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Few Door Materials That Add Security with Style
Even the best of the home designs would sometimes lack on minute details that make a major difference to the overall appearance of the space. Amongst the most neglected things in the home design are doors and windows. The doors are either standardized all over the house or may be used as per the size of the openings, however there is much more to door design that needs your attention.

Before you take a brief tour into various door styles, here are some of the important door materials that may make the selection easier.

Function and Utility

Doors are added to the rooms for privacy and to the entry for security. Depending on where the door is going to be fitted, one should decide the material of the door. The internal doors in the home can be stylish and elegant, while the front door should be both stylish and strong.

Material choices for front door
1. Wood – Wood is the popular material used for furniture and doors. It is one of the most common choices for front door designs due to its durability, strength, and grace. Wood can be carved in different designs to get the unique look and feel. This is low cost option but at the same time it may not withstand the weather effects. You may love to flaunt wooden front doors due to the grace it would bring, but at the same time it would call for fair amount of maintenance as it may not withstand moisture much. Too much of wetness may make your wooden door swell, chip, or get deformed, whereas too much of sun would also develop cracks in your wooden door. So, ensure that you incorporate proper maintenance measures if using wood for the front door.
2. Aluminum – Aluminum is low on maintenance and hence perfect choice for front doors. It may withstand moisture and sun efficiently. Use of aluminum and glass would allow you to enjoy the view of the surroundings without compromising the security. These doors are made to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.
3. Fiberglass – Fiberglass can be molded in desired style just like other conventional materials. The main advantage of this material is its longer life and low maintenance. This material can also be given the wood like finish to get the similar grace without undergoing the weathering just like wood.
What to expect from the exterior doors?

Security is surely the prime concern for exterior doors, however there are many other factors that together work towards getting a perfect door design.
- Impression that lasts – As it is said that “First impression is the last impression”, your guests will remember what they see first and that is certainly your home entry, which is secured by the front door!
- Protects from extreme weather conditions – Weather conditions would result into heightened energy bills. Rightly chosen door would trap the heat inside during winters and keep the interiors cool during summers. Select the energy efficient door material to reduce your energy bills by almost 10%.
Front doors can add both security and grace to your home, so make the right choices!
March 13, 2017
Tips To Help You Choose The Right Hardwood Flooring
There’s nothing quite like hardwood flooring to improve the beauty and value of your home. Hardwood floors can instantly update any room of your home, giving it warmth and character. Hardwood is known to last for years when properly maintained, as well, making this an investment in your home that is guaranteed to last.

Choosing a new hardwood floor can be difficult when you’re faced with the many choices out there today. Solid hardwood flooring vs. engineered, factory finished vs. unfinished, the many different wood species and finishes are all considerations that you’ll need to make as you choose your new floor. Use these tips to help you choose the right hardwood floor for you.

Location

One of the first things you should consider as you choose your new floor is where it will be installed. Hardwoods come in many different durability levels, as well as different types. Solid hardwood flooring, for example, which is made of one piece of wood from top to bottom, can only be installed at or above grade. It also isn’t recommended in damp or wet areas like kitchens and baths. So, if you want hardwood in your basement or kitchen, you may want to consider engineered hardwoods, which are made up of several layers of wood, each running in a different direction. This makes a more stable floor, which will not be prone to swelling damp areas.

Timing of Installation

Your next consideration should be whether this floor is going into new construction or if it’s replacing a current floor in your home. This is important, because some hardwoods come unfinished, or ready to be finished at time of installation, while others come with a factory finish.

A factory finish means that your hardwood is ready to be walked on the second it’s put in. No need to wait for the finish to cure. Unfinished hardwoods are fine for new construction, because the home is uninhabited. But if you want to enjoy your new flooring right away, with no dust or VOCs from the polyurethane, a factory finished floor is your best bet.

Factory finished floors also tend to hold up longer and more consistently than unfinished floors do, so while you may pay more for the flooring upfront, you’ll refinish it less often and you’ll pay less for installation costs.

