Category: Interior Design

The kitchen is one of the best places in a home, from where many of our happiest moments of the day get served. Food, drinks, laughter, gossips…aah, the nostalgia!

That is why it is often referred to as the heart of the home. Probably, no one can understand this better than the one who spends most part of the day there, preparing dishes for both normal and special occasions. While food is the common ground of universal expressions and celebrations, picking out the right ingredients and cooking utensils from the kitchen cabinet is what makes one the best cook.

Kitchen and Cabinets: What Determines Your Storage Planning?

Daily activities and functions that happen inside a kitchen are the essential factors that determine your cabinetry planning. Apart from following the basics of a kitchen work triangle; good designs, easy installation and close proximity are the other factors that rule a kitchen decoration and planning. Saving a few six to nine inches can save you some extra space to store bottles of wine and cook books. On the other hand, easy access to spice ingredients and pans and pots near the preparation counter can make cooking convenient.

Kitchen modeling therefore comes with deciding which furniture to choose next. Get custom-made furniture or purchase Ready-to-Assemble cabinets, a well designed kitchen storage planning means an improved work flow. Designing a custom-made cabinetry is a tedious task when one has to pay attention to the spacing details of a room, the measurement aspects of every space and corner, trending preferences and of course the type of function that owners undertake when working inside the kitchen. Besides, it is time consuming and requires a lot of work and effort, for sometimes the owner might want something but lack of proper kitchen space compels one to go for alternative options.

That is why, Ready-to-Assemble or RTA kitchen cabinets enjoy a distinct advantage over traditional cabinets in the market today. Latest US RTA furniture market reports and forecasts show a CAGR growth of 4.75% in prospects over the years 2014 to 2019.

In short, many are opting for Ready-to-Assemble furniture products. Modern RTA kitchen cabinets are today made of real wood and not of laminated particle board. They share the same design aspects that a traditional cabinet has and are structurally better built. The only difference is that they are shipped unassembled along with a kit of hardware joinery requirements. They share a somewhat modular construction carpentry and technique that is focused on convenience and usability. You can find kitchen cabinets online with ease and get them shipped straight to your door. That way you don’t even need to go out and have to carry them all around the store and to your car after you found the right ones.

The Advantageous Factors of Using Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets

#1 – Cheaper Shipping Costs

Building a custom-made cabinet is not only time consuming but is accompanied with a hefty price tag. Besides, transportation across rugged roads could cause damage to a heavy wooded furniture cabinet. The good thing about RTA kitchen cabinets is that, they are shipped in parts. This allows the panels to be loaded anyway on a truck – horizontally, vertically, flat or upright; as the need calls for. It saves space.

Apart from that, the furniture are saved from transportation damage caused on the road and the shipping charges become much cheaper. You can receive dollars worth of cabinetry parcels at the same price that you would have had to pay in case of traditional cabinet furniture.

#2 – More Options

RTA furniture has evolved in design, quality and technology. Modern Ready-to-Asssemble kitchen cabinets are available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. You can find almost any cabinet styles to match your kitchen design, wall color and even size. From the highest quality cherry cabinets to the modern white kitchen cabinets, you get the same look and feel like that of a custom-made kitchen cabinet.

#3 – Do-It-Yourself Friendly

They are so easy to assemble that even a person with common sense can easily do it himself. When assembling, they are joined together with the help of specially designed hardware that is different from the traditional ones. That is why, they could be quickly placed together with just a simple screwdriver turn or with wrench locks. Homeowners can easily do it themselves to assemble the parts or seek professional installation help and guidance. Besides, since they have a particular pattern, they are easy to repair or replace in case of any unwanted catastrophe or a sudden desire for kitchen remodeling.

Assembling RTA kitchen cabinets and other furniture is hassle free and quick. Being DIY friendly, they give you the freedom of choice as to decide how you should design your kitchen space. An efficient and modern kitchen planning means laying out the right guidelines and making the right furniture selections that make your food preparation work station open, active and happy.

