Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Author: ION

  • Using creative lighting techniques to make your room look bigger

    Using creative lighting techniques to make your room look bigger

    It’s one of the worst clichés out there, but there’s no doubt that bigger is always better. When this sentence is applied to homes, the effect is simply multiplied.

    Unfortunately, not everyone is in a position to throw tens of thousands towards huge extensions. It means that most of us are left to be as creative as possible – and this usually means engaging in techniques that trick the eye and make a room bigger than it really is.

    One of the easiest ways to do this is with lighting. Whether this is with the light deco, natural or synthetic light – the options are endless. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the main ways.

    Make your ceiling as light as can be

    Like a lot of suggestions which revolve around tricking the eye, the initial feeling might be that this one sounds ridiculous. However, if you can direct more light towards your ceiling, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to the overall room.

    We’re not quite sure of the science, but a light ceiling simply opens things up. The easiest way to do this is obviously with a big bucket of white emulsion, but there are further steps. These floor lamps from Pagazzi.com can work an absolute treat and direct more light towards your ceiling, while some people might turn to track lighting as well to enhance the effect.

    The natural light factor

    We’ve spoken about lighting up the ceiling, but in truth allowing any sort of natural light into your room is only going to bring benefits. If you don’t have much access to natural light, synthetic alternatives are fine, but the aim is to just boost the amount that flows in through your windows. It means keeping the drapes pulled back and removing any other obstructions that separate you from the great outdoors.

    Mirror, mirror on the wall

    This is an old classic, so to speak, but adding mirrors can make a monumental difference as well.

    Obviously, the position of these mirrors is important here, and the best thing is to place them near windows. By doing this, you’ll reflect the outdoors and naturally, this gives the perception of a lot more space. The idea is to bounce light around the room, and just make it look like one big area.

    Sometimes it takes a big changeround

    If you are set in your ways, this next suggestion might not be up your street. However, sometimes it’s just about rearranging your furniture.

    The quickest wins, so to speak, are placing large furniture against the walls – with this immediately opening up any space you might have in the middle of the room.

    Another suggestion, albeit somewhat difficult to implement in some houses, is to try and make some items of furniture a similar colour to the walls. This allows the two elements to blend together and suffice to say, this tricks the eye into thinking you again have that huge elusive space.

  • What Type of Fan Do You Need?

    What Type of Fan Do You Need?

    House fans are great to keep the interior cool in summer. Fans are cheaper, help save energy and money and are available in different types, sizes and price range. Depending on your requirement, you may choose from the tower fans, indoor ceiling fans, damp-rated outdoor ceiling fans, pedestal fans or floor fans, exhaust fans and portable fans. So, what fits you? If you are still unsure, let us help you decide what type fan is appropriate for you (See PowerHouseFans for more information.)

     

    Desk Fans

    Desk Fans come under portable fans category which are small, pretty and you can fix it on a table. It is good for smaller space and limited area cooling. Some of the desk fans have rotating heads to circulate air on all sides. While some operate using direct electricity there are some which run on chargeable batteries. Small versions of desk fan with batteries are popular among car owners. Some are in the shape of a box, and hence known as box fans.

     

    Wall Mount Fans

    The wall mounted fans are small, covered and with a mounting fixture rod. These fans can move the head horizontally in order to circulate wind in all directions. It is the ultimate fan if you are trying to manage some extra space out of a small closet. You can operate the wall mounted fans and control the speed using pull chains and switches.

    Tower Fans

    Go for tower fans if you are looking for elegant design, quiet airflow and smaller units to save space. Tower fans are often remote controlled, so with one tap you can change the speed of the fan or set timers. Tower fans are portable, and are therefore, ideal if you want additional cooling and carry it along when reading a book sitting on your porch or watching television in the hall room.

    Pedestal Fans

    The pedestal fans are floor fans which are kept stationary on a pedestal. The height and length of the rod varies from model to model. From battery operated small pedestal fans to large heavy-duty electric fans are available in the market. The pedestal fans which are large in size may create some amount of noise. Pedestal fans are portable and you can take them to any corner of the house you choose.

