Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Author: ION

  • 5 Affordable Low-profile Air Conditioners

    5 Affordable Low-profile Air Conditioners

    Summer is finally here, and one could safely assume that you are searching for alternatives to cool during this hot season. If you live in a small apartment and you do not have very much space to spare, you might think that you have no other option than to soldier through the scorching heat by using a fan.

    However, there is no need to take the fan out of the attic and stock up on napkins. Instead of resorting to improvised methods of cooling, you might want to consider purchasing a low-profile air conditioner. A device of this type will not only cool your small space in a timely fashion but will also help you save up on energy bills.

    Since there are so many products on the market, we have gathered a small list of affordable units to make your decision easier. For the purposes of this article, we have picked a handful of units with good price-quality ratios. If you want to see other low-profile air conditioner models, you could read more reviews on Best10Anything. Without further ado, here are five affordable low-profile air conditioners.

    Koldfront 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

    This first model of low-profile air conditioner is perfect if you are looking for something small, efficient and without any fancy features. This 12,000 BTU model can cool off a room measuring up to 550 square feet. It has all the basic features that every low-profile air conditioner should have, such as a filter alert, an energy saver mode, a 24-hour timer, and a remote control. On top of all that, it is very easy to install and set up without professional assistance, so you will not have to spend money on a technician. Its only downside is that it might be a little too noisy for some people’s liking, but you will get over it as soon as you see how much money you will save up.

    Friedrich Chill 6,000 BTU Air Conditioner

    While the Friedrich Chill might fall short when it comes to BTU, it more than makes up for this small drawback by being one of the most energy efficient low-profile air conditioners on the market. This mid-sized unit has two features that support energy efficiency, namely, the fan spinning only in the midst of cooling, and the fact that it includes a 24-hour timer that allows users to program on/off times.

    If you suffer a power loss, the machine will resume its activity with previous settings, so you do not have to set it up every time this happens. On top of that, it makes very little noise, which makes it very suitable for families with small children, or people who live in apartment blocks with thin walls.

    Keystone 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

    What the Keystone lacks in BTU, it compensates through great coverage and intuitive control schemes. The well-designed remote control features a ‘’Follow me’’ function, which means you can control and set up the air conditioner from anywhere within a room, as long as it does not measure more than 450 square feet. The unit comes with a high-quality LED display that allows for easy settings management, as well as a mesh filter that is very easy to clean and maintain. Adding to the list of useful functions are the auto-restart function, energy-saver mode and an alert that warns users in case there is something wrong with the filter.

    LG LW8016ER 8,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

    This LG model is perfect for people who want something simple, efficient and easy to control and install. While the coverage could be better (340 square feet), it is small enough to fit in a medium-sized room without occupying too much physical space. According to the user manual, it has a 12.1 energy efficiency ratio, with a dehumidification capability of up to 2.2 pints per hour, facts which make this unit very suitable to places with humid tropical climates. Therefore, if you are looking for something efficient that does its job well, then this low-profile air conditioner from LG might be right up your alley.

    Haier Serenity Series 6050 BTU Air Conditioner

    This Haier unit comes with four different modes that will help you save a lot of money in energy bills: energy saver, dehumidify, fan and cool. One of the best perks of this model is the fact that, thanks to its compact size, it can be mounted on pretty much any window without occupying too much space and ruining the aspect of the room.

    But, like always, there is a catch: with a BTU just slightly above 6,000, this low-profile air conditioner can cool rooms measuring between 150 and 250 square feet. On the other hand, it is one of the most silent air conditioner units on the market (43 dBA) thanks to its compressor blanket. As for the other features, it has a sleep mode, an auto cool function, and a 24 hour on/off timer.

    Conclusion

    This was our selection of the five most affordable low-profile air conditioners on the market. If you are facing spatial restraints or you are simply not willing to drop too much money on a standard air conditioner, a unit of this type is a great long-term investment. Make sure to read through our picks, and you will surely find a model that is to your liking.  