Durability

The finish of your floor and whether it’s solid hardwood or engineered can make a difference in its durability, but so can the floor’s Janka score. The Janka score is the hardness of the hardwood; floors with higher Janka scores are less likely to scratch, gouge, dent, and otherwise become marred through day to day use.

Pine has one of the lowest Janka scores available, while hickory has the highest Janka score of any domestic hardwood. Exotic hardwoods also tend to have higher Janka scores. If you choose a hardwood with a lower score, make sure that it’s factory finished, and consider an engineered hardwood rather than solid; these characteristics will help it last longer without refinishing so you can enjoy your floor longer.

Style and Finish

While you may think that style and finish are two of the most important factors to consider, they should ideally come after considerations such as location and durability to ensure that you’re getting a quality hardwood floor. Once you’ve narrowed down your selections, it’s time to determine what you want your floor to look like.

There are numerous style considerations for your floor including:
- Width and size of the planks
- Direction or pattern the planks are installed in
- Color or stain of the floor
- Texture of the floor – polished, handscraped, etc.
When considering what style to choose, let your home’s existing architectural and interior design attributes be your guide. For example, a very contemporary home will look best with a narrow, highly polished hardwood in a very dark or light color. A Rustic Modern home, on the other hand, would look best with a wide, warm-colored hardwood floor that has been hand or wire scraped to give it some texture and a more rustic look.

Remember that while you can refinish your hardwood floor, you won’t need to do this for many years if at all possible. So, take the time when considering your style and finish to choose one that will work well with your home’s overarching style, and avoid falling for something that happens to be trendy right now. Your hardwood floor is an investment in your home, and most classic hardwoods like maple tend to work well with nearly any style of home. Therefore, finding a style and finish that’s complementary to your home will have the longest staying power and the biggest payoff in your investment.

Get the Right Hardwood for You

With so many choices available, you’ll have no trouble finding the right hardwood floor for your home. Make sure that you consider things like its location and durability first to get the best fit for your lifestyle, and enjoy your new floor for many years to come.
March 13, 2017
Few Door Materials That Add Security with Style
Even the best of the home designs would sometimes lack on minute details that make a major difference to the overall appearance of the space. Amongst the most neglected things in the home design are doors and windows. The doors are either standardized all over the house or may be used as per the size of the openings, however there is much more to door design that needs your attention.

Before you take a brief tour into various door styles, here are some of the important door materials that may make the selection easier.

Function and Utility

Doors are added to the rooms for privacy and to the entry for security. Depending on where the door is going to be fitted, one should decide the material of the door. The internal doors in the home can be stylish and elegant, while the front door should be both stylish and strong.

Material choices for front door
1. Wood – Wood is the popular material used for furniture and doors. It is one of the most common choices for front door designs due to its durability, strength, and grace. Wood can be carved in different designs to get the unique look and feel. This is low cost option but at the same time it may not withstand the weather effects. You may love to flaunt wooden front doors due to the grace it would bring, but at the same time it would call for fair amount of maintenance as it may not withstand moisture much. Too much of wetness may make your wooden door swell, chip, or get deformed, whereas too much of sun would also develop cracks in your wooden door. So, ensure that you incorporate proper maintenance measures if using wood for the front door.
2. Aluminum – Aluminum is low on maintenance and hence perfect choice for front doors. It may withstand moisture and sun efficiently. Use of aluminum and glass would allow you to enjoy the view of the surroundings without compromising the security. These doors are made to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.
3. Fiberglass – Fiberglass can be molded in desired style just like other conventional materials. The main advantage of this material is its longer life and low maintenance. This material can also be given the wood like finish to get the similar grace without undergoing the weathering just like wood.
What to expect from the exterior doors?

