Monday, July 30, 2012

5 Unique home decoration themes

http://post.jagran.com/sakhi-5-unique-home-decoration-themes-1343472242

Your wish of lavish dream house may turn real, if you apply following themes, which are given here. You can also spread the colour in your dream house by adapting these unique home décor ideas. To give your house new feel and mood, Sakhi presents here top five home décor themes.

Tribal twist
A simple room can turn unique masterpiece, when it’s decorated by the home décor which is inspired by the African theme. Lifestyle Homemaker manager, Karan says “you can decorate your home from the unique decorative pieces like African exotic animals, flower and fruits or exclusive items which is truly based on African culture and tradition. If you want to create tribal effect in your house, you can use black- brown, red, cream and burnt orange, because these colours give you perfect creative look. For this kind of home décor, you can add animal prints, tribal hanging masks, artifacts, animal shaped figure or statue inspired by tribal people in your decoration stuffs. For complete rustic look or raw look you can decorate your home with dark wood or rusted metal pieces.

Zen Zeal
For keeping peace and spirituality in the house, zen style is perfect theme for this. Meditation and peace is very important in today’s hustle and bustle of life and when you get spirituality and internal peace in your own house, then what would be better than this? Zen word is related to Japanese word meditation. Ailchaimee store experts Nupur Gupta and Anupama Dalmiya believe, if you want to decorate your home in this style, use five elements like earth, fire, water, metal and wood. For perfect look you can use earthy and neutral colours like white, sky blue, green. Avoid embellished your home with too much decorative stuffs. Keep more space for storage to hide clutter. Use low line wooden furniture and straight or clean lines. For furnishing, give importance to pure fabrics like soft silk or cotton. Best part of this is you can decorate each and every member room with this same style.

Colour blocking:
Now-a-days we can see home décor products inspired by colour fusion at various stores’ display windows. When two or more opposing or contrasting blocks of colour are combined in one single piece, is called colour blocking. This trend is in vogue now. These contrasting and vibrant colours will give your home a lively environment. Interior designer Manjit Bhalla shares few tips on the proper assembling of home decorative with colour blockings because combining two opposite colours may put you in risk. When it comes to paint your wall and floor stick to baize, neutral and soft colour. Play with vibrant colour while choosing furniture, accessories; it will give a contrasting effect. Do experiment with bright colours like fuchsia pink, bright green, orange, red, and sunshine yellow.

Fusion fever:
When it comes to home décor, full marks go to fusion style. Fusion style is a combination of contemporary furniture and ethnic inspired designs. Interior designer Raseel Gujral advices to select such pieces which create an indo-western look. For example, you can combine silk or zardosi cushions with modern sofa set. In accordance to the theme select frame or panel mirror. Fusion theme gives you a scope to experiment with all the elements of your home to give it a new look. Even you can give an attractive look to your sweet home by using different elements like metal, glass, stone, wood, fabric and leather in one single piece.

Mediterranean mood:
A cool, soothing look for your home is always in demand for not only in summers but also for every season. In order to have this peaceful and cool effect, you can create sea-side look. To generate this soothing look, buy furniture and accessories of peacock green, blue and white. Apart from these play with pink, sea green, brown and earthy colours. According to interior designers Nitin and Situ Kohli, neutral colours are best for furniture. The sizes of furniture should give a heavily look.
The walls of room have to be textured. You can create motives of ship, water waves, shell and stones. While furnishing room to get a breezy look you can use sheer curtains with sea side element motives and prints. Besides, fish aquarium, tropical plants, floating flowers can be used creatively to give a soothing effect to your home. Use pebbles, water body, palm trees, shell, corals, mermaids, light house, star fish and other eye grabbing to accessorize your room.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

6 Low-Cost Ideas for an Interior-Design Makeover

http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/223904?cm_mmc=Carousel-_-223904-_-14-_-fpf

Ever wish you could give your business a quick, budget facelift? If so, you might want to watch Restaurant Impossible. On this show, chef Robert Irvine works with struggling restaurateurs, teaching them the basics of how to manage a restaurant for profit.

While he works with the owner and chefs, his interior designer, Taniya Nayak, has two days and a $10,000 renovation budget with which to freshen up a restaurant's visual appeal for diners. She possibly has the most challenging end of the deal -- and her low-budget ideas could help any business owner give a location a new look on the cheap.

Irvine and Nayak faced a real doozy of a challenge with the Chatterbox Cafe in Windham, N.H. Owner Lynn had cashed in her late husband's life insurance money to open the restaurant and give jobs to three of her sons, but she had no business experience. The place was also kind of dingy and cluttered.

Here are six simple decor tricks Nayak used to create a relaxing, clean ambiance at the Chatterbox:

  1. White paint
    It's amazing what a quick coat of white can do to make a store look fresh and inviting. With new white paint on the wood portions of the Chatterbox's bar, the area instantly looks more charming and cozy.

