Sunday, September 18, 2011

House Design Tips and Features


House design is a very unique process that needs to be completed properly so that people end up with the results that they expect and deserve. In order to make sure that your home is as modern as your tastes are, here are 10 tips and features to keep in mind during the designing and planning stages:

Tips and Features

1 - The kitchen affects the rest of the home more than most people realise. You have to determine the layout and the features that you want here before you look at any other rooms because the kitchen is the hub of many homes.

2 - Design your living space to be open, with as much natural light as possible. Use windows and fewer walls to allow more natural light to flow in.

3 - Always make sure that function is the priority. Modern home planning is based on function. Make the space as useful as possible so that you don't have to add as much furniture later.

4 - Look for areas where you can add style and function at the same time. Getting a great design that works for your needs is a win-win for everyone.

5 - Consider whether you want a formal dining space or just a breakfast nook or bar. Some people like both, while others will choose one or the other. It doesn't matter, as long as you get what you need.

6 - Figure out where your television will go in the living area and design around it. While this might sound like a lot of power for such a small device, the TV is generally the centre of your living room and needs to have a space so that it is useful and accessible.

7 - Think about windows, where you want them and how many you want. Windows are important in modern home construction and will allow you to get the perfect amount of light for your needs.

8 - Create solutions specifically for storage of the things that you need or do daily, such as crafts, hobbies, or activities.

9 - Modern home design features open layouts, but careful planning is key in keeping your layout open and not overcrowding it with stuff.

10 - Make sure that every style element and feature speaks to your tastes and needs. This is your home, after all, and it should reflect your tastes and daily life.

These are all important tips to keep in mind when it comes to house design. Modern homes have many unique features and elements to consider, but all that really matters is that you get a home that you love.

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An Important Part of Your Garage


As the average family moves from owning one car to two to even more, streets all over the world are becoming increasingly crowded. With such a shortage of space it is more important than ever that you have a place to securely park your cars. Without a doubt the best place to do that is in your own personal garage, behind a solid and safe garage door.Your garage should always be protected by a door that is sturdy, and which can also be attractive. Not only your vehicle but the entrance to your entire home is guarded by that garage door, so it is important that you be able to close it properly, and keep it locked.

Important Part

The best way to keep your garage door entirely safe is to have a security system installed. Most automatic door opening systems come with such security measures, including a rolling code that makes it very difficult for thieves to open your door. Not only is such a garage door more convenient than a manual one, but it is also safer.

The two main categories of garage doors are single panel and sectional. A single panel door is made in one unbending piece, so in order to open it needs to swing out, which requires a lot of space, and is slow, heavy and ponderous compared to a sectional door that rolls up and door. Although often very beautiful, traditional style doors are particularly not suitable for houses with short driveways. You may have to leave your car in the street while you open the door because of the space it takes up while opening.

The way a sectional door works is with multiple panels-often six or more-which either roll up, or fold as the lift to a space along the garage ceiling. Because they lift up they get in no one's way, and they are easier to open and altogether more convenient. Even though they are large, they are hung with springs which take the bulk of the weight, making them easy to open. You can also install an automatic opening system.

Automatic garage door opening systems are a wonderful modern invention. Once you make the transition from a manual door you will never wish to go back. Remote controls only increase their convenience, as you can open them without even leaving your car. This not only saves time and trouble, but it means that you will never have to get out in the rain or the cold to open your door again. It is not surprise that single panel swinging doors have almost passed out of use, to be replaced by sectional lifting doors. The automatic opening system itself will extend the life of your garage door, and comes with safety features which protect against accidents.

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Make Your Bedroom More Energetic


There are twelve areas that will make your bedroom more energetic. The division of this region consists of knowledge, health, creativity, career, family, finances, popularity, relationships, and love. In each area, you can place certain objects which, according to Feng Shui, bring good.

Bedroom Energetic

1. Put flowers in vase in bedroom. Flower brings calming effect for our eye. Energy that comes out of interest is neutral energy.

2. Make sure the head of your bed is on the wall.

3. Make sure there are no blocks, both blocks of wood or concrete beams above your head if you're in a sleeping position.

4. Do not place a reflective surface, such as mirror, facing the direction you are in a sleeping position. Cover with a cloth before you sleep, if it can't be moved.

5. Do not put too much stuff in the bedroom, let alone the things you do not need. Bedrooms are clean will give a positive energy when you are resting.

6. You can try to put things in pairs in the bedroom. If you want to put painting, then you should look for a painting again as a partner or couple. If there is a candle in your room, then wax it also must have 2 pieces.

7. Put something that contains water in your bedroom and something blue on the east side. For example, you can put fresh flowers at once with water, or put the painting of the sea or lake or other objects associated with water.

