Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Author: ION

  • Steps involved in repairing a water-damaged ceiling

    Steps involved in repairing a water-damaged ceiling

    Now this isn’t something you’ll have to do or solve often, but when you do, it can indeed be one gigantic headache that isn’t going away anytime soon. In case you were still wondering, yes, we are talking about repairing your ceiling. No mean feat whatsoever, but it has to be done. Sometimes you don;t always a ceiling fixer in perth to take care of things whenever they fall apart.

    Let’s not mince any words here – water can be quite destructive indeed. The moment it meets the drywall, at best it can make your wall look rather unsightly, and at worst, it can even cause your entire wall to collapse and cave in.

    By keeping a keen eye out for such aspects like the appearance of cracks on the surface, you should be able to nip the problem of your damaged ceiling in the bud before it’s too late. Luckily, there are a few steps that once followed, should restore the state of your damaged ceiling back to what it once was. There is nothing really to overtly panic about, just as long as you happen to have the necessary tools for all the repairs. Here are the necessary steps :

    • Make sure you find the source of the water leak: All your repairs will be absolutely no good until and unless you find the source of the water leak. Although it may be incredibly frustrating and difficult to do at first, since water can spread out all over leaving you confused about the location of the actual source.

    In this regard, removing the damaged drywall is recommended. That way, you will be able to get a closer and better look at where exactly the leak is coming from. Do be extremely careful of black mould if present and make sure that you get it removed as soon as possible. It is extremely harmful and toxic.

    • Removing the water-damaged drywall: Firstly, you need to put tarps to catch all the drywall pieces debris caused by the damaged drywall. Then, depending on the level of damage, you can either remove the damaged parts by hand or by using the end of a hammer. For protection, make sure that you wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

    • Do the needful repairs: This involves patching up the ceiling by measuring the length of the replacement area and making the perfect size of compound as well. Here, depending on the extent and the area of damage, you might need the help of the professional contractor.

    • Apply the paint: This can be done either by a roller applicator or a large paintbrush. Make sure that you paint as evenly as possible and if necessary, apply a second coat of paint as well.
    • The final clean-up: This includes all the tiny debris and mounds of dusts, as well as the paint cans and spilled paint (if any). Make sure that you thoroughly rinse your tools and painbrushes in warm water as well

    Ultimately, when all is said and done, you need to keep in mind the fact that sometimes, it’s simply not possible to do everything on your own. Even if you know what to do, you may very well be in a situation where you simply do not have the necessary tools at your disposal. In that case, even if you plan out an economic budget regarding all expenses, it would be highly advised that you look around for services that provide the best ceiling fixers.

  • Easy DIY Steps to Repair Cracked Plaster

    Easy DIY Steps to Repair Cracked Plaster

    Cracked plaster is a common household problem. A plasterboard can easily last for years if it is installed properly. But even top-quality plaster walls wear out or get damaged over the course of time.

    You have the option of hiring a professional company that can help you with your repair needs related to plastering in Auckland or any other major city in New Zealand. However, you can even do it yourself. Repairing your plaster walls can be easy and you don’t need to have any special skills or prior experience. Have a look at following tips that will help you in doing it yourself:

    • Do your homework

    Most of the times, it is the water that causes plaster to crack in the first place. Therefore, you need to be alert and make sure you fix any leaks or causes of moisture before performing repairs.. Even temperature plays an important role. It’s important to maintain optimum room temperature  — neither too hot nor too cold.

    The room you are working in should retain this temperature at least 24 hours before plastering, to ensure that the walls are completely dry. It must stay at this temperature during plastering and until the plaster has completely set.

    • Examine the plaster cracks

    While covering damaged plaster with drywall is cheaper, materials that are period-authentic maintain the integrity of an old house. You should start by examining the cracks and try to find out possible causes. Settlement over time is one reason for cracked plaster, another is key disintegration. This is where the plaster bulges out through the wood lath to create a bond. It can also be caused by poor-quality plaster, water damage or regular wear and tear.

