.

    Remodeling a home is an art that requires an investment in terms of time and money. The need to get a building permit can increase the costs and the time needed to remodel. But there are things you can do to improve the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces even without a building permit. In most places, you can install awnings, pergolas, and trellises without a permit.

  • 4 Ways to Make Your Home 10x More Peaceful and Relaxing

    4 Ways to Make Your Home 10x More Peaceful and Relaxing

    A man’s home is his castle. It’s the place where you’re supposed to feel comfortable and relaxed after dealing with the stresses of the world. Unfortunately, many of our homes at too cluttered, noisy or uncomfortable to provide the tranquility we really need. If you want your home to be more peaceful, here’s what you need to do.

    Reduce Noise

    One of the first things you can do to make your home more zen-like is to eliminate noise. While you don’t want to get rid of every sound, you can find quieter versions of many household products. Consult some Quiet Product Guides and choose items which produce little to no sound. You can get quiet hairdryers, fans, keyboards, coffee grinders, and even alarm clocks. You can also use noise reducing curtains to help soundproof your bedroom or home office.

    Use Color Effectively

    If your home is painted in dark colors, it’s unlikely you’ll feel very relaxed. The same applies if lots of prints and bright colors are competing for space. If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, try painting your walls white, grey, blue, green or beige. You can use brighter colors and prints for accents but don’t let them overwhelm your interior. Pay special attention to the tones you use in your living room and bedroom since these are likely to be the places you relax most often. Lighter colors will make small rooms look bigger. When you don’t feel cramped, you’re more likely to feel at peace.

    Make Your Bedroom Ultra Comfortable

    If there’s a time you definitely need peace, it’s when you go to bed. The quality of your bedding, the temperature in the room and even the amount of clutter around your can determine whether you have a restful night. If you want your bedroom to be conducive to sleep and rejuvenation, invest in high-quality sheets and duvets which feel soft and silky against your skin. You should also try to find a thermostat setting which makes everyone comfortable when they settle down under the covers. If there’s lots of clutter in your bedroom, you will feel anything but relaxed. Clutter is linked to anxiety and stress so if you have large piles of clothing everywhere, you may feel more frustrated than anything else. Be sure to tidy up frequently.

    Create a Spa-Like Vibe in Your Bathroom

    After your bedroom, your bathroom should be one of the most relaxing rooms in your home. It’s where you get energized early in the morning and wash away the cares of the day in the evening. To get the most from your bath time experience, get a whirlpool tub or massaging shower head depending on whether you like showers or baths. Add stylish fixtures, luxurious bath products, fluffy towels, and luxury bath robes to get a hotel experience right at home. Don’t forget to add some tasteful décor. When you’re in such a tranquil setting, you won’t have a choice but to relax.

    We have a lot to deal with every day but our homes should be a sanctuary. Use these tips to make your house as comfortable as relaxing as possible.

  • French doors vs Bi-fold doors: Which design best suits your home?

    French doors vs Bi-fold doors: Which design best suits your home?

    When renovating your home, choosing new patio doors is a big decision. It massively affects how you view and use the space in your home and garden. Both bi-fold and French doors offer a better garden view than windows or single doors and are often a popular choice.

    French doors are more traditional patio doors in design and are usually seen in older properties; they comprise of two doors which both open inwards or outwards into your garden. Whereas, bi-fold doors hang from a top track and concertina back so that all of the panels fold fully back; the low-profile design almost entirely opens up one wall to the garden.

    If you’re looking to install either design, there are a few factors to consider and compare to ensure your new doors suit your homes’ style as well as your lifestyle and budget.

    • View

    Bi-fold doors can replace an entire wall which means you have a wider view of the outdoors. When they are folder back you can see a full and uninterrupted view of outside. This also creates a social space and floods the room with light.

    While French doors do not replace the whole wall, they simply sit in the brick structure. This means the view is not as wide or clear as if you had bi-folds. However, French doors are still a step up from a single door or window, as they do still offer a better view than these would.

    • Material

    The type of material you choose for your doors has a massive impact on the overall look and feel and maintenance of your doors. For a hard-wearing low maintenance door, uPVC works well for smaller windows and doors, but it is less suitable for large openings. For a more traditional, soft appearance, timber is great for adding character to a property, although does require regular maintenance.