8. You also can put an ornament of a pair of ducks in your bedroom. Garnishes can bring a pair of ducks is a positive energy flow in your room.

9. Use a mattress. Mattresses are stacked would interfere with their views and make room seem cramped. If it can't be avoided, should be arranged parallel to the mattress.

10. An irregular room shape (square). Room with regular shape allows you to arrange all the furniture and not left empty corners as a place to nest negative energy.

11.Location of bedroom was not flanked by two doors. Rooms should not be between two doors facing each other, or facing directly into the main door because it would hinder the energy (chi) that enter from the front.

12. Best positioned diagonally between the door and the wall behind him. Make sure when building a house, the bedroom door is in the diagonal position with the wall behind it.

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Designing a Practical Bathroom


There are some people who are more into appearance and the aesthetic appeal of rooms than the function, but when it comes to a bathroom it should really always be about practicality. When it comes to interior bathroom design, there are a few tips that will help you make it as practical as possible and end up with a beautifully designed room you can enjoy.

One issue you should tackle is where to keep the toilet paper. This is something many people would overlook when designing a room but it is actually very important. If it is a smaller bathroom you may want to keep the toilet paper out of the room altogether. If there is a hall closet or other space you can keep it in, you will be better storing it there than taking up unnecessary space in the bathroom.

Designing a Practical Bathroom

It is important to determine who is going to be using this bathroom. Of course nothing is set in stone but for instance if you are redoing the kids bathroom, there are different items you need included in the room. You will probably need more room for storage, such as for toys for the bath.

Also consider towel storage. There is always at least a sink in each bathroom so you want room to store a few towels. Guests should never have to search around for extra towels when in the bathroom. Whether they want to have a bath or shower or just wash their hands and face, there should be ample towel storage space. You can be really functional. Use a few towel racks attached to the wall, use a facecloth hanger on the wall, and then store a few extras in the bathroom vanity.

You may want to add a piece of art to the room to add that perfect finishing touch. Many people would not think of putting art in their bathroom but this is the perfect place for it. Your bathroom is supposed to be relaxing and serene.

For smaller bathrooms you can actually add in a larger piece of art and it will trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it actually is. Think of art with flowers and pretty feminine designs for the bathroom. Pastel shades work especially nicely.

Designing a bathroom should not be a hassle. It should be fun and a great do-it-yourself task to take on for yourself. If you ever need any help coming up with a design you can visit your local home improvement or hardware store to get ideas.

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Native American Art


Native American artwork adds a perfect touch to any living room, full of life, color, and a rich history that is hard to find in some other forms of artwork. Warming up the great room with traditional art should not mean cheesy paintings or color-by-number posters when there are thousands of alternatives that look great and represent this culture better. From beautiful traditional wall hangings to Native American-inspired artwork, you can find pieces that match many different décor styles in the living room.

Traditional Ideas

Native American Art

You can find many traditional pieces online and in upscale home decor stores, unless you live close to an area that offers retailers with authentic merchandise. This is common throughout the Midwestern portion of the United States, although there are sporadic Native American retailers across the West Coast and a few in the East. For those who do not live in an area where beautiful traditional ideas are plentiful, there is always online shopping, with thousands of stores to shop on the Internet.

Here are just a few of the most common traditional Native American artwork ideas for warming up the great room:

• Dreamcatchers are very popular, and you can find them in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. They are a great choice for hanging over a fold-out couch or any place where guests or family members may sleep or nap in the great room.

• Prints or photos of Native Americans are also a great choice, whether you are looking for realistic and factual photos or fantasy imagery. They are beautiful and add a sense of pride and bravery in the living room.

• Landscapes with Native American village scenes are a great way to add a warm, homey feeling to your living space. There are a variety of options available, depicting every season.

Native American-Inspired Ideas

Some forms of such artwork are not depictions of something that is overtly Indian, including a few ideas that have become almost synonymous with Native American artwork, but some are more subtle.

Here are some examples of artwork that is inspired directly or indirectly by Native American tribes, folklore, or symbolism:

• Wolves and eagles are prime examples of traditional-inspired artwork, and these animals are excellent additions to the great room. Landscapes featuring these animals are classic examples of direct Native American influence, especially howling wolves in nighttime scenes or majestic flying eagles.

• Horses and deer are ideas of more subtle influence, depending on the rest of the picture. Painted ponies galloping or deer-hunting scenes can be great ways to add a touch of traditional art in your living room without overwhelming the space with this type of artwork, such as for those who want a very subtle approach to Indian decor.

• Cave drawings can be suitable, although they can also be interpreted as African artwork on occasion. This type of artwork looks great, and it can add a lot of positive energy in the living room, in addition to adding a warm, inviting feel.

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