  • 6 Reliable Ways to Make Money Online in 2018

    6 Reliable Ways to Make Money Online in 2018

    If you want to start making a living online but don’t know how to do it you’ve come to the right place. First of all, rest assured that you can make money online and a lot of people have even found full-time employment online and had great success in their careers.

    Still, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy. The same rules apply here as when going job hunting in the real world. You need to deliver quality products or services which people need or nobody will be willing to pay you.

    Today we will introduce you to 6 already established ways many people make money online and you can too.

    1. Online contests

    There are various online contests that you can enter to battle for various prizes. Prizes could include money, free courses, job opportunities, and so on. Online contents can go from landscape, nature and wildlife amateur photography competition to design competitions, video competition, music competitions and so on.

    Simply reflect on yourself and see what you are good at, chances are that there are some online competitions where your set of skills could prove to be useful, even if they aren’t specific career skills. To learn more about your options read this article on SlotSpinner’s blog.

    1. Freelancing platforms

    Freelancing platforms are one of the most popular choices for many people that want to start making money online. They are big platforms with many members and there is constantly new work to be done in various fields. There are many different platforms to choose from and all of them have their strengths and weaknesses.

    Some of the most popular freelancing platforms are Upwork, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, and so on. You should look for a platform that suits your skills the most and send offers to job proposals and try to land a freelancing gig.

    1. Ecommerce

    Ecommerce is one of the most popular online business models. The whole thing is pretty simple, you basically open up an online store where you will sell products. Finding products that people are interested in. This is for every businessman to figure out on his own.

    Ecommerce is a great option as many e-commerce platforms make opening a store online incredibly easy – check the leading platforms here. On the other hand, you can even build your own website easily with small business eCommerce solutions and be completely independent. If you put in a lot of work and time into this, you can make some serious money.

    1. Affiliates

    If you already have a website, a blog, or a social media profile that’s very popular and you have a lot of people engaged with it, you can turn this popularity into money. One of the best ways to do this is to become an affiliate marketer. An affiliate marketer simply promotes other products and services to their audience and earns money for doing so.

    There are various websites where you can find affiliate programs or look for affiliate proposals by various companies or individuals. The important thing is to choose one that is in your niche and that will offer value to your audience.

    1. Streaming

    If you are an entertaining person and people respond well to you, maybe the way to use that talent and turn it into money is to become a streamer. Streamers are people that do live broadcasts of themselves doing something, talking, analyzing, and simply entertaining people in various ways.

    Some streamers play video games to entertain their audiences, some cook, and some exercise, the important thing is to have that “it” factor which draws people to you and keeps their attention. There are many streaming platforms that can help you set up quickly.

    1. Vlogging

    Similarly to streaming, vlogging (video blogging) is where you record videos on many different topics, express your opinions, talk about interesting topics, or simply show what you do during an average day. The only major difference is that you don’t do this in real time and you don’t need a high-performing computer and fast internet connection to broadcast properly.

    Instead, you simply prepare a video in your own time and at your own pace, customize it, edit it, create a story, and then upload it when it’s ready. The important thing is to be unique and offer valuable information to a certain group of people. You can create your own vlog or use platforms such as YouTube to do this.

    All of these 6 options are real choices for making money online. See which one suits you the most, learn more about it, and start working on it to earn money.

  • Home Tips: How to Look Elegant for Less

    Home Tips: How to Look Elegant for Less

    Having a luxurious and elegant looking home has to be everyone’s wishes. However, sometimes, being able to have a high-end looking house can be quite expensive making it hard to achieve it.

    Well, if you find yourself in this situation don’t worry, here are a few of the simplest ways on how you can decorate your home and make it have a more elegant look as you always wish for less.