    A great all-round material is aluminium; it is lightweight, low maintenance and able to bear a large load. It is a great choice for contemporary homes but can also work well with older properties. Aluminium allows for thin frames and comes in a variety of finishes, in keeping with the design of the home and suits both Bi-fold and French doors.

    • Cost

    Generally bi-fold doors are more expensive than French doors; but they can increase the value of your property in the long run. It has been reported that the increase can be as much as 10% of the property’s value, making bi-fold designs an investment for the future, as well as to enjoy now.

    For a more affordable door, French doors should be your go-to as they are much smaller than bi-fold or sliding doors.

    • Threshold

    Bi-fold doors allow a level threshold, creating a seamless transition from inside to outside, and removing any trip hazard of a protruding frame.

    French doors are available on traditional door frames, which create a small lip between the inside and outside that must be stepped over. As such, they tend not to be flush to the ground.

    French Doors

    To conclude, the style of French doors are generally better suited to older properties, as there is a greater variation in frames and glass styles, they can be made to complement a home’s existing features, such as sash windows. However, Aluminium French doors from Quickslide do offer benefits to homeowners of both contemporary and traditional properties alike.

    Bi-fold

    Bi-fold doors are often associated with modern properties but are becomingly increasingly popular in traditional designs; particularly through extensions. They allow residents to enjoy a bright and airy interior, provide optimal security and have the potential to increase property value further down the line.  

    Ultimately, the doors that you choose will come down to personal taste, style and the amount and type of space you have available.

  • What is street photography

    What is street photography

    Street photography is one that shows the local culture, events, architecture and / or portrays people in scenes of their day to day life. Usually they are intriguing images that tell a story and have the potential to mark an epoch. Street photographs carry a temporary character, show a passing scene, usually (but not necessarily) commonplace, which after a time will be history and tends never to repeat itself in exactly the same way.


    The idea of ​​street photography is to give the viewer the sensation of what it is to be there in that place, at that moment, in such a way that, seeing his picture, he can even imagine the smell of the street. The concept is broad and its classification varies from person to person. Often, depending on the context in which it is used, it can also be identified as photojournalism, travel photography and documentary photography.

    Despite the name, street photographs do not necessarily have to be taken on the street. Photos in a shopping center, shop, theater, beach etc can also be considered street photography.

    In the opinion of many, street photography does not need to have perfect technique and composition. On the contrary, the imperfections of a snapshot taken at a decisive moment are that they bring to the photo the “charm” of street photography, and convey a sense of authenticity and reality. People or objects partly cut, blurry elements, display errors are just a few examples of these imperfections. They reinforce the immediacy and spontaneity of a passing moment in the life of the person portrayed.


    On the other hand, some people argue that every photo should have perfect technique.

    Of course you should have good sense and a good dose of self-criticism when you go through your photos, and even if you fit the “perfect” side, think that small mistakes in street photography are accepted by many, and so you have a little more flexibility in this theme. The impact of street photography is more on the alert eye of the photographer and its rapidity in freezing that particular moment – and the content of the final image – than in the technique and composition of the photo.

    When you see something interesting happening, do not hesitate! Take the camera and hit the photo. If you decide to set up the camera at this time you may lose the photo. At the end of the day, some of your photos will be discarded, but many will not, and will make your photo day worthwhile.

    Tips for Street Photography


    When taking street photography, consider the following tips for returning home with good photos on the memory card:

    • Shoot without looking through the viewfinder: To capture unusual angles and be discreet, try taking pictures by pointing the camera without looking at the viewfinder or the subject being photographed. In the first few times, framing probably will not be the best, but over time, you gain experience.


    • Being “face-to-face”: photographing unfamiliar people, often knowing they are being photographed, can yield great images with excellent compositions. However, it requires a good deal of extraversion and courage, which the photographer creates with the passage of time and experience.

  • Best tips to get fair price for your home

    Best tips to get fair price for your home

    Selling your home for the most money can be done if you have understood the local market trends, the total cost of selling your home, and the best method of selling. No one wants to get ripped off when they are selling their homes. If you can get the most money is fantastic but sometimes getting the right price is also crucial for you. But, have you thought if the deal is fair at all for you before you are making an offer?