    • Clean out the cracks

    The first step in repairing cracks is cleaning them out. You can use a five-way tool or any other scraping device from your portable workbench. For large cracks with plaster falling out, get rid of the damaged plaster to reveal the binding course. Remove old plaster in the lath  completely, in order to establish a better binding course for the new plaster to adhere to.

    • Useand drywall screws on large cracks

    Large cracks where the lath and plaster have been pulled away from the wall, can be re-secured using metal plaster washers and ordinary one and a half to two-inch drywall screws. This secures the existing plaster to the wood lath. Secure screws and washers diagonally on either side of loose plaster, about one and a half to two-inch from the crack.

    • Prepare a base-coat

    Image credit: bptrends

    Plaster repair involves two coats, a base-coat plaster for re-establishing the key-ways (space between the slats of the wooden lath) for a binding layer and a top-coat finish layer to offer a smooth surface. The base-coat is a lime-based plaster, also known as ‘brown coat’ that is mainly sand- or silicate-based.

    Mix base-coat plaster with room-temperature water. With the help of an electric drill with a paint-paddle, mix the plaster and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes as it starts to thicken.

    • Squeeze the base-coat into the cracks

    Mist the lath lightly with water; be careful not to over-saturate the wood. This will prevent the lath from wicking moisture out of the plaster, causing it to dry quickly. Using a trowel, squeeze base-coat into the cracks and make sure it gets into the keys of the lath. Smooth over the crack and angle off the excess.

    Depending upon humidity, the base-coat can take from two hours to one whole day in order to set up fully. Give it a few days to dry completely. Once the base coat has dried, sand to a smooth finish.

    • Apply a finish coat

    The final step is to apply a finish coat. The finish coat is much finer than the base coat and has a high lime content that gives the plaster a sheen. Spread the finish coat evenly over dried coat. The finish coat can also be used alone to cover small, hairline cracks. Polish the plaster repairs by lightly spraying with water and smoothing over with grout float. Once the finish coat has dried, the newly repaired plaster can be given a fresh coat of paint or wallpapered.

    So these are some DIY steps that can help you in repairing cracked plaster. Hope you find this article informative and useful.

  • 10 Coastal Themed Decor Ideas

    10 Coastal Themed Decor Ideas

    Everybody dreams of owning a home on the ocean, life in a coastal estate just seems like the ultimate dream lifestyle doesn’t it? If you have just moved into a new vacation apartment on the beach, or you are designing your ultimate dream beach house, here are ten great decor ideas to use that reflect your new environment

    #1 Marine Decor & Fixtures

    Stick to the marine theme throughout every room in your home by adding subtle decor and fixtures that complete the ocean feel without overpowering the room and making it feel cheesy. Using simple wood plank flooring in the lounge, deck and reception areas of the home. Paint the floorboards a deep ocean blue and highlight it with splashes of red, white, and light blue.

    Use rugs with colors and patterns reminiscent of the sea to add texture and charm to your interior. Rugs can also make your space appear warm and inviting and will give your bare feet more comfortable surfaces to rest on.

    Use brass wherever you have the opportunity. Window catches, door handles, curtain rails, and other adorning fixtures. Brass has an old-style theme to it that looks amazing when it’s polished up.

    #2 Everyone Loves an Outdoor Bar

    Get as creative and as extravagant as you like with your outdoor bar area. Stick to wooden beams and an oak countertop. The coastal theme has an organic presence to it, so the use of natural, sustainable materials is essential. Carry this theme into your furniture with some wooden bar stools made from driftwood. For the lighting, keep it simple with lanterns, soft light sources, and make sure that you are well protected from the elements.

    #3 The Beach Bohemian

    Keep things bright and colorful in your living areas with a beautiful beach bohemian theme. Splash out color wherever you can and stick to bright reds, yellow, white, ocean blues, and greens. This color palette catches the eye and enhances the natural light in any room.