Renovating your home can effectively heighten its value, provided you do the renovation right. You can do a variety of renovations, but not all remodeling projects would increase the value of your home. So, prior to starting with the remodeling, it’s smart to know what kind of renovation projects can increase the worth of your home.

 

Below appear some of the renovation projects that would certainly give a boost to your home’s value:

1. Upgrade the kitchen

All remodeling experts say that kitchen remodeling should be the first thing on your list, as the kitchen is your home’s heart – the space where you and your family spend most of the time. Start by upgrading to appliances made of stainless steel. Install countertops made up of granite or engineered stone. Such easy and simple changes can remarkably make your kitchen more aesthetically appealing. You can also create a difference by adding details, such as getting a shiny new faucet for sink and placing glossy knobs on cabinets.   

Another good kitchen upgrade is removing half or full of a wall, so that the kitchen can be linked to a living room or den. This also makes the kitchen area appear  more spacious. When cooking, you would be able to hear the voices of people during parties, or watch your children when they play.

2. Revamp the bathroom

A toilet looking dirty, cracked, old or one where the flush doesn’t work properly, is a big turn-off. The same applies to a vanity that should be practical and visually appealing. The vanity you install should recess into the wall, thereby saving space.

Proper lighting serves as a strong value enhancer, like building a window inside the bathroom, thus letting in natural light to illuminate the space.

A simple fix, which homeowners often overlook is: reglazing the tub instead of buying a new one. This would not only improve the appearance of your bath but also save money.

3. Go green

The demand for green housing has been increasing from the last few years. It’s a huge plus to add more energy efficiency to your home. You can do anything that captures the heat inside in the colder months, and keeps out heat in the warmer months.  

Consider small changes, like adding ceiling fans or storm doors in all the rooms. Or you can make some large changes, like triple or double-paning the windows.

4. Put a fresh coat of paint

One of the most inexpensive and simple improvements is – paint. Rooms that are freshly painted look updated and clean, and this significantly boosts the home value. When choosing colors for paint, remember that the majority of people find neutral colors to be appealing. So, opting for neutral tones would make the home more desirable. So, start painting those walls. 

5. Decorate your home

There are several simple and cost-effective ways to decorate your home to give it that curb appeal. Get fresh flowers to be kept in vases placed on tables, shelves and other furniture items. If die cutting makes one of your hobbies, you can create different decorative items out of paper and fabric on your own by die cutting. You can get dies with new designs from a shop providing die making tools. Die cut designs made of fabric and paper can be put on walls and other furniture pieces.

6. Install a sprinkler system

A lot of homeowners don’t have the time to maintain a striking, landscaped garden. So, planting loads of trees, flowers or bushes may not increase the home value. However, almost everyone likes green grass, so installing a sprinkler system, which turns on and off automatically, makes a smart investment. It would let a buyer keep the lawn in a good condition without much effort.

7. Improve the quality of air within the home

Air quality doesn’t just depend on the outdoor conditions. In case your home has older carpets, they may be concealing allergens and contaminants. The first step you need to take to check out whether or not the carpets need replacement, is hiring a professional company for testing the indoor air quality of your home. If the results show that the carpets need to be replaced, opt for eco-friendly natural products, such as laminate or tile floors. Hard-surface flooring can be kept clean much easily, doesn’t hold odors, and gives an updated look and feel to your home. Buyers in general, find them to be more appealing. 

With these remodeling ideas, you can substantially boost the value of your home.  Consider consulting a home renovation expert before starting, as he/she can guide you well on what type of renovations you should do, and how to carry out the renovations smoothly and successfully.

Mia Jones lives in California. She is working as Content Developer in Advanced Die Supplies, Inc. She loves to pen down her expertise in her blogs. In this content, she is talking about step by step guide for die making tools and equipment.