    That is the time when you need to coordinate with real estate agents of that place. You can check for a database which has a list of real estate agents, and realtor’s agencies. Till the time you find out real estate agents list here are the best tips to get a fair price for your home:

    1. Do a small research on the items that you want to buy with similar kind of size, condition, neighbourhood and amenities. It will give you an idea of the price compared to other homes whether it is large or expensive and small or less cost. Your real estate agent is the best person to update you with the best source of information regarding the house.
    2.    If you are considering a home that has similar comparable dwellings that has been taken off the market. Then you need to find out the reasons, is it overpriced or there are any other reasons related to these kind of homes. Because if there are many similar industries in the market, primarily vacant, then the price would be lower in comparison to other buildings or apartments. You can check the unsold inventory index, and it provides you with information related to demand and supply in the housing market.
    3.    You can talk to your agent because of his extensive experience he can tell you if the market is overpriced or underpriced. They will help you to find out the best offering price for the property.
    4.    Negotiation is something that you will have to do. Do not confuse that your realtor will be doing this behalf of you. No, they will not. Negotiate may be the property is overpriced; therefore there’s a chance that seller might reduce the price. But sometimes you can check if you feel the price is too low to negotiate, and then some sellers do not want to settle and kept the lowest price for the house.
    5.    Last but not the less you can get a fair amount of the home by working on the following things:

    •        External wall repair and painting of the walls
    •        Doors and windows can be upgraded to get the best out of the house
    •        You can do landscaping and yard lightning that will make your house more attractive
    •        Work on the interior flooring
    •        Upgrade your kitchen as the woman in the house loves to spend the maximum of the time in the kitchen.
    •        This is one of the essential things that can give you the right price for sure, i.e. bathroom and toilet repairs. Any house which has cleaner or better toilets are most likely to be sold at the earliest.

    Now you are done with determining how you are going to sell off your house. Try to negotiate the best offer, not the higher one. Also to get the maximum out of your home try to understand the local markets and how this can impact your selling price. Look for all the cost that is incurred to make the home saleable. This article will give you an idea of things to keep in mind when you want to get the best price out of your dream house sell.

  • NYC’s Twenty Three Layers Creates The Perfect Corporate Event Experience

    NYC’s Twenty Three Layers Creates The Perfect Corporate Event Experience

    The hectic schedules of today’s working women sometimes leaves little time for anything else.

    Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

    Like most people, if you find yourself in charge of an upcoming event, the extra responsibility can prove to be another source of stress in your life. This is the time that you should consider using the services of an event planner.

    BIld av rawpixel från Pixabay

    There are many good reasons to seek professional help when planning your corporate or social event. The right event planner will take care of every detail, as burlap table runner bulk for example and that will alleviate much of the stress from you.

    • Hire An Event Planner Who Will Adhere To Your Budget

    Twenty Three Layers, a leading corporate event planner in NYC, has the experience and the industry knowledge to help keep your event budget-friendly, so there are no surprises at the end. You will get much more for your money, and your event will have the maximum WOW factor that you are looking for without maxing out the budget.

    Photo by Billy Huynh on Unsplash
    • Event Planners Save You Money

    Your planner will negotiate costs for you. They will have numerous established business relationships and contacts in the business. This will save you a lot of time and money trying to do it yourself. It is important that you hire the right event planning company in NYC. Twenty Three Layers will work hard to get the best prices on supplies, services, and the big ticket items. You as their client get the benefit of their exclusive bargaining power.

    • An Event Planner Takes Care of The Big And Little Details

    The difference between a good event and a great event is in the details. A planner at Twenty Three Layers has the experience and the skills to anticipate every facet of your corporate event. Your event will flow flawlessly, and every need and want of your guests will be met and exceeded graciously and with ease. Leave the worries of planning your event to the professional event planners at Twenty Three Layers.

    Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

    An event planner will also take care of any unforeseen “bumps” along the way saving you the anguish and frustration of having to deal with it yourself. Their experience and finely-tuned organizational skills have taught professional event planners how to troubleshoot any issues and ensure that your special event runs seamlessly.

    Image by Andy H from Pixabay
    • Gain Access To The Finest Theme Production Company

    Your event planning company will Innovatively create the entire theme production for your gala event. No matter what theme you have in mind, see your dream come to life with the help of the company’s pool of talented production artists. Twenty Three Layers will create an unsurpassed event experience, and their clients can relax and enjoy the fanfare.