    1. Work on the Paint Color

    Deciding the paint color of your house, as many would agree, is one of the most challenging decisions. The color that you choose will have an immediate impact on how elegant your room will look. Choose between going bold or soft hues.

    Your color choice mainly depends on your color personality. Neutral shades, however, give a classic look and are easy to match, making it hard to go wrong with them. Also, painting the interior doors black creates an expensive feeling automatically without you having to spend much on the decorations. Interestingly, black color compliments rose gold and creates a tremendous elegant combination.

    2. Style Your Windows

    Too often, people forget to style their windows. With a little bit of effort, windows can be a lovely feature in the house. Furthermore, window treatments are usually cheap and budget-friendly. It is recommended that you do not go for see-through curtains. It is an excellent idea that you choose luxurious materials such as natural silk, cotton, and lining.

    However, do not go for the unlined and flimsy materials as they will look cheap. Window seats always look inviting in any room. You can match the cushion fabric with your window curtains and the cushions in the room to have a complete overall look.

    3. Ambient Lighting

    Having some unique and budget-friendly lighting fixtures is a great way to introduce elegance in your home. Most homes are fitted with standard lighting and changing this will entirely transform the overall look. Adding a chandelier in the living room or bedroom gives a stylish finish in the room. You can also add some bedside lamps in your bedroom or place table lamps or standing lamps in your living spaces.

    4. Create a Flow with the Flooring

    Hardwood floors are fashionable and look great especially in living places. If your carpet is not new, then you should consider checking what is underneath, since finished floor boards look much better than an old rug. Floorboards also give a modern look that can complement the colors in the room. Adding some few mats on the floor is also a great idea to compliment and match the overall room designs.

    5. Add a Unique Piece of Art

    Hanging a unique painting on the wall draws all the attention to it. You can attach a large canvas on the wall with colors that complement other colors in the room. A piece of art in the room can describe your personality, and you should not be afraid of going big.

    Changing your home to give it a more elegant look does not have to be unachievable due to tight budgets. You can use the simple tips above to help you transform your home into that beautiful and elegant home that you always wish to have.

  • In Good Company – What to Look for in an Interior Design Company

    In Good Company – What to Look for in an Interior Design Company

    So, it’s time to redecorate or re-design your home. Great! A change is as good as a holiday. There’s a few ways to go about it. You can check out some online tools, you could potentially hire a professional, or you could do heaps of reading and make some decisions for yourself. We do recommend hiring a qualified interior designer though, because they do it for a living and they do it well. However, choosing a company can be hard work, and you’re often spoiled for choice. So let’s check out a few things to look out for while choosing the crew who are going to give your home a makeover.

    They Need to Be Local

    Looking for an interior design company in Melbourne? Melbourne’s a big place. Do you want to choose a company that’s based in Cremorne when you live in Officer? Probably not. Imagine that drive just to visit them for a meeting.

    A good tip is to set a 10-20 km radius from your home and choose a company that’s within that circle. That way they’re only a short drive away for meetings. Besides, they’ll probably visit your place more often than you visit their office so make it easier for them and they’ll be less stressed and more likely to perform at their peak.

    Accountability and Integrity

    The next step is to pick a firm that is accountable, reliable and operates with integrity. A good measure of this is your first call. Do they answer promptly? Are you able to speak to someone immediately? If not, do they return your call within their promised time frame?

    If the answer is no to any of these questions, try another company and keep trying until you find one that values your time. A company with strong values will ultimately deliver a better service that you’ll be satisfied with rather than one that acts as if your custom is a chore.


    Check Out Their Portfolio

    Any interior design company worth their salt will have their finger on the pulse of all the current trends. This should be reflected within their portfolio. They should have a thick folder full of all their recent projects to give you an idea of the type of work they’re capable of. If they don’t have a physical portfolio, they should have an online equivalent. If they don’t, or if their portfolio is light/doesn’t impress you, keep shopping around.

    Can They Operate Within Your Budget?