    Exhaust Fan

    The ventilation fans are known as the exhaust fans which are often seen in the washrooms. It is to drive away the damp and moist air out. These fans are used in several other locations as well, so it is up to you. However, please note one thing, exhaust fans are useful only for venting the air, it does also let fresh air in but the force is not that impressive.

    Ceiling Fans

    The mostcommonly used fans are the ceiling fans which are widely popular among the consumers. There are two types of ceiling fan, indoor and outdoor ceiling fans.

    When you are purchasing a ceiling fan, check the expansion of the blades, number of blades, motor capacity and length of the downrod. The size of the fan depends on the size of the room. When you are buying a ceiling fan, always ensure the company is Energy Star Rated, because these models have a higher capacity and lesser power consumption costs. Tropical ceiling fans are also becoming popular among the buyers as they are made of eco-friendly materials. Several ceiling fans are compatible with light fixtures, so you can also buy decorative light kits to compliment the interior decoration.

     

  • Mirrors: our flexible friend

    Mirrors: our flexible friend

    The right mirror, used in the right place can transform a room. They offer such versatility, there are so many ways we can use them. They truly are a designers’ best friend.

    Just off the top of my head, I have used a well-placed mirror to make use of a room’s limited natural light. To enhance views around from different perspectives around the room. As well as giving a smaller space the feeling of spaciousness and adding a little extra style to the room.

    But, there are so many options, so many possibilities, these are just the basics.

     

    The skill is to use the right mirror in the right space. That’s our motivation behind this article. To share with you some ideas on which mirrors we can use in which spaces that will bring something extra to a room.

    Full-length mirror between two windows.

    When you put a full-length mirror in between 2 windows, at a glance, it gives the impression that there are 3 windows, not 2. It also brings more natural light into the room. If you don’t have kids or a dog running around, a good trick it “casually” prop a full-sized mirror against the wall, angling it slightly. It gives the sense of a relaxed spaced which giving loads of extra light.

    Using a Wood framed mirror in your kitchen.

    The problem with kitchens is that they can feel a little clinical at times. We can use a well-placed mirror to soften the room and give the kitchen a homier feel. It can be any size mirror, any shape. You can put it on a shelf or the wall; the deal is that it has a wooden frame.

     

    Be Sneaky! Put a wall mirror behind a chest

    A good way of giving the impression that there is more space, especially in smaller rooms, is to put a chest in front of a mirror. You’ll be amazed at the difference this subtle change makes.

     

    A Narrow mirror sandwiched between wall art.

    This is a winner every time. You start off by putting a narrow mirror as the centre point of the wall. It can be rectangular or even faceted. Then you position 2 smallish pieces of framed art work. One either side. They can’t be too big, and they have to be framed. Ideally, they’re the same size. Make it symmetrical when you hang them. The results are great.

    Using a sunburst mirror over the bed.

    We love a good sunburst mirror. They’re so flexible. Often they are ideal for the large space you get above a headboard. A lot of people struggle in deciding exactly what to put there. The answer is a sunburst mirror.

    Why not have some mirrors behind bedside lamps?

    This will feel a bit off because you can’t use the mirror for its original use. But what happens is the warm glow of the mirror lighting is reflected around the room. It also frames the light nicely.

    Putting two mirrors on adjacent walls.

     

    A really simple but effective design trick you can do is to line up 2 mirrors on opposite walls. It really bounces light around the room. We love doing this in a dining room because it has the added value of making it feel like there are more guests in the room, adding to the atmosphere.

    Positioning a mirror on the wall opposite a window.

    Increase light and views by placing a big mirror directly across from a window. Reflecting a beautiful view is ideal, but placing a mirror across from any window that gets good light will make your room feel sunnier, so regardless of what you can see out of your window, it makes sense.

    Taking advantage of the space above the mantel

    A great way to utilize the space above the mantlepiece is with an oversized mirror. Many of the better retailers will offer their mirrors by the inch so you can order the perfect size. Using a mirror will add loads of natural light and offer the room a sense of space.

     

  • 5 Ways You Can Still Make the Most of Your Garden in the Colder Months

    5 Ways You Can Still Make the Most of Your Garden in the Colder Months

    With the weather turning a whole lot colder, and the holidays not too far away, you might be taking your patio furniture indoors and accepting the fact that the back yard is off limits until spring. But is it? Here are five ways you can still make the most of your garden in the colder months, if you want to. 