  • An Introduction to Door Furniture

    An Introduction to Door Furniture

    Door furniture is the term for door hardware. Door hardware can be strictly functional, such as a door handle or knocker, or it can be purely decorative. However, most door hardware is both functional and decorative. What factors should you consider when shopping for door furniture? Factors to Consider When Shopping for Door Hardware
    Factors to Consider When Shopping for Door Hardware

    Before you buy door furniture, understand that they are not all interchangeable. For example, doors come in varying thicknesses. Doors are generally between 1.375 inches and 1 75 inches. The typical door has a 2.125 inch bore hold for door knobs and 1 inch cross bore. However, this isn’t always the case. Know what dimensions your door has before you buy a door knob or lock. The backset is the distance from the bore hole to the edge of the door. This distance can vary, and if you buy door hardware that is too short, your door won’t close and the lock you selected cannot secure the door in place.

    When selecting door hardware, it is necessary to determine where or not the door will be locked. You can rely on a deadbolt, an entry set, or a modern key code lock. If the door has a traditional keyway and tumbler, you can replace it with another locking mechanism, but you’ll have to either find something that fits the space or modify the door. Deadbolts may be operated by a thumb turn or a key. Note that a deadbolt will secure a door rather well, but it won’t make up for a thin door or weakened door frame when kicked in

    An often-overlooked factor when selecting door hardware is accessibility. Adults with limited mobility may struggle with door knobs, whereas door handles are something you could use in twenty years. Door hinges that slowly close doors make it easier for those who move slowly to get through the door without it closing on them

    Decorative door hardware can take several forms. You can have purely decorative grills on the door. Sometimes people put dummy door handles on the door to make it easier to opem This is commonly done to the inactive door in a double door set. In these cases, the door handles should match each other, while the hardware in the active door contains the latches and locks.

    Note that any door hardware can include decorative elements. Large ornate door handle panels and knockers are common. The only matter for the home owner to decide is which decorative features suit the door and the room it is in. In the case of exterior doors, the decorative elements need to match your home’s architecture.

    You don’t want to have a gleaming minimalist door handle that stands out like a sore thumb when the rest of the porch is decorated in black wrought iron. Be careful, though, not to choose door hardware based on how it looks while forgetting the importance of functionality or its ability to literally fit. Another factor to consider is what the door hardware is made to handle. A door knob made to survive rain, sleet and snow can be used indoors. However, door hardware only intended for indoor use no matter how durable it looks may rust shut when used on an exterior door.


    Understand the main factors you need to use when selecting door hardware, and you’ll find the best combination of form and function for your particular application

  • Why Homeownership Matters

    Why Homeownership Matters

    It is a sad fact that home ownership in the United States has gone down through the years. It has even reached its lowest rate in the last five decades. There are actually a number of factors that contribute to the decline of home ownership. One is the trauma that came in the wake of the mortgage housing crisis. Another is that more adults are still living with their parents.

    But did you know that owning a home is very important? Let’s take a closer look at the value of home ownership and why it should matter to you.

    There is a big possibility that owning a home is part of your plans for the future. You may not seriously be considering it at the moment but deep inside, you know that it is one of your major goals in life. It is part of the American Dream. Aspiring to own your own home gives you added motivation. It gives you a reason to be proud of your efforts and what you can achieve in life.

    Next, owning your own property can be a wise investment. Once you acquire a home, you can live in it. That is the primary benefit. If you decide to generate passive income in the near future, you can buy another house and open your current to the public for rent. And when the time comes, you can sell your property altogether and make a lot of money. Of course, you need to do your part by keeping your home in great shape. A Beverly Hills real estate agent should be able to assist you during this process.

    Third, you are contributing to the overall growth of the nation’s economy. Apart from the actual purchase, you will likely spend on home improvement projects in the coming months or years. This stirs up spending and adds to the growth of the economy. Moreover, the home buying process means you are helping different kinds of professionals continue with their jobs. These are the real estate agents, the mortgage agents, the contractors, the builders, the carpenters, and the accountants, just to name a few.

    And finally, owning a house helps provide social benefits. Different studies have shown that homeownership allows your children to focus more on their studies. They will have a safe and secure haven where they can focus on their education. Moreover, children tend to have more friends. These friends come from your neighbors within the community. In addition, you will have more opportunities to participate in different social activities. If you are in the market for Beverly Hills luxury real estate contact a trusted real estate agent today.