    This is an important point. There’s no use going to the top end of Toorak and picking the most prestigious design firm you can if you can’t afford it. In your initial conversations with your prospective companies, give them a sense of your operating budget early on in the process. That way, they’ll be able to tell you if you can afford their services or not. So, make this clear from the start and avoid disappointment.

    After All These Tips, Remember to Follow Your Gut

    It’s good to ensure that you pick a local company, as this will save in time and travel for both parties. Make sure their customer service and integrity is impeccable, or go elsewhere. Inspect their portfolio and make sure it aligns with your needs, and also ascertain if they can meet your budget requirements. However, ultimately, you need to go with a company that feels right and that you connect with on a gut level. Don’t underestimate your initial reactions to people and their services. When all these above things align, you’re on the right track.

  • 6 Tips to Get Great Discounts on Office Furniture  

    6 Tips to Get Great Discounts on Office Furniture  

    Setting up an office is no easy task. There is a lot on your plate that you should deal with! Speaking of which, buying office furniture is among these hurdles. Don’t worry. If you are anxious we are here to help with the following tips.

    Have a Plan

    Get a rough idea of what you want your office space to look like. This will help you deduce what type of furniture you should buy. Without a direction, you will get carried away and end up buying stuff you have no use for.

    If you can’t come up with a plan, then you need to ask around the office and gather other’s input.  Having a plan will give you a good idea about where new furniture is required around the office.

    Do some research

    Don’t just go to the first shop and buy everything. Instead, you need to do your research by shopping around. Many shops today have office furniture available for sale. You have to check out what different stores are offering you.

    Try going to a supplier as they can land you quite good deals on used furniture that will cost you nearly half the money. This way, you will have a great product for less.

    Consider Practical and Comfort

    We are not saying that office furniture shouldn’t look elegant, but your priority should be comfort before all else. So, look for practicality before anything else. For example, if you are buying a desk check for the available leg room underneath the desk.

    If you are buying a swivel chair, check what heights they offer.

    You want the furnishing to be as comfortable as possible. Consider the needs of your employees to get a good sense of direction.

    Look for Used Furniture

    Refurbished furniture is almost as good as new, but it comes at half the cost. You need to look for suppliers who offer a great selection of used office furniture from established brand names. Many stores deal in used furniture only.

    So, if you have a larger workforce, this is probably your best bet. Buy used workstations and other items from these suppliers, and you will be god to go.

    Furnished Office Packages

    This is yet another way to save money when buying furniture for the office. Buy either in bulk or a furnished office package. For example, many companies offer a complete package that will furnish your whole office for a cost per square metre.

    It looks expensive but believe us, this is completely the other way around. This will help you save big bucks that you can invest in something else.

    Ask for a Discount

    Try dubbing it as “Professional Courtesy,” you are buying the stuff for your workforce, so don’t be hesitant to ask for a discount. Whenever you make a large purchase, you should never feel ashamed to ask for a discount orspecial offer.

    This is yet another effective way for you to save money.  Just follow what we said and you will save considerably when it comes to purchasing furniture for your office.

  • Artificial Trees: How to Show Them Off

    Artificial Trees: How to Show Them Off

    We all try to keep our homes and yards bright, festive and full of color. Bringing bits of nature into your space, both local and exotic, is therapeutic and comforting and can bring a sense of peace and connection to the natural world. Small bunches of flowers and potted plants give us temporary accents, but it’s not anything we can count on for a regular home improvement…wilted and dying blooms happen all the time, and don’t always time their demise to match up with your annual summer barbeque. So, for versatility, longevity, and all-around beauty, you should consider investing in a collection of artificial trees to complete your décor.

    Style

    Trees make much more of the space they’re in than typical house plants. From lush, abundant ficus trees to the precision of sculpted topiaries, they can fill up a corner of your home or frame a piece of art or furniture equally well. Artificial trees that fill vertical space are valuable style pieces, and are able to add depth, color and dimension in a variety of settings.