    #4 Map your Walls

    Take a different view on the walls of your lounge. Instead of painting them with a boring plain tone, make a visual impression with some map wallpaper. For example, a map showing the Florida Keys will look good on the wall of any home, especially if you live in a coastal Florida community. It helps keep the theme of your home local, while providing an interesting visual aid that can make for a great conversation starter with guests.

    #5 Island Style Setting

    Islands are about isolation and independence, freedom from society’s binding rituals that consume our time and thoughts. Create this setting in your home by adding in elements of an island. Shells, sand features, water features, and the plants you select for both inside rooms and outside areas. These subtle additions to decor can be used to provide the subtropical theme in any room or living area of the home.

    #6 Bring in the Sun

    Open the living areas and bedrooms of your home to the warm rays of the sun. Use thin cotton curtains in pale colors and a simple minimalistic approach to the open living spaces in order to enhance the light wherever you can.

    #7 Dolphins, Whales, and Walls

    Finding things for kids to do in Palm Beach County is easy to do but finding the right decor for their bedrooms and bathrooms may be a little more challenging.Kids love dolphins, whales, and sharks. Bring this marine life into your home by splashing their images in the kid’s rooms and bathrooms. Use wallpaper and tiles with stylish, creative images on the walls and tiles.

    #8 Get Creative with Coral

    Coral is a beautiful sea organism that make a beautiful, unique, exquisite decoration in any room of the home. Set them on display in reception areas, add them to your outdoor bar decor, or adorn mantelpieces with their spectacular arrangements.

    #9 Don’t Forget the Aircon

    Living the coastal lifestyle is blissful when the weather is clear and fine. However, when those hot and humid days strike, you want to be prepared for the wrath of Mother Nature, no be at her mercy. Having the right size air conditioner for your home will ensure that you spend your days and nights in relaxing cool comfort.

    #10 Set up a Bamboo Lattice

    Give your outdoor patio a beach theme with a bamboo lattice. They are simple to set up yourself and make for a fun project for the whole family. A bamboo lattice doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be sturdy, so make sure that the frame is tightly bound to survive any storms.

  • Smart Tips for Buying Luxury Condos in West Palm Beach

    Smart Tips for Buying Luxury Condos in West Palm Beach

    Located along Florida’s Atlantic Ocean Coast, West Palm Beach is a city, bursting with colors and textures that have a different charm of its own. Just like in every city from South Florida, this place is full of life with interesting activity all the time.  The subtropical climate ensures pleasant weather throughout the year with plenty of sunshine. The lifestyle and atmosphere here emphasize not on work but on the fun.

    There are a lot of things to discover and many spots to visit if you are a tourist. You will not get bored for a second because you will find here exquisite shops, Broadway-quality shows, a world-renowned art museum and also fine dining.  Shopping and food in West Palm Beach are awesome experiences and you will find here fashionable bars, nightclubs, boutiques, and souvenirs.

    West Palm Beach offers its guests continuous excitement within easy reach of smooth-sand beaches and around of the country’s most attractive waterways.

    If you have decided to settle down and start living in the house that you buy or rent in this beautiful city or around, you would surely begin to discover newer attractions of this place and living here would be a delight. You will find West Palm Beach modern luxury condos or the beach house of your dreams meant to refresh your spirit away from the buzz of work.

    From brand-new downtown luxury condos to the luxury villas on the beach, there are a plethora of choices in high-end homes in West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale from which to choose.

    Consider the tips from below from luxury home market professionals before buying your dream home:

    • Start the research process.

    Check out the market online to have an idea about the featured houses listed and see what you do and do not want. The word of luxury brings to mind plenty of conveniences such as, technology, pools, in-home gyms, saunas, game rooms, backyard tennis courts, and fully-stocked kitchens. What is the luxury you are looking for when shopping for your new house?