Security is surely the prime concern for exterior doors, however there are many other factors that together work towards getting a perfect door design.
- Impression that lasts – As it is said that “First impression is the last impression”, your guests will remember what they see first and that is certainly your home entry, which is secured by the front door!
- Protects from extreme weather conditions – Weather conditions would result into heightened energy bills. Rightly chosen door would trap the heat inside during winters and keep the interiors cool during summers. Select the energy efficient door material to reduce your energy bills by almost 10%.
Front doors can add both security and grace to your home, so make the right choices!
March 13, 2017
5 Innovative Ways to Decorate your Home

When it comes to home décor, sadly many of us are afraid of letting our creativity run wild and truly putting our own individual stamp on our homes. This means that we find ourselves settling for uninspiring or run-of-the-mill interior design – and while there is nothing wrong with these everyday ideas, you still can’t stop yourself thinking about that quirky concept you wish you’d been brave enough to try out.

However, stand-out design needn’t necessarily equate to totally wacky or off-the-wall ideas. Sometimes it is the simplest things that can look the most effective. Take design inspiration from the minimalist approach and go for organised, functional décor to keep your home looking clean, tidy and ultra-modern. Of course, there is always a place for individuality and original touches within the home. Your home is an incredibly personal place, and it is only natural that the way you decorate your home should reflect your personality.

If your home is looking a little dull and could do with some TLC, now is probably the ideal time to unleash your imagination and get creative. Accessorise and add a unique twist to your décor ready to breathe a new lease of life into your home. After all, your home is your own personal space, therefore it is essential that it is a place in which you feel happy and comfortable in your surroundings.

In need of interior design inspiration?

Here are a few top tips and pointers to provide you with some ideas for your next home décor project. Whether it is a large-scale change or just a small improvement you have in mind, there are plenty of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Utilise your Stairs

The stairs are one of the most under-utilised features of any home. If you live in a home with stairs, then the chances are that your under-stairs space is either blocked off completely or taken up by a dusty, cobweb-filled cupboard.

When you have a small home, it can be difficult to find enough space for everything. In this situation, you need to make the most of every last bit of space that you can get your hands on. There are plenty of easy ways to create more storage space simply by tapping into the extra space currently unoccupied under your stairs.

Create custom storage solutions under your stairs by building sliding drawers into your staircase. Keep all of the usual hallway clutter of coats and shoes tucked neatly away out of sight in bespoke drawers, ensuring your home stays clean and tidy.

If your staircase is in your living area rather than the hallway, take advantage of this design feature and build a custom-fit bookcase into your staircase. Not only is it practical, but it’s also super stylish!

Bring the Outdoors Indoors with Artificial Grass

If you are a fan of the great outdoors, get creative and include artificial grass as a unique element of your home décor. Synthetic turf can be used in a myriad of ways within the home. From statement walls to distinctive rugs, a fake lawn can even be used as an alternative method of covering your furniture!

Artificial grass is also really easy to install and look after, making it a quick and simple way to renew the look of your home.

What’s more, fake turf is an incredibly versatile material. There are a number of different types of artificial grass, all of which come with different properties and various benefits. In order to ensure that you choose the right type of synthetic lawn for your project, why not try out some samples to find your perfect match?

Colour is Key

Inject some brightness and positivity into your life by adding an element of colour into your design scheme. For a classy look, pick out an accent colour that complements your existing colour scheme and hunt for accessories in this particular colour. You could also paint one wall of a room in a different colour to create a bold statement wall.

For those who really love colour, a fun alternative is to create a rainbow wall. Colour is the perfect way to add a stand-out, eye-catching boost to your room – it’s fun, interesting and bright.

Fabrics and Patterns

Get creative and add an extra layer to your home décor by experimenting with the use of contrasting fabrics and patterns. Sometimes mismatched styles can actually end up looking great, so experiment until you find a pairing that works for you.

Rugs, soft furnishings, furniture, wall coverings – all offer interesting and unique ways for you to customise the overall look and feel of your home. Choosing a specific style theme can also be beneficial when it comes to updating your room. If you do have a theme in mind, this can make it easier to pinpoint exact styles that you want to include and help you avoid the issue of over-cluttering your room.

The Practical Approach

Practicality is absolutely essential if you have a small home or are trying to find creative ways of updating functional rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom. It is easy to let creativity go when your room has to serve a specific purpose, but there are many ways in which a room can be both stylish and functional.