     

    Various shades of greens can add a layering effect to a lighter room, and different heights can be placed on the floor or on shelves for a dynamic touch. Framing doorways offer an elegant entrance to your home, or as a lush gateway to your patio or garden. Again, the versatility of these faux trees lets you mix and match anywhere for maximum effect.

     

    Location

    If you’ve found high-quality artificial plants, it’s time to find the best spots to show them off. Think natural, and identify places where you would put living plants. Windows are a great spot, even if they don’t need the sun; you can see them from inside and out, and the sunlight highlights all the color. Balconies and patios are also ideal…just make sure that they are UV-resistant and waterproof, or else those colors will fade. Even a corner in a bathroom makes a great spot to add a natural pop of color, and to hide fixtures and pipes. And, with a variety of artificial trees, you can always move them around or swap out different planters depending on your mood. No need to worry about adequate soil or sunlight…just a quick dusting, and you’re good to go!

     

    Blending In

    If you’re ready to invest in the best artificial trees out there, do some research and be prepared to spend a bit. Today’s faux plants are often hand-crafted, with incredible detail and quality materials, but, considering the long lifespan and very low maintenance, will offer incredible value. When you’re shopping, look for artful imperfections.

    No plant is perfect, so variances in leaf color and shape are great signs the producer is paying attention. Also, look closely at the trunks. Do they have texture and nodes, like a real trunk would? Some brands even use real tree trunks, and you can’t get more genuine than that! Consider topping your planter off with some real dirt, and putting it on top of a saucer or drip plate; it doesn’t need any soil or water, but no one needs to know that! Feel free to mix them in with other greenery you might have around the house to complement a collection.

    Want to decorate your home with artificial trees? Checkout Nearly Natural for some gorgeous choices.

  • Why Are LEDs the Best Option for Your Pool Lighting?

    Why Are LEDs the Best Option for Your Pool Lighting?

    Finally, the cold part of the year is done with and the summer is just around the corner. Chances are that if you have a swimming pool, you have already opened it for the season. Even if you haven’t, you are probably getting ready to do so.

    There are many things to check in a pool before you can safely start using it for the season, like the quality of water, the heaters, the filters, etc. One of the things which gets far less attention is your pools lighting. If you want to use your pool at night, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t, you will need some lights in the water. Pool builders and professionals like So Cal Custom Pools and Spas recommend the LED option, and here’s why.

    They Require Very Little Maintenance

    There are a lot of things you need to think about when you have a pool in your back yard. So, if there is an option to get one of those concerns out of the picture, why wouldn’t you take it? LED fixtures are really easy to install and replace if necessary.

    They Are Very Durable

    What’s more, LEDs tend to last a lot longer than any other lighting option, meaning that you won’t have to worry about replacing your LEDs any time soon. Good LEDs can last for as many as 50 000 hours, which can be more than 10 years, even if you leave them on for extended periods of time.

    They Are Energy-Efficient

    And leaving the LEDs on for a long time isn’t going to impact your electricity bill as much as you may think. In fact, LEDs are among the most efficient lighting options out there. In fact, an LED will only spend around 15% of the electricity a comparable incandescent lightbulb.

    That, however, does not mean that they are any less bright. In fact, they are just as bright as incandescent options, but the wavelength of the lights emitted by LEDs is much more agreeable to the human eye.

    They Are Environmentally-Friendly

    Unlike other lighting options, LEDs use no toxic materials, unlike other lighting options. Some types of lights use a very toxic mercury, whereas others use some gases which are extremely bad for the environment. However, LEDs have been developed in a time when environmental concerns are an important factor and when resources are scarce and meant to be recyclable and reusable.

    So, not only do LEDs last much longer and use significantly less electricity, but they are also recyclable to ensure that as little waste is produced at the end of their useful cycle as possible.