     

    • Go beyond the pictures

     

    Many large properties cannot be seen in pictures so you have to see them in person to appreciate them. We recommend you to do a search of the property and it’s neighborhood on Google Earth to see what’s around it.

     

    • Consult a local expert

     

    It is very important to consult a local expert in luxury real estate in the wanted location and let him find properties for you to show you the best value in the area. At Modern Living Real Estate, you will find high-end properties and luxurious homes all over Palm Beach and Broward County and you will get the best guidance, advice, and expertise in finding your dream house.

     

    • Look into the future

     

    Make sure you know what construction is planned around the house you are interested in. Know the timeline.

     

    • Negotiate

     

    The price of a particular luxury property is rarely set in stone.

  • Long Beach Design Inside And Outside

    Long Beach Design Inside And Outside

    Water. It sets such a wonderful vibe and creates the brightest of moods when calm. That’s why beach-y home decor is one of the most popular style choices among those who aren’t even near one of the seven seas.

    If you want to create a beachy atmosphere in your home, there is now a strong library filled with multiple options to add that beach look to your home. (Just check out Houzz.,com for examples.) Whether you live near a beach in Ocean City, Jersey Shore or Long Beach, you may have caught beach fever, and need a classic water tone to your decor.

    Simple And Cheap Tips To Bring The Beach Wave In Your Home

    You’ll find that most of these tips will derive from the very things you like about the beach and it’s fun to see how a tiny effort can go far in making your home more relaxing.

    Bring The Sunshine In

     Most can say they enjoy going to the beach on a nice hot sunny day, so let the light in! This can be one of the easiest and most simple tips. Letting light in any space, weather you enjoy modern decor or traditional can make the space feel airy.

    Having bare windows lets in the most light, but everyone likes some shade and privacy sometimes. By adding white curtains, you can retain that light and airy feeling; if that still keeps the room to right or is not your style, light, colors like baby blue can maintain the atmosphere.

    Think of those curtains as if they were beach umbrellas.

    Anchors Away

     

     Like art? Want some fun activities for the kids? You can get creative and draw up some anchors. Get traceables if need be! Or you can simply buy some anchor art and it put around the home.

    More advanced users get really creative and start fun DIY projects. Don’t worry, thanks to these helpful people, there’s practically no learning curves because the directions are laid out for you. Plopping an anchor on a clear jar is quite popular and can double as storage.

    Have Fun With Your Decor!

     

     One of the main reasons people love the beach is for the fun times that they can have there. For those trying to get the calm beach look with a twist can add in the tropical flavors usually associated with the beach. Fun pops of yellows, greens, and oranges can add some sweet citrus to your home design.

    Think beach (like what can you find at the beach) aiin accessorizing your home. Pillows are a perfect way to do this. If you are really passionate about bringing the beach to your home then don’t be afraid to get a pillow with a crab print on it!

    Time to Wash the Sand Off?

    Then again it doesn’t have to be. Really love the beach? Take advantage of some soothing beach sounds before bed! Bring the beach inside your home while keeping the sand out!

    Want to Keep the Calm and Fun Flowing?

    It’s one thing for outer appearances to be intact, but there’s nothing worse than the very water vibe you try to emulate actually ruining your day. When water gets inside your home due to  leaking pipes or storms, what you have is trouble, not a welcome continuation of your beachy theme. The same holds true if you have a problem with  an overflowing dishwasher or locked garbage disposal

    With warm weather comes beach fever, and with beach fever comes cookouts! People can get tempted to put just about anything in their garbage disposal! Food that retains water or that is stringy or  fibrous can cause a clogging issue! Be cautious and get help if this still manages to happen. Make sure to have the number for a 24 hour plumber Long Beach, CA close at hand so garbage disposal problems don’t ruin your picnic..

    Hit by a storm? Have a leak in the wall that goes unnoticed for a while? In this situation, always contact the most professional water damage restoration companies who will assess the damage, clean it up, and let you know what can be salvaged.