Now that the recession appears to finally be over, many homeowners are undergoing home remodeling projects either to list their homes for sale on the MLS or simply to get that new look they have been dreaming of over the past several years. One of the hottest trends in kitchen remodeling at the moment is to have all counters resurfaced and the most popular material is granite. If you have been wondering what the big attraction in granite is, here are 7 benefits of granite countertops you may not have been aware of.

1. Unique & Luminous Appeal

Granite is a natural stone and when made into a flat surface material for countertops, these stones are highly polished adding luster to an already beautiful stone. The wonderful aspect of using granite for your kitchen is that no two stones will ever be the same. Now you have a unique countertop unlike any in your neighborhood and one that is luminous for that added bit of appeal.

2. Sanitary Surface

One of the features of granite that makes it a countertop of choice for many homeowners is the fact that granite is naturally resistant to bacterial invasion. Unlike butcher block island countertops that get sliced when using sharp knives, granite will stay smooth and will resist growth of pathogenic bacteria. Yes, it is heavier than its wooden counterpart but so much more sanitary it is truly worth building cabinets with extra support to hold the weight.

3. Heat Resistant

Granite is a natural stone that was formed over many years under pressure and heat. As a result, granite is resistant to heat so you can place hot pans and baking tins right on the counter without fearing burn marks or fires. Granite will not discolor from heat so many homeowners set out hot casseroles and serving dishes when entertaining friends buffet style. This alone is incentive enough to choose granite over other types of countertops.

4. Easy to Clean

Similarly to being sanitary, granite is also extremely easy to clean. All you need to do is take a damp, warm washcloth and go over the countertop as needed. Granite doesn’t scratch easily either so if anything dries on the surface there is no need to worry about scouring it up with a green Teflon pad. Some areas of the country like Phoenix, Arizona are difficult to keep dust-free so granite countertops are the perfect solution since they can be cleaned quickly and easily with just a damp cloth.

5. Lasts Literally Forever

Granite, being stone, lasts literally forever. In fact, you will find that your countertops often outlive your home! One thing to keep in mind when choosing to replace countertops with granite is to seriously consider the state of repair in which your cabinets underneath are in. If you find that they may need repair or replacing within the next few years, it may be to your advantage to replace them at the same time as having your counters replaced. It will save time and money and will be much easier to match dimensions than having cabinets built to ‘fit’ your countertops.

6. Adds Value as a Home Improvement

Since there are so many attractive benefits to granite counters, it is easy to see how they can add value to your home. This is one improvement that typically will never be considered an over improvement because they are functional as well as attractive. Who wouldn’t want a counter that was sanitary, easy to keep clean, heat resistant and durable enough to last forever?

7. Granite Will Not Depreciate in Value

Not only are granite countertops able to add value to your home, this is one improvement that will not depreciate over time. Why? Because depreciation is calculated by the wear and tear along with ultimate replacement/repair costs. Since granite lasts literally forever, there will not be any wear and tear to calculate. It’s really just that simple! Granite does not depreciate so it will be worth just as much next year and the year after as it is today.

There you have seven really great reasons to consider granite when remodeling your kitchen or having a home built to your specs. This is also why granite is currently trending and why you are likely to see many builders opting for granite when designing homes with their architects. Not only does granite add beauty and function to any kitchen it adds value to the home. All in all, it’s a really worthwhile investment.

From the latest innovative textile material to the hottest new trend in state-of-the-art fitted kitchens, 2016 is set to be the year we’re all going to be talking about. Whether your style is contemporary, avant-garde or minimalist, interior design trends for the New Year are focused towards turning your home into a desirable space that will embody definitive style.

Take note to embrace your home’s quirks to maintain the balance between the old and new styles. Enjoy the journey of curating anew but concentrate on opting for those that will make your space not only feel rejuvenated but also most importantly, you.

Texture Contrasts
First and foremost, the sole object of desire in almost every room will focus on creating depths of texture that represent all things cosy and comfortable. Playful yet sophisticated, favourites are faux fur, suede and brushed velvet mixed together to create relaxing silhouettes. Harness the power of textiles to create your very own sense of warmth, colour and emotional interest to make your home feel, well, truly like a home.