    Construction Project Management is the branch of project management that focuses on certain types of construction projects. Residential, institutional, commercial, industrial, & major environmental and civil constructions are among the developments and in all of these you need good construction scheduling software.

     

    1. Cook outdoors  

    There’s really no need to hang your skewer up over the winter months if you enjoy cooking outdoors. Why not invest in a BBQ island? Sure, they’ll set you back a little bit, but a good quality BBQ island will allow you to grill outdoors all year round, making a welcome change from being stuck indoors this winter. And, they’re a fabulous centerpiece to any back yard, adding tons of value and a place for your nearest and dearest to gather around. Just take a look at these and fire up the grill.  

    1. Install a fire pit

    Speaking of firing up, installing a fire pit in your garden is another way to make sure you can still get outdoors in the colder months. Not only will it give you, your friends, your family and your guests somewhere warm to gather around, it will also give your back yard plenty of visual appeal too. Sit beside the fire with a glass of wine on a winter’s evening, snuggling up closely to your other half. Or, toast s’mores with your kids for a camp-fire-feel in your very own back yard.

    1. Use patio heaters

    You can probably spot a theme here, right? Making the most of your yard during winter is all about making sure you have enough heat, so if you already have a nice patio area with comfortable furniture, make it more appealing by adding some patio heaters and a DIY patio cover. A good quality patio heater will mean you can sit outdoors to read a book, chat to friends or simply listen to the rustle of leaves across the lawn.

    1. Install a pergola

    Pergolas aren’t just for summer gardens and, in fact, we’re not talking about those little wooden structures you might grow roses up. Instead, add a solid pergola to the side of your house so that you have an inside-outside entertainment area that’s largely protected from the elements. Built over a brick patio, a solid pergola will provide plenty of shelter from wind and rain which means you can use it as an overspill area when you’re hosting guests, or even use it with your patio heaters to make an al-fresco dining area whenever you fancy. And, your pergola will come in handy in the summer months too, offering plenty of shade and respite from the hot summer sun.

    1. Add a hot tub

    Finally, a hot tub is a great addition to any garden at any time of year, but it’s a certain way to ensure you get outdoors this winter. Just think of all those Scandinavian countries that have hot tubs in cold climates – it’s the contrast in temperature that makes it so enjoyable, and we can guarantee your friends and neighbors will be hoping for an invite if you get one! Just make sure you position your new tub close to the house so you can step straight out of your house, slip off your robe and sink into that lovely warm water.

    Will you try any of these ideas to get more use out of your garden this winter?

  • Should You Hire A Property Management Company or DIY? Here’s What To Consider

    Should You Hire A Property Management Company or DIY? Here’s What To Consider

    Renting your property in the hot market of San Diego can be an excellent way to get some extra income. But, maximizing the return on your investment could come with some unforeseen headaches.

    To make the most of your investment in the lucrative Southern California rental industry, you’ll need to make sure everything runs smoothly — from advertising and leasing to move out inspections.

    A common question property owners have at this point is whether to do these things alone or to hire a property management company. The answer depends on your individual circumstances.

    For instance, if you own a single property nearby, it probably makes more sense to take care of it yourself. If you own an apartment community in a different state, hiring a property management company could be a better bet.

    When deciding between hiring a property management company or becoming a self-managed landlord, here are some factors to consider:

    Finding and Screening Tenants

    High rent prices and a low vacancy rate makes San Diego an excellent market for property owners. In fact, four of San Diego’s largest rental providers report 95% occupancy rates. This is an average, however, and units in your neighborhood may not be as easy to fill.

    If you’re lucky, a tenant with perfect credit and a long history of reliability will walk in off the street looking for your in-demand property. If you’re not so lucky, you’ll need to make sure you’re advertising in the right places. You’ll also need to understand the variety of Fair Housing and tenant screening laws, to remain in compliance with the law.

    A property management company can take care of advertising and attract new tenants to your building. They can also handle the screening process to help you find reliable tenants.

    Maintenance and Repairs

    San Diego County renters have certain rights when it comes to building maintenance and repair. Landlords must not only conduct this regular repair and maintenance but keep records of this too.