Think hidden storage solutions or dual-purpose furniture pieces that will save you space and look great at the same time. Keep organisation in mind when picking out items for rooms like the kitchen, and it will be a lot easier to avoid the temptation to buy aesthetically pleasing yet impractical accessories.

As with any design project, the process of completing a successful home redecoration is entirely subjective. One person’s dream home may not suit another at all, so it is definitely well worth taking the time to browse a wide variety of styles and ideas before settling on any one design scheme.

Have fun, get creative, and start planning your dream home today!

March 13, 2017
How Technology Will Shape the Future of Office Design

In a world where technology is becoming increasingly important, and technological possibilities increasingly advanced, it is necessary and helpful to consider how and to what effect technology may be put to best use. In recent decades both hardware and software technologies have been implemented in the workplace to make lives easier, work more efficient, and standard of production higher. From typewriters to touchscreens, letters to emails, technological advancements have redefined understandings of what an office should be and how it should function. Based on ideas forwarded by Interactive Space, a professional services company in London, we explore the possibilities of the future: how might technology enhance office design in years to come?

The Handheld Device

Nowadays, handheld devices are the essential accessory – for both professional use and otherwise. What began as a rectangular and table-sized workstation has been reduced to the size of one’s palm; the functionality of mobile phones and smart devices is so advanced

that everything one needs to work effectively is at the touch of a button. Of course, this has been facilitated by the development of technology in itself: the Internet, the cloud and email, make it possible to work on the go. It is probable that workplaces will develop in line with this technological trend: entire offices will be smartphone-friendly. Smart devices will open doors, QR codes will be used for meeting invitations, and smart payment solutions will be implemented in staff canteens. Instant messaging systems – such as Slack – are already being used in offices and are accessible from mobile phones, meaning workers are instantly reachable.

Smart Walls

Office designs of the future will integrate smart walls for collaborative tasks and presentations. Smart walls will bring companies together, from in-house activities to client meetings, and external collaborations. They will facilitate wireless presenting and will act like an innovative dry-erase board, with an app that lets employees save and share content. Smart Walls will improve the ability to record, stream and distribute videos. Doodle, plan, present, view, review, meet and exchange. Rear projection screens will also be used to enhance digital signage and branding, while live data feeds will improve professionalism and performance. Glass projection walls will also be put to use in most offices.

Workstations

In office designs of the future, workstations will look very different indeed. In part due to an increase in the desire for flexibility in the workplace. It is thought that 92% of millennials consider flexibility as a top consideration when seeking a new job. As many as 58% of workers envisage workstations, as we know them, ceasing to exist. Instead, employees will have a variety of working options. Seating areas and work surfaces will be varied to suit particular needs; different areas will cater for group collaboration, individual work, meetings and presentations. Workstations will be integrated with enhanced technologies, creating smart workstations that streamline efficiency and quality. Portable devices will sync with desks, computers and centralised communication systems. Computer screens will increase in size; it has been found that dual screens or larger visual displays increase productivity levels by up to 15%.

Smart Buildings

Entire buildings will become smart. Smart rooms will optimise the conditions of work, with the perfect lighting levels and temperature being controlled from a central console. It will be possible to monitor energy usage, air circulation and security from central systems in smart buildings. Space analysis will be mechanised to increase performance and productivity. Corporate apps will integrate with the technology of a building to direct visitors to their location, and check identity for safety purposes.

Office spaces will see the unification of IT and audio-visual systems, with the aim of improving work output. Currently, technology is facilitating the transformation of offices, with spaces defined by the technological systems that exist within it. Flexibility, mobility and collaboration will characterise the focus of office design, with a marked interest in the technologies that will enable each.