  2. Headboards instead of banquettes
    Custom upholstery costs a fortune, so instead of creating full-on booths, Nayak simply installs a set of gray, velvet-upholstered bed headboards on the walls behind the wooden booths. This gives them more of a comfortable and luxurious feel for a fraction of the money.

    Related: To Grow Sales, Turn Your Workplace into a Theater for Customers http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223712

  3. Rented library projector
    In order to quickly paint a version of the restaurant's name and logo onto a wall of the eatery, Nayak rented a projector at the local library and stuck in a restaurant menu to project the graphic onto the wall. Then a painter used that as a guide and hand-painted on the graphic. Having a big company name repeated on the wall made the eatery instantly feel more professional and strengthened its branding.

  4. PVC pipe
    To create a visually interesting wine rack to store wine in sight of diners, Nayak has her crew cut lengths of PVC pipe the right circumference and length to fit a wine bottle inside. Stack the pipes up in a pyramid shape, and you've got a handy, functional, and durable wine rack.

  5. Fabric as wall art
    To create a large piece of art to cover much of one wall, Nayak buys $50 worth of fabric with a large graphic design on it. She cuts one huge flower graphic out, stretches it over a wood picture frame and presto! a lovely "picture" brightens up the room.

  6. Sheets of tile
    To snazz up the area behind the bar, Nayak adds a few sheets of small glass tiles that come applied to a sheet of backing, ready for gluing up and grouting. The addition of the glittering tiles adds instant luxury.

    The follow-up to the Chatterbox story says the restaurant continues to struggle financially, but even if the current owners can't make a go of it, they now have a nice-looking property they might sell to another restaurateur.

Related: 7 Layout Secrets of the Big Retail Chains http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223808

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Thousands at home decor show

By AHMAD FAIRUZ OTHMAN | johor@nst.com.my | Thousands at home decor show - Johor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/thousands-at-home-decor-show-1.111225#ixzz21PXsm1E1

JOHOR BARU: THOUSANDS flocked to the three-day Home Decoration Exhibition (Homedec) at Persada Johor International Convention Centre recently.

More than 140 exhibitors took part. The 370 over booths occupied two levels of the centre.

There was a wide range of home interior design solutions, renowned brands and products and the great deals and services fitting most budgets.

It was organised by CIS Network Sdn Bhd.

The event began in Kuala Lumpur in 2003, and was held in Johor Baru and Penang in 2008.

This is the fifth consecutive year the exhibition is being held in Johor Baru.

Many visitors were looking for home improvement and refurbishment materials and ideas in preparation for the coming Hari Raya celebrations,

The "window fashion" events which featured the latest trends, materials and colours in curtains, blinds and window coverings were especially popular.

This is because even the drabbest of rooms can be made into a lively living space with the clever use of curtains, blinds and window coverings. There was also a classic Malay traditional window fashion display, courtesy of Kamdar.

Shoppers had the chance to take part in contests to win prizes worth more than RM135,000. Nine winners walked away with daily cash vouchers and bedroom, living room and bathroom products. The products and vouchers were sponsored by Dunlopillo (M) Sdn Bhd, Maxim and Milanohaus Sdn Bhd.

Shoppers also had the chance to win the RM100,000 Cash4Grabs prize, the exhibition's biggest cash prize.

The contest is open to shoppers at Homedec events held from April to September in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu with a minimum of RM1,000 in purchase receipts.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

San Francisco Bay Area Interior Designer Julie Mifsud a Winner in the Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture Interior Design Competition

http://www.sfgate.com/business/prweb/article/San-Francisco-Bay-Area-Interior-Designer-Julie-3711908.php

Belmont, CA home interior a winning design that incorporates fine reproduction furniture into a traditional, timeless living room.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2012

Julie Mifsud of Julie Mifsud Interior Design, located in San Carlos, CA, is proud to announce that one of her Bay Area residential interior design projects in Belmont, CA was selected as a winner in the Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture Interior Design Competition.

Utilizing Jonathan Charles’s timeless furniture pieces in the living room helped in the creation of the European elegance this client adores. Incorporating floral prints, pink and gold tones, oriental rugs, classical paintings, wood wainscoting and lovely wall plasters set the stage for the timeless, elegant furniture pieces and accessories that helped clinch this prize. Julie says, “The furniture selection for this project reflects the timeless elegance of European homes. The Jonathan Charles line has style that endures the test of time, craftsmanship that focuses on every last detail, and quality that continues to inspire and charm. I never tire of these pieces.”