Colour Drama, Everywhere
Translating to wall colours and ceramic backsplashes, dramatic colour is back. Creating bold, statement-colour combinations, the aim is to use strong shades to create fluid movement from room to room. Hard textures like cement and wood are even playing a key role in this trend as well as the mixing of metallic and metals. Be brave in creating truly custom looks and consider injecting geometric patterns in a harmonious fashion. Additionally, find a thread of colour that you can continue from room to room to create visual harmony, as while opposites attract, your taste will need to bind it all together.

Eco & Sustainable
From the padding in our sofas to the premium wood sourced for counter worktops, sustainability is at the heart of everything next year. Think re-purposing, reinventing, reusing and recycling – things that interior designers and smart consumers are already starting to do now. Excellent instant inspiration can be found online from sites like Pinterest. The key learning is to find new uses for old things and reinvest in pieces you’ll love and enjoy for years to come. Inject more greenery into the home to carry on the ethos.

Kitchen = Heart of The Home
Easily the most well trafficked room in the house, 2016 sees the kitchen remain as the focus and heart of the home. Celebrating its ability to operate as a multi-purpose space for friends and family, there is further rising popularity for open plan flooring. Carrying over from 2015, fitted kitchens are echoing smart functional designs that casually blend into every nook. Ways to adopt this would be installing smart storage: toe-kick drawers underneath lower cabinets, pull-out shelving and built-in charge ports for tablets and other technology devices.

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Spring is that wonderful time when everything awakes: birds, bees, and plants, but it’s all fun and games until by the end of summer you start finding spiders, flies, ants, and roaches all over your apartment. This doesn’t mean that having insects in your apartment is dangerous or risky, but it is annoying and can take a lot of your time and money to get rid of them since they have the annoying habit of returning.

Do you have a problem with pests?

To be completely honest: the moment you actually see a rodent or a roach, you are neck-deep in pest problems. Ants are not such a big deal, and they are moderately easy to get rid of, but if you have spotted cockroaches, it means that you are going to face a difficult fight. Be careful and meticulous when going around your apartment, and be alert – spotting something seemingly as insignificant as black pepper pellets may show you that you do have roaches in your apartment (roach droppings resemble pepper pellets).

First things first

As desperate as you may be to frantically start cleaning up the place, you can bring more harm than good. The best thing you can do is call an expert and work together to get rid of any pests you might have. Ask the experts for advice as well, using bug bombs to get rid of bedbugs will leave you with fewer bedbugs, but they will be scattered all over the house. Exterminators will set baits for pests, and it’s best you don’t try anything until they tell you to do so; neither them nor you would like their efforts to be in vain, would you?

Staying safe and sound

Noticing insects around the house doesn’t necessarily mean that you have pest problems, but it is generally a good idea to get rid of them just in case; and that’s when you turn to different pest repellents. There are people who cringe at the thought of having harmful chemicals sprayed all over their living room, but luckily there are natural and organic pest control supplies on the market which are safe for you and your furniture. Neither you, your pets, nor your family will be sick from these products, and you will sleep peacefully knowing that there are no insects around you.

Be responsible

Noticing that you have pests is not always easy, but once you are sure and begin treatment, it is wise to let your neighbours know. Roaches and bedbugs can spread to your neighbours’ apartments and houses (or they could have come from them as well), so talk to them to see if they have noticed any problems lately. If they did, you can call exterminators together to do a careful inspection of your homes and determine whether they are at risk or not.

Sharing your living space with the people you love is a wonderful thing, but having to stand spiders, ants, and roaches is not so nice. When you know that your living space belongs to you alone, you will be much calmer and happier knowing you’re safe from pests in your home.