    In single units or smaller properties, this may be something easily managed by yourself or your building supervisor. In larger units repairs may be more difficult to conduct without commercial assistance, as well as needing to track and file paperwork associated with the California landlord/tenant laws.

    Property management companies often have established relationships with building maintenance crews, streamlining the repair and paperwork process for numerous rentals.

    Acting as a Point of Contact for Residents

    There is no substitute for a personal relationship with your tenants. Knowing everyone’s name and face can help prevent and solve problems easily, such as allowing you to anticipate repairs or complaints and address them before it becomes a problem.

    It is often possible to act as your own single point of contact for smaller apartment buildings or single residential rentals. If you own multiple units, acting as a point of contact becomes a full-time job.

    In addition, if you live out of town or travel often, it will be more difficult to establish this contact yourself. San Diego area property managers can become your single point of contact for all your rentals.

    Cost of property management vs. landlord managed rentals.

    The bottom line for most property owners comes down to cost. Does managing your own property cost more or less than hiring a full-service property management company? The answer isn’t a clear yes or no, but is based on a number of factors.


    Ask yourself a few questions:

    • How many properties do you own?
    • What size are these properties?
    • What neighborhoods are your properties located in? Are they all in Mira Mesa, or spread out from El Cajon to Pacific Beach?
    • Do you live near your properties?
    • Do you have experience managing properties?
    • Do you understand the median rents in your area?

    You’ll also want to consider factors such as your ability to provide a contact point for renters and how you will manage repairs and paperwork, such as tax and compliance filings.

    If you have a smaller property near your home, it may be cheaper for you to take care of all these things yourself. If you have multiple properties scattered throughout San Diego County, it may be less expensive to hire a property management company. Many property management companies charge a fee that equals 8-10% of the total amount you collect in monthly rent.

    The choice to handle the management of your property or hire a company is likely one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Once you know what questions to ask yourself, you can be confident your decision will maximize the return on your investment.

  • How to maximise storage space in a small room

    How to maximise storage space in a small room

    In any room of your house there will always be ways that you can maximise your space but when it comes to your bedroom it can seem like such a challenge. For starters, your bed can often cause problems as it is not the easiest obstacle to work around  – and therefore space ends up getting wasted.

    Here are ten smart ways you can maximise your storage space in your bedroom.

    1.    Maximise underneath your bed

    This is simply one of the smartest and easiest ways to add a whole area of storage to your room. If you don’t have any storage under your bed then you have several options:

    1. Make your own DIY storage solution
    2. Get some boxes, put them under your bed and add a bed skirt to hide them
    3. Buy a new bed – Divan Beds Centre have a great range of storage beds perfectly designed for those smaller bedrooms.

    1.    Minimise clutter

    Go through your room and dispose of anything you no longer use or need – if you are a hoarder, you will need to be brutal.

    1.    Organise your drawers to your best advantage

    Taking the time to store your clothes properly could give you more storage space instantly. Vacuum packing out of season clothes is a great way to give you more space. Don’t just throw everything in your drawers either, fold things up and organise your t-shirts vertically – this way you can fit more in and it’s easier to see your clothes too.

    1.    Purchase multifunctional furniture

    This could include a bed with drawers or even a bookshelf. If you decide to buy a large piece of furniture, ensure it can hold multiple different things and that it doesn’t block valuable space or take up too much room on your floor.

    1.    Use other rooms in your home

    Remember you have other rooms in your home. If you have a spare room that you don’t use as often as the others, store some things in there, or simply just try and space your items out across the whole house and not cram it all into one.

    1.    Utilise your walls

    Get as many things removed from your floor as you possibly can. Wall-mounted storage will make your room look a lot bigger. Change your table lamp for a pendant and use shelves around the room.

     

    1.    Use vertical spaces

    There may be plenty of up and down surfaces that never get utilised in your room – put them to good use. Get some slim wire baskets and line the back of your door. This is great for hidden storage and you can fit so much stuff on them.

    1.    Helpful add-ons

    Look for single-storage items such as hair dryer or straighteners hooks. These can be put inside cupboards or on the side of a set of drawers or a bedside table.

    1.    Use the corners

    Use the corners in your room. They often get neglected as people think there’s not much you can do but, you’d be surprised. Check out this article by Houzz on how to make better use of bedroom corners.