March 13, 2017
How to Deter Burglars and Make Your Home Safer?
Burglaries may not be hard to prevent but they are the most common of all the crimes. That’s the biggest irony related to burglaries. Blame economic recession, lack of moral values, a huge appetite for making more money in less time and other reasons for the perpetration of this crime. Knowing that it is committed every second in some part(s) of the world, it makes sense to enhance the safety feature at your home so that you can deter burglars and save yourself from losing your dear possessions. Even though most of the burglaries have everything to do with materialistic things, the impact that they leave on you and your family is going to be devastating and everlasting. So, even if your neighborhood is a safe place, do not forget to enhance safety features at your place and make your home burglar-proof.
1. Install surveillance cameras on your property: There may be several houses on your block, but a burglar will choose yours particularly could be partly because he finds it easy to break in. By installing surveillance cameras on your property, you can give a clear indication to the burglar that it is not going to be easy for him to execute robbery in your house. He would be afraid of being caught on the camera or leaving any clue for the police to trace and catch him. But having surveillance cameras should not mean that you can be at your peace of mind. There would still be a fear of someone break-in looming over your property even if you have surveillance cameras installed. If you want to avoid the cost, you can get dummy cameras on your property and give a false impression to thieves that every move in your property is being recorded.
2. Don’t let peeping in your home easy: Maybe the idea of big windows and doors made of clear glass sounds exciting, but it is going to risk the safety at your home. Burglars will use smart ways to get an idea of what is there in your home if they want to target your home, and you will make this task easier for them by having such windows and doors in your home. And on pleasant days when you will be more tempted to leave them ajar, you will unknowingly be giving burglars an easy access to your interiors. And in case if your home has such windows but you do not want to change them, you can make them work for you and not against you with home window tinting. Apart from windows and doors, you can use a strong fencing to make peeping in your home difficult.
3. Install a home alarm system: Securing entry points like doors and windows with a home alarm system can be worthwhile, especially when you live at a place where burglary is common. Alarms are seen as the best deterrents to this crime as disarming them can be trying for even the smartest of all the robbers. By having alarms installed at your place, you not only make your home safer but you also make your neighborhood a safe place. If you want to give your family an added layer of protection and see to it that your valuables are safe, then installing a home alarm system should occur to you as the best choice. Apart from that, the fact that you can remotely access your home and can monitor what is going around in your property makes alarms utterly desirable.
4. Having a dog for the purpose: This may not go down well with many of the homeowners for getting a dog for such a purpose, but you cannot deny that having a dog in the property can make it three times safer than what the case may be without a dog. By dogs, it is meant dangerous dogs like Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Husky, etc. These dogs can give a hard time to the potential intruders from carrying out their acts. If in case you do not want to have such dogs, you can outsmart burglars by installing a sign of “Beware of Dogs” on the entrance of your property.
Burglary is the easiest crime to prevent; so, why not do your best to make your home burglar-proof? By following the four aforementioned points, you can make your home safer.
March 13, 2017
Making The Most Of The View From Your Deck

As you plan a new deck for your home, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. Your design must look good, of course, and you’ll have to stay within your budget. You’ll also want to make sure you’re utilizing builders who are qualified and insured, or that you are capable of doing the work yourself.

But the plan for a deck goes far beyond its railing. One of the central elements you should always try to keep in mind is the view that you’ll be able to enjoy when the project is complete. Of course, you’ll be able to see far beyond your own yard from this new vantage point, but much of what you see will still be the immediate area around your home.

So as you’re getting all the construction planning done, remember that this exciting addition to your home calls for a good design throughout your property.

Don’t Buy Cross-Seasonal Seed Mixes

Most of what you see from anywhere outside your home is grass. For that reason, the establishment and maintenance of good turf are critical to the quality of the view from your deck–or from any other place in or around your home. That starts with choosing the best grass seed for your climate and site.

One mistake many people make is buying seed mixes. These products bill themselves as having green grass year-round, but that’s about half true. They contain seeds of both cool-season grasses, like fescues, and warm-season grasses, like bermudagrass.

These two categories are polar opposites. Cool-season grasses green up at the first warmth of spring, then go dormant during summer’s heat before greening up again in the cooler fall months. Warm-season species don’t become active until hotter months and return to dormancy at the first frost. So a product that mixes seed from both will give you a blotchy, crazy-quilt lawn that’s never entirely green.