 

Staircases have become an important part of the decor of any interiors. They play an important part in modern contemporary interior. Staircases can be a part of the decor of your house or your office. There are a lot of styles and types of staircases you can choose from. Staircases are made of wood, ceramic, glass and steel. Steel staircases are the most popular ones out of all.

Steel staircases give a classy and elegant look that no other staircase can give. These days, most commercial complexes have a staircase within the office.  Staircases are used for decorative purposes more than functional use. Steel staircases are the widely preferred due to their advantages including:

1. Durability: Steel is the most durable of all materials. It is sturdy and can take heavy weights as well. The best part is that they do not undergo wear and tear. Stainless steel is one material which has a lifetime of over 15 Years. This makes these staircases
2. Look: Steel gives a shiny look which complements the modern and contemporary design. Wood gives a mat finish look which makes it more traditional. Glass and ceramic go well with steel, but people do not usually prefer plain glass staircases as it can break easily which adds to its risk.
3. Cost: Wooden staircases are durable, but they are extremely expensive. Price of wood has greatly increased due to varied factors. The next best alternative to wood is steel. Steel and stainless steel are comparatively cheaper and last longer. Stainless steel also does not have problems of rust. Steel staircases are accompanied with elements of glass.  Most people do not prefer staircases made of ceramic materials or plastic.

Here are some kinds of steel staircases you can choose from:

• Plain Stainless Steel Staircase: This is the most basic kind of all. These are simple and elegant in look. They have the features of a basic staircase which is made from steel. The steps can be broad or narrow depending on the space that it is required in it.
• Stainless Steel Staircases with elements of glass: These staircases are accompanied with elements of glass. Usually, the body of the staircase is made of steel and just the steps have a coating of glass. In some cases, the steps are joined with one another using glass. This adds a unique look to your steps.
• Steel staircases with broad steps: In broader spaces, the steps have to be made in such a manner that it can cover the entire space.
• Floating stainless steel staircases: This is the staircase of the new age. The steps are made in such a manner that it appears as if it’s floating. The steps are not connected to each other using any extra material. Their initial design is such that they are connected to both the rods in the corner.
• Designer staircases: In the older days, staircases had just the functional aspect. They connected various floors of your houses together. These days, people who reside in bungalows or even in offices use staircases to make a statement. When you enter a bungalow or an office, the first thing that falls under your observation is the lavish staircase. They are not just ‘staircases’ anymore, they are a symbol of your style. They tell people how classy you are.

Do you want to know more about steel staircases and get the classy and elegant look to you home? Then stay this link and get more useful information.

Every home should at the very least provide shelter and a modicum of comfort. A luxury home, on the other hand, goes above and beyond these basic amenities and affords the owner a lavish and exquisite environment that can fulfill the wildest needs and desires. Undoubtedly, distinguishing a luxury home from one that is not can be a difficult task, as one man’s basic dwelling is another man’s castle. However, there are a few things that any self-respecting luxury home cannot go without.

Image source: finusa.com

A Lavish Bedroom

The centerpiece of any bedroom is, well, the bed. When thinking luxury, nothing less than king size is acceptable and, of course, the highest thread Egyptian cotton sheets are a must. A plush headboard and a collection of plump down pillows are also a good idea. Elevated bed platforms continue to be a common feature of luxury bedroom design, and for good reason. Climbing into a lavish bed that is raised from the rest of the room is a rather royal and throne-like experience. As luxury and space go hand in hand, the lavish bedroom also has sample room for a couple of cozy chairs, side tables, vanity tables and of course a mandatory walk in closet and an en-suite bathroom.

Image source: menardre.com

The Bathroom

The master bathroom has great potential for luxury, and can truly ooze class, sophistication and opulence. A high class bathroom should have everything a professional spa would be proud of, such as a jacuzzi, a glass enclosed walk in shower complete with full body jets, and of course a double set of sinks and large well lit mirrors. Other than the amenities, the building materials should also ooze grandeur. Stone and marble are a popular option for floors and walls (heated, of course), and incorporating hardwood elements can go a long way in providing an earthy and natural feel to your bathroom.