To view the winning room, please visit http://juliemifsuddesign.com/living-and-dining.html . For more information on Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture and the winning projects, visit http://www.jonathancharlesfurniture.com/index.php/en/20/news

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebJulieMifsudDesign/JonathanCharlesFineFurnit/prweb9691020.htm

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Renovation safety

http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/os/C/GN_renovation.pdf

Renovation encompasses a wide range of job types and covers projects of different sizes. It includes decoration, redecoration, modification, upgrading, improvement work, maintenance of new flats or existing flats, and also internal and external repair work for a whole building or even an entire housing estate, etc. Injuries suffered by renovation workers usually relate to working at height, working with tools, electricity, inflammable substances or manual handling operations.

Renovation safety is mainly governed by the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance; other related regulations include the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cartridge-Operated Fixing Tools) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Woodworking Machinery) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, etc.

In fact, to reduce work injuries, people in the trade not only should observe the above regulations, but also implement safety management system. Safety management is very important in view of the fact that many types of job are usually carried out at the same time in the sam workplace for a renovation project. If hazards are not identified timely or if there are co-ordination or communication problem, work injuries may arise. Besides, renovation projects in general are relatively short-term. As many tools and equipment are hired for temporary use only, workers may not be fully aware of their safety requirements. To tackle these problems at root, a safety management system, including safety guidance on site, supervision of the implementation of safety measures by designated personnel, etc. should be put i place.

Building contractors have generally adopted safety management for their projects. In fact, safety management is not just for big companies. Sub-contractors and renovation firms should also implement an effective safety management system as small firms are more vulnerable risk and can be ruined financially by a single serious work injury case. The main concept of safety management is to assess the risks involved before commencement of work, draw up plans to manage such risks, designate suitable persons to ensure the implementation of the plans, review the effectiveness of safety measures and make improvement on a regular basis. Small and medium-sized renovation firms can follow these simple steps to ensure work safety.

Under the law, renovation contractors are responsible for ensuring the safety and health of their employees at work, regardless of the size of the renovation projects and the number of workers employed. For workers, they should co-operate with the employers to safeguard their own safety and the safety of others. The practical examples in this guidance notes serve to help renovation contractors and workers learn more about safety matters that require their constant attention so as to prevent accidents.

Renovation work is a kind of construction work. According to Section 6BA of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, the contractors responsible for the renovation work shall only employ persons who have successfully completed a recognized safety training course and hold a valid certificate (generally know as "Green Card"). Workers carrying out renovation work are required to undergo relevant safety training and obtain the relevant certificates. They shall carry the certificates with them while at work and produce the certificates upon demand by the contractor or an occupational safety officer of the Labour Department.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Creative Home Decorating with Candles

http://www.justluxe.com/community/creative-home-decorating-with-candles_a_1788708.php By: Hannah | Posted on June 26, 2012

Good idea for those who want to create a certain kind of ambience in their homes is to start using candles in order to achieve what they want. If you want to enhance your place without having to shell out a substantial amount of money, then it is time that you look for candle decoration ideas that are easy to follow.

Candle Light Fixtures

Instead of using the usual chandeliers and sconces, you can use candles to lighten up any part of your home. Chandeliers and sconces are known to be costly so you will be able to save a lot of money by making your own candle chandeliers and sconces. Below are some ideas:

  • Use French chandeliers that hold candles instead of bulbs.
  • Place a square candle chandelier over a round dining table for a contemporary, contrasting look.
  • For long, rectangular dining tables, hang over it a long wooden plank, parallel to the table. Accentuate it with 25 to 30 fat, stable candles but with different heights.
  • For square dining tables, also use square wooden planks to hold the candles. In this case, try to align the heights and the distribution of the candles evenly to create a serene look.
  • Place candle sconces near bathroom mirrors in order to cast dramatic lighting on your face.
  • You can also place Victorian inspired candle sconces on the walls of your home for a touch of elegance.

Candles as Centerpieces

You can also use candles as affordable centerpieces. Here are some ideas:

  • Group three large candles with various heights.
  • Use candlesticks on dining tables for added elegance.
  • Group several candle holders with different sizes for a compelling visual.
  • Use contrasting colors. If you have a dark table, use white candles or candle holders.

Candles on the Fireplace

You can also place candles on or around the fireplace for added warmth. It is also a great way to emphasize the fireplace as the focal point. Below are some ideas:

  • If you want to elongate your fireplace and living room in general, use two tall candles or candlesticks on opposite sides of the fireplace counter.
  • Christmas is the best time of the year to place candles on your fireplace. Be as festive as you want to be.
  • If you have a monochromatic fireplace, use candles with different colors for an added pizazz.
  • For those who have faux fireplaces, use candles instead of the usual crackling fire.
  • Place a row of candles in front of a low mirror. It will double the intensity of the candlelight.