    They Are Programmable

    Depending on the occasion, you might want to have your lights on full blast or dimmed to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. LEDs are very easy to adjust by simply managing the amount of electricity which is distributed to them.

    So, if you are having a swimming party, you will likely want to have a good view of what’s going on, so put them on full blast. However, if you need them to provide just a bit of ambient light, dimming your LED lights is as simple as turning a knob.

    We all want our pools to look their best. That’s why we pay a lot of money on maintenance and painstakingly check the water quality and adjust the chemicals levels. However, installing LEDs is a great way to ensure that your pool looks great with minimal effort.

  • How to Find the Best Ice Crusher for Your Needs

    How to Find the Best Ice Crusher for Your Needs

    You know you have to consider an ice crusher for the summer outings and trips. You will become a specialist in making cocktails and all kind of beverages for your friends and relatives. Make any summer days better by choosing a quality ice crusher especially designed to fulfill your needs.

    High-quality ice crushers feature stainless steel blades, and are able to crush at least 6 pounds of ice per minute. Your kids will be thrilled to hear you can make them colorful ice cones and your friends will enjoy those delicious fresh cocktails out on the porch. In what follows, we will offer some advices on how to choose the best ice crusher to fulfill your needs.

    A Manual Ice Crusher or An Electric Ice Crusher?

    When you want to quickly prepare a fresh and cool drink, a manual ice crusher will help you with a few chips of ice, producing the perfect quantity of crushed ice for just your drink. This way, you will prevent making too much ice that might go to waste. This handy device will make the summer cooler. Nevertheless, if you host a party at your house, it will be pretty difficult to garnish the food, prepare the cocktails and crush the ice, all at the same time.

    However, in case you have a family business, like a restaurant, bar or a small café, an electric ice crusher is more suitable. It makes ice more ice quicker. There are ice crushers which make 360 pounds of ice in just an hour. Therefore, your summer parties or small business will be a total success. Hundreds of satisfied clients will praise your refreshing cocktails.

    General Features for an Ice Crusher

    If wanting to find the best product, you have to take a look at a few features that will help to decide on the brand. First, focus on the capacity of the ice crusher to determine how much ice you are going to need, depending on the number of people invited to the party or your customers.

    Then, look at its size and find out whether it is portable or not. This way, you will be able to take it everywhere you go, on all your camping or fishing trips. You can take it around at your family gatherings, birthday parties, graduation parties and all your friends’ reunions. If you want an ice crusher to use at home, there is no need to buy one that crushes 25 kilograms of ice per hour. This is a lot more suitable for commercial use. Furthermore, an ice crusher that crushes so much ice surely consumes a lot of electricity.

    In case living in a tiny apartment, you surely do not need a large ice crusher. You should choose light and compact devices because it will be easier for you to carry around and less likely to drop it than if it was heavy and bulky. If you decide to buy one with extra features, you will surely have to pay even more. Therefore, better focus on the important ones and verify your budget before making any purchase.

    Most Important Features

    Power

    If you want to purchase a useful ice crusher, try to consider a powerful one with a reliable engine. Furthermore, it should have sharp and solid edges. This way, it will easily transform ice into snowflakes and into squares. This device should not be difficult to move around the house especially if you want to carry it to your backyard for a party. You will notice the force of ice pulverizing blender by looking at it on the sides of the box. It may feature particular settings that can allow the blender to better pound the ice.

    Durability

    When purchasing an ice crusher, everyone wants one to last for a while, especially when paid for more than expected. If taking care of it, clean it regularly and maintain it, you will have it for a few years. However, consider buying a stainless steel one since it deals with a lot of water every day.

    Keep in mind all the features mentioned above that will guide you when going shopping for an ice crusher. Family gatherings or backyard parties with friends will be cooler. Everyone will praise the cold cocktails and the kids will appreciate the colorful ice cones. Make sure the device is durable enough and consider cleaning it periodically to prolong its life.