     

    1.    Light

    Brightening up your room will make it look bigger, so get as much natural light in as possible.

  • Latest Design Trends in Wooden Furniture

    Latest Design Trends in Wooden Furniture

    Furniture trends aren’t on top of everyone’s list. Most people are not too conscious about the furniture they buy. However, if you really care about the decor of your home then you need to be on top of furniture trends. Wooden furniture has been a staple in most households as it is aesthetically appealing and quite durable, depending on the type of wood used. We have some trends in wooden furniture for you to consider if you are looking to change your home decor.

    Exotic wood

    Exotic wood is basically any wood that you would not normally find domestically. These are imported and have become quite a trend in wooden furniture. You can find them in different shades, so pick on to your liking. Exotic wood is typically hardwood so they are durable and give a nice appeal. You can find numerous different websites online that make tables, beds, and other pieces of furniture with exotic wood. The feel and look of the wood are slightly different than domestic wood so it adds a nice “exoticness” to the home.

    Warm wood tones

    Whether you are looking to add wood furniture to your room or the kitchen, go with warmer tones. Warmer tones tend to add a more cozy feel to the room. Darker tones were quite a trend for a while but they have been played out. Warmer tones of wood are making a comeback and will surely add appeal to wherever you apply it.

    Wooden kitchen

    Going all wood in the kitchen gives it an elegant appeal. You can get wooden cabinets, shelves put in, wooden wall and even a wooden cover for your stove. The look adds a lot more depth to the kitchen and gives it a warm feel. We recommend going with warm wood tones but even if you go with slightly darker tones, you are sure to love your kitchen.

    The good thing about wooden furniture is the fact that you can work on it on your own. If you have done woodwork then you can easily make wooden furniture on your own. It does require a little practice so if you are starting off, we recommend you get the basics down first. You can find tips and more help on how to go about woodwork at Wood working fuel. Rather than spending thousands of dollars, you can learn woodwork and save yourself a lot of money.

  • Tips to Buy the Best Wireless Home Security System

    Tips to Buy the Best Wireless Home Security System

    Wireless security system offers an advanced level of protection to your family, property, and business. You can find a variety of security systems in the market, and it can be difficult to choose the best wireless home security system.

    A basic system comes with an audible alarm, sensors, and alarm monitoring. A mid-range wireless security system comes with extra features, such as remote and mobile capabilities to access the web. These capabilities include email and text notifications.

    Advanced security systems come with the extra camera to stream live video and features for home automation. The wireless security system may come with numerous detectors and sensors; hence, you can customize it as per your security needs.

    Choose a Security System as per your Lifestyle

    The wireless security system is flexible to adapt to every lifestyle. Every family can expand features and components of a security system as per their needs. The sensors of a wireless security system can be added or moved.

    You can monitor all types of things in your house and get real-time alerts. You can secure your windows and doors, pool gate and get a message about an intruder. You can easily protect your bathroom cabinet or money in your locker. These sensors offer a unique protection and work in a better way as compared to a wired alarm system.

    With a wireless security system, you can turn your house into a smart home. This feature will help you to make the security system of your home smarter and efficient. Smart features of a house include monitoring via HD video recorded through your wireless camera.

    A smart system comes with a thermostat control and allows you to automate the locks of your house. The modern and flexible features of a wireless security system make it a great choice for all technology-driven customers.

    Wireless Video Camera and Motion Detector

     

    It will be good to choose a wireless security system with wireless motion detector. It helps you to detect the movements in hallways, on stairs and rooms to alert you for an intruder. With the wireless video camera, you can see online surveillance of your house on your laptop or mobile devices. A door sensor is essential for your exterior windows and doors near shrubs and trees. These will help you to learn about the presence of an intruder in your house.

    Reliability of Wireless Systems

    Wireless security systems utilize your cellular monitoring to communicate with the monitoring center of alarm. This technology is becoming popular among homeowners because of its reliable connection. It is difficult to tamper this security system.

    These are reliable like cell phones and wireless routers. An advance security system may affect the several electromagnetic interfaces, such as microwaves, baby monitors, power lines and remote controls.

    A wireless home security system is extremely reliable because of its battery. These offer amazing performance and withstand the power outages that is impossible with a wired security system.