Outdoors Candles

There are so many ways of using candles that your options are almost limitless. Below are additional ideas on how you can use candles in the outdoors:

  • Use a hanging candle lantern above seating areas.
  • Instead of porch lights, surround yourself with candles while relaxing on the porch.
  • Place floating candles on a bowl of water. This is a very convenient way of creating attractive centerpieces for parties.
  • Use luminaries powered by candles and line them up on the walkway.
  • A single candle or candle lantern can magically turn a boring backyard into a mystical place.

There are many more solutions for decorating your home with candles and candle making materials and with a little touch of imagination, it is possible to come up with unique decorating ideas.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Apprentice - Thai designer Paphop Wongpanich

http://surfaceasiamag.com/read-news-2-0-56-the-apprentice.surfaceasia.magz#.T_pL15E998E

Thai designer Paphop Wongpanich bided his time as a protégé, but now he is coming into his own.

For seven years, Paphop Wongpanich has been working under the tutelage of one man – and a great man at that. Duangrit Bunnag, one of most respected names in the Thai architecture and design field, hired Wongpanich back in 2004 as a fresh graduate who, though armed with an interior design degree, decided that he preferred to work with the materiality of furniture more than making up spaces. “I found out that I love to design furniture since in my university days,” the designer says. “So I decided to work as a furniture designer right at the start... I wanted to focus on it, not just [do it] as a hobby. I always put my thoughts and focus into one single interest when I decide to put my feet into something.”

Plunging into furniture design headlong, Wongpanich might have, against the advice of the wise saying, tested the water with two feet, but under the wings of Bunnag he didn’t have much to worry about. “Duangrit is a good boss and likes to give new talents opportunities. Over these years, he has been coaching me and we work closely in discussing ideas on design and furniture all through my learning and work processes. So in fact, it is not big surprise that my work has been influenced in some sense by his style.”

Anyroom, set up by Bunnag, is the furniture design and retail brand that connects the mentor and his student, under which Wongpanich’s earlier works, designed collaboratively with Bunnag, are beautiful pieces – not just in themselves, but in that they were the products developed from a rigorous discussion between two people. And the fact is, Wongpanich admits, sometimes he doesn’t know how much of them is Bunnag’s and how much his.

Perhaps a piece such as Lanta, a seat combined by two pieces of solid wood, embodies their working relationship best – it is reciprocal. “Lanta was one of the very first pieces I worked on about six years ago when I first joined Anyroom. But I would say it is more my boss’s design and I worked on the details and finishing.” Today, not only has Wongpanich become more involved in the design process, he has started his own label, TakeHomeDesign, earlier this year.

“TakeHomeDesign reflects another aspect of my design which I cannot express in Anyroom,” Wongpanich shares. “But Duangrit’s style will always be part of me in my development as a designer. I do also wish in the near future people will recognise me as a great independent designer.” It’s a wish we suspect will come true, as it did for so many of the greatest designers today – Philippe Nigro, Patricia Urquiola and James Irvine, to name a few – who had, like Wongpanich, chosen the long but sure way up by apprenticing under a master. anyroom.tumblr.com, coroflot.com/paphop

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Modern furniture for Home Decoration

http://homedecortrend.net/modern-furniture-for-home-decoration/

Modern furniture will give your house a simple yet elegant impression. It is very nice choice for you who love simplicity and have high mobility in your daily life. It helps you to get the best impression of your house with simple interior designed furniture in your house. Modern furniture is very nice for modern home design.

Modern Furniture Types
For you who love furniture with modern interior design, there are various types of this furniture. The furniture with modern design comes in furniture for living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen furniture. Most of them are designed in simple yet very elegant design of home furniture. There are sofa, dining set, kitchen cabinet, vanities, bed, and other furniture with modern design.

Various Materials for Modern furniture
Modern furniture comes in various types and designs as well as its materials. Most furniture with modern design comes in design which is completed with metal. Some of them are also made from glass material such as dining table and table for your living room. Some of this furniture are also made of molded plywood to provide a wooden like furniture.

To get furniture with modern design is quite easy. There are plenty of modern furniture stores whether online or offline. You can get it from the local furniture store in your town. You may also order modern furniture from online shop for a more convenience way of shopping.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Home Decorations : Attention Grabber

36 Blank Wall Solutions | http://www.bhg.com/decorating/home-accessories/wall-art/art-for-walls/#page=2

Attention Grabber

Draw attention to unique accessories with an oversize piece of artwork. This massive print embraces the contemporary typography trend and draws the eye toward a modern transparent console table. To keep the arrangement looking grounded and intentional, it's been flanked by a pair of industrial-style sconces.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Interior Design: Best of 2009

Interior Design: Best of 2009. Fore more, visit: http://www.home-designing.com

This is a video that features the best interior designs we came across this year. The designs featured in this video include the works of some of the world's top interior designers, furniture makers and 3d architectural visualizers.

As such we have not tried to limit the designs to any one room or space. So you are likely to find living room designs, bedroom designs, Kitchens, baths and even kids space design in this video. Hope you enjoy this!