    Enjoy your beach inspired home design!

  • An Introduction To Artificial Cypress Topiary

    An Introduction To Artificial Cypress Topiary

    The World of Artificial Cypress Topiary

    Artificial cypress topiary is rapidly becoming all the rage with professional landscapers and interior designers for residences. Nothing about that comes as a major surprise, either. If you want to decorate your outdoor and indoor environments with topiary that’s stunning and captivating, there are few options out there that can compete with artificial cypress topiary. Artificial cypress topiary can introduce many diverse advantages to any outdoor or indoor space.

    Artificial Cypress Topiary Can Revitalize Your Space

    Artificial cypress topiary can revitalize any space. It can introduce a wonderful pop of color to any indoor or outdoor setting. It can infuse spaces with welcome radiance and brightness. It can give spaces a lot of drama, flair and intensity, too.

    It doesn’t matter if you go for artificial cypress topiary that has a gorgeous spiral shape. It doesn’t matter if you go for artificial cypress topiary that’s shaped like a neat and tidy cone, either. Artificial cypress topiary offers visual advantages that can be great for people who wish to focus on unforgettable, striking and natural design schemes.

    Artificial Cypress Topiary Trees Are Available in Many Size Categories

    Artificial cypress topiary plants can be great for people who want to explore many diverse size categories. If you want a potted plant that you can put on display in your living room at home, you can invest in artificial cypress topiary that’s on the taller side. There are many artificial cypress topiary options that are between eight and 10 feet in height.

    There are also an abundance of shorter and smaller choices available to people. If you want to place an artificial cypress topiary tree in a smaller and more compact part of your home, it can be a wise idea to consider different sizes. There are many attractive potted artificial cypress topiary trees that are around four feet tall.

    Smaller artificial cypress topiary trees aren’t as imposing and don’t take up as much visual real estate. They can be particularly beneficial for people who reside in apartments and smaller homes in general. It isn’t only important to focus on height, either. That’s because it’s just as critical to take artificial cypress topiary width into consideration. Smaller artificial cypress topiary trees are often just under one foot in width. If you live in an apartment that doesn’t have much room to spare, you should probably go for narrower choices.

    Artificial Cypress Topiary Material Options

    You shouldn’t commit to purchasing artificial cypress topiary trees without first paying careful attention to material. Artificial cypress topiary trees are often created using synthetic rubber that’s resilient, powerful and tough. They’re frequently created using rubber that’s not vulnerable to the effects of solvents, excessive heat, oils and water as well. These kinds of artificial cypress topiary trees are optimal for extended indoor and outdoor applications. It’s essential to focus on all of the materials that make up artificial cypress topiary trees. Their leaves often consist of polyester or plastic.

    Ultraviolet Ray Protection

    It’s vital to look for artificial cypress topiary trees that offer protection from aggressive and harsh UV (ultraviolet) rays. UV rays can be highly detrimental and can often lead to significant fading and discoloration. Ultraviolet ray obstruction technology can come in handy for people who want to avoid the pitfalls of unsightly fading.

    If you want the artificial cypress topiary tree in your background to appear fresh, vibrant and “alive” for as long as possible, you need to look for options that offer reliable UV protection. These aren’t difficult to find.

  • How to slash the cost of moving house

    How to slash the cost of moving house

    They say it’s one of the most stressful events in your life and for most of us, it will most certainly happen more than once. In truth, moving house is never going to be easy, but something else that enters the equation is the fact that it generally costs much, much more than any of us first realise.

    At first, we’re completely focussed on bartering ‘x’ thousand from the first asking price. Then, all of the other “hidden” costs start to enter the equation. We’re talking about the likes of solicitor fees, the fee payable to the estate agent and, as the title may have given away, the cost of physically moving your things to your new home.

    Following on from this, let’s take a look at some of the savviest methods you can utilize to save the maximum amount whilst moving.