By Season

There’s always something beautiful to see outdoors, no matter the time of year. Wintertime highlights sturdy evergreens often dusted in a layer of snow. Spring sees the explosion of color as flowers emerge, many of which carry through the summer. Autumn ignites the landscape in dazzling tones before the cycle repeats.

The seasonal evolution of the landscape is something that should be carefully managed. Resist the temptation to mix these species, and instead focus on creating areas in the landscape for each season. Your evergreens can be joined by a bird feeder for winged winter visitors, who can also splash around in a bird bath with your summer roses. Another part of the yard can feature brilliant maples for a big splash of color as the warm weather winds down. And early-flowering dogwoods and redbuds can make a beautiful foreground for your deck view.

Mind The Sun

Of course, you can only enjoy the view if you aren’t fighting the glare of the sun. This is largely determined by the location and angle of your home, but you can work around those late-day rays if you make some adjustments to your landscape.

As we think back to our wintertime evergreens, remember that their dense, perpetual foliage is a great screen against bright sun. Situate a row of spruce or firs on the sunlit side of your yard to make sure you can enjoy the deck without sunglasses.

The deck itself can help. You can assemble adjustable screens that can deflect some sunlight when needed, then open up for illumination at other times.

It’s also worth noting that good exposure to the sun for your steps can remove ice and rainfall from them more quickly, making them safer and more durable.

A deck is just one element of your home that provides enjoyment the landscape. Tying the two parts together will enhance the overall experience from the deck as well as in the yard.

March 13, 2017
5 Ways to Make Your Office Look More Fun and Less Corporate
The cubicle farm is a thing of the past. With more and more organizations trying to stimulate creativity among their employees, great office design is fast becoming a necessity. After all, it’s hard to be creative in a drab space. Simply adding perks or a game table won’t cut it.

But if you want to perk up your office, you don’t need to tear down your entire space right away. Here are five easy ways to make your work areas feel more fun:
1. Add unique lighting fixtures.
  Instead of the usual fluorescent tube lamps illuminating your entire floor, you can try adding custom-made fittings that lend more character to each space. For example, you can replace your harsh white bulbs with ones that emit warm, natural light. Or you can install a hand-blown glass lamp that serve as both light source and accent piece in common areas.
2. Use more color.
  Offices don’t always have to be a drab shade of gray or that boring variant of blue. You can try using a vibrant color to transform an otherwise generic panel into an accent wall. Or get great art prints, have them framed, and hang them up to dress up blank spaces. You can even get furniture in bright, funky shades to break the monotony of an all-white design.
3. Have the right ratio of private to open spaces.
  Open-plan offices were originally conceptualized as the anti-thesis of the cubicle farm. However, employees eventually realized that this wasn’t the best setup to get real work done. After all, instead of fostering a collaborative atmosphere, it encouraged unnecessary chit-chat; getting interrupted by an officemate became the norm. Hence, to balance things out, you should allot enough private spaces for your employees who need to finish work in peace and quiet. On the flip side, they should also have enough common areas for team meetings or for relaxing during their break times. To create spaces like this in a pinch, you can have dividers installed. That way, your employees simply need to fold out a divider to create a quiet space.
4. Make use of creative storage solutions.
  Instead of stashing away files in boring brown boxes, why don’t you try dressing up your office storage? Use plastic bins in different colors or use woven baskets. Or get quirky desk organizers for your office supplies. You can even have shelving in different designs or modular configurations that you can change as needed.
5. Ask employees for their input and let them add their own personal touches.
Your employees are the ones who will use the office the most. Hence, it’s just logical to ask if they have comments or suggestions about changes in the layout. You can even give them a space to express their thoughts. Why not create a freedom wall using chalkboard paint or dry erase whiteboard sheeting? That way, you’ll be sure that your new office design will delight your employees.

These five suggestions are just to get you started on your workspace redesign. Check out our other office design guides for more ideas!
March 13, 2017