The Kitchen

In the world of luxury properties, a spacious kitchen kitted out with the latest gadgets and professional cooking equipment is a strong selling point, as well as a focal point of the home. A spacious commercial-style kitchen complete with a walk in refrigerator, a large central island table and a butler’s pantry are pretty much the standard in a luxury home. While kitchens in luxury homes used to be reserved for the staff and were best left far from sight, they are now an integral part of showcasing a home’s class and sophistication. The luxury kitchen should be able to handle everything, from making a quick breakfast to catering a large party.

Image source: billmyanswer.com

Recreation

Recreation is where the luxury home truly stands head and shoulders above other dwellings. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are the definition of luxury, and building basement swimming pools is a popular trend amongst the ultra-rich. Home movie theatres provide a cinema experience without having to leave the house, not to mention being able to pause the movie at your convenience. With the imagination being the only limit, luxury homes can also boast bowling lanes, steam rooms, game rooms, massage rooms and much more.

 

 

Image source: inadamassagechairs.com.au

Changing the look of your office is an ideal way to keep it fresh and dynamic. If you are thinking about shaking things up a little in terms of design and layout, ask yourself these questions before you start:

• How can different teams work more efficiently? The first thing you may need to move around, is not the furniture, if not the staff. If various people need to share a single space, make sure those from the same department are near enough to each other to avoid the need for long walks and telephoning. Sometimes, positioning people from different departments, who need to work together on creative projects, may be useful, so really think this through before making your decision.
• Tidiness vs exciting features: Google offices across the globe have fun items like ping-pong tables, remote control racing tracks and lots of colourful, cutting-edge designer features in their office interior design. While artistic and distracting features are all well and good in large offices, in smaller spaces, they can cause unnecessary clutter and wrest from the peace and clarity people need to produce optimal work.
• Is each workspace large enough for staff members’ needs? Neuroscientist, Lisa Feldman Barrett, rightly notes: “Nothing jangles a primate like crowding.” When people are placed too close together, levels of stress hormone, cortisol, rise, and this interferes with their ability to think clearly or creatively. A good office design company will help you make the most of the available space, or inform you if moving to a bigger office space is necessary to accommodate the needs of the different departments in your company.

• Is there enough opportunity for “serendipitous encounters”? Steve Jobs’ biographer, Walter Isaacson, recalls that, when the computer whiz was designing new offices for Pixar, he was very insistent that bathrooms be placed in such a manner that they fostered “serendipitous personal encounters”. Long hallways are a great way for people from various departments to spontaneously meet, while spacious coffee rooms will also ensure that people from more than one department are together in one space at various times a day.
• Nature vs designer items: Colourful cushions, vases and frames can boost morale, but don’t forget to fill as many spaces as you can with plants; they have been proven to boost performance and lower stress levels.
• Beauty vs ergonomics: Ultimately, the most important consideration when designing a new office layout, is the health and wellbeing of staff. Ensure that they have enough space to move, and that their furniture is comfortable and ergonomic. Make sure desks are at the right height and that computers are fitted with the right filters to protect the eyes. Desks should also be large enough to accommodate all the equipment staff need. Finally, try to ensure that everyone in the office is working with natural light. Few things can be less conducive to producing good work, than having to work with fluorescent lighting all day. Also, be open to new ways of working. Standing desks, for instance, are said to do wonders for the circulation, and they also boost performance, if recent studies are to be believed. Those who work at standing desks say they feel increased vitality at the end of a working day so offer your staff the chance to try this and other healthier alternatives to standard furniture.

Author Bio:

Reno Macri is a Director of a leading exhibition design company Enigma Visual Solutions, specialising in exhibition stand design & build, event design & production, office interior design, office fit out & refurbishments, retail branding and much more. Feel free to explore his office design portfolio. He enjoys sharing his thoughts on upcoming marketing ideas and design trends. Connect with him on Twitter.