    Never pay for boxes

    Nowadays, there are umpteen stores trying to sell premium boxes designed to help you move house more easily. While these boxes are of good quality, and most certainly won’t have holes in the bottom, there’s no doubt that this is an expensive route to follow.

    Instead, it’s so easy to obtain cardboard boxes from the likes of supermarkets who are just desperate to get rid of them and will provide you them free of charge. Depending on the scale of your move, this can save terrific sums of money.

    Be savvy about where you dispose of your junk

    One of the best things about moving house is that in some ways, it allows you to start again. All of those unwanted gifts that you have accumulated, as well as all of the other junk, can finally be cast aside and you can start life in your new place without them.

    Of course, disposing of them is easier said than done. Depending on the item in question, there might be specific rules and regulations related to their disposal. This is why so many rubbish removal services are now hot in demand; as they are able to do all of the leg work for you. If you do have quite a lot of items that might be challenging to dispose of, at least consider a service like this.

    Your meal plans can make a difference as well

    This one might raise a few eyebrows, but if you have a freezer-full of food you’ll probably know what we’re talking about. When the time comes to unplug the appliance and pack it away, you run the risk of losing a lot of food. If you can plan your meals accordingly, you can use the optimum amount of food and not have to bother about additional “cold” transport costs.

    Do you need the professional service?

    A lot of people will find a professional removal service, and rightly so. However, in some cases, this really might be an unnecessary cost. If you can source a vehicle (and rents for these tend to be pretty low these days), and a few pairs of hands, you can be well on your way to saving significant sums. Sure, it will be hard work, but in the interests of staying in the black it can be completely worthwhile.

  • 6 Bathroom Shower Tile Ideas

    6 Bathroom Shower Tile Ideas

    Installing new tiles will give your bathroom the appeal it desperately deserves. You don’t have to settle for whatever your local department store has to offer. Lesso Commercial has several tiles to fit all your needs. There are several unique ideas to make your home everything you desire. Here are six of the best tile ideas for your shower.

    Create Accent Wall

    One of the newest trends is to install an accent wall in the shower area to make it pop. Not enough bathrooms have a unique personality, and this is a nice change of scenery. An accent wall is perfect for a bathroom that has solid colored wall tiles. The accent wall must have a unique style and not simply be another solid color wall.

     Make Tiles in Shower Different than Bathroom Walls

    This is like an accent wall, but with the entire shower. This is a great opportunity to show your style and install a unique tile design that reflects your personality. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and try multiple configurations before you apply the tiles for good. This is a great time to switch up tile size and colors to create something that you’ll never see in anyone else’s home.

    Tile the Ceiling

    Most people who have tile in their shower forget one important area – the ceiling. Tiling your ceiling can add a fresh perspective, and help prevent moisture from soaking into the ceiling. This is the perfect addition for anyone who loves a hot shower with extra steam in the room that you enjoy as you get ready for work.

    Use Grout to Add Contrast

    When you install tile in your home you need to install grout to secure the tiles in place and prevent water from getting between the tile and the wall. Grout can either blend in with your tile, or you can use it to make the tiles more prominent. When you install dark tiles using a light grout will give your walls a nice contrast of colors.

    Marble

    Marble is one of the most expensive tile materials, but this natural material is much prettier than any synthetic material on the market. The natural contrasting veins in the marble are unique to your home, and cannot be replicated for another home. This rich material will make you feel like a king, and if maintained properly will stay beautiful for many years to come. Marble can run as much as $15 per square foot, so be prepared to pay top dollar.

     Stone

    One of the less common shower ideas is to add real stone accents in with dark grey tiling. Anytime you include a natural material into your home is beautiful. Stone accents are perfect for ledges and sections made to hold soap. The beauty of adding stone is that you can pick any rocks you find aesthetically pleasing. If you enjoy the outdoors, then you can pick up rocks from all your favorite hiking destinations give your shower some natural beauty.