Published
September 14th, 2008
in
Bed, Blinds, Carpets, Covers, Cupboard, Fabrics, Furniture, Laundering, Linen, Rugs, Study, Windows |
3 Comments »
Flexibility is the key to successful storage in double-duty rooms and multipurpose areas. This need not result in makeshift mayhem. These stylish space-savers have been designed to make the most of in-between areas.
There are so many ways to keep things in order and easily accessible — be inventive and resourceful with every little space you have.
One area which needs to be flexible is the hallway, and as this is where visitors gain their first impressions, it is logical to give thought to its design and fittings. If possible, there should be at least one chair and a table large enough to take parcels, letters, magazines, a telephone, message pads and directories. (more…)
Published
August 21st, 2008
in
Carpets, Cleaning, Mats, Polish, Rugs, Sheet |
6 Comments »
One of the most successful types of floorcovering for a kitchen is cork tiling. The colour of cork is fairly neutral and these days can be natural, stained, or dyed to various colours. The finish applied is easy to care for and the job can be done by any handyperson.
Our project kitchen and family room is a large area, just under 50 sq. m. The original floor is structural plywood. There are three steps between the kitchen and family areas, which will be edged with light-coloured seasoned hardwood as a wearing edge. (more…)
Published
August 9th, 2008
in
Blinds, Covers, Curtains, Fabrics, Knitting, Lighting, Office, Painting, Windows |
5 Comments »
Openings in houses may be voids, doors orwindows. Voids tend to be in areas where security is not a consideration, such as between rooms in an open-plan living area. Doors provide a means of access and security to the building. Windows, however, are designed to provide daylight and a means of ventilation. They should also provide a view, but still allow for privacy when required. (more…)
Published
August 4th, 2008
in
Accessories, Basins, Baths, Carpets, Furniture, Iron, Mirrors, Nylon, Painting, Sheet, Showers |
3 Comments »
Any materials used in the bathroom must be smooth, moisture resistant and easy to keep clean. Flooring materials must also be antislip for safety.
It’s important to choose materials that will provide long service and help to create a bathroom
Which looks and feels good to use. (more…)
Published
June 1st, 2008
in
Accessories, Baths, Bedroom, Cleaning, Covers, Curtains, Decoration, Fabrics, Furniture, Knitting, Laundering, Nylon, Showers, Windows, Wood |
4 Comments »
There are countless ways that bead hangings can make that all-important decorating difference in your home. They can create a dramatic division and, at the same time, keep space free-flowing. Although they are revivals of the very ornate period of Victorian styling, today’s adaptations are equally at home in traditional, country, Mediterranean, or contemporary settings. They can be used to curtain a window, disguise a nonview, and at the same time allow light and air to filter through. As a divider, they take almost no space, yet give a feeling of semiprivacy in each of the separated areas.
Along with beauty and versatility, there is another factor in their favor—beads require no dry cleaning, laundering, or pressing; all you need to do is wipe them with a damp cloth to restore them to their original appearance. (more…)
Published
May 4th, 2008
in
Bed, Bedroom, Carpets, Covers, Curtains, Cushions, Decoration, Duvets, Fabrics, Mats, Oak, Painting, Pillows, Quilts, Rugs, Sheet, Study |
4 Comments »
MOOD CHANGERS
Yellows are stimulating and refreshing and will make the coldest or gloomiest room look sunny and cheerful, so they’re good for kitchens, work areas and daytime living rooms. If you find the brighter shades too much, try a pale primrose or a sandy ochre to give a softer effect.
Pinks are soft and restful — again, useful in a living-room colour scheme (especially if you want to create a more elegant, less everyday look) and their calming effect also makes them good for bedrooms. To avoid too sugary an effect, a yellowy pink such as peach is a good alternative. (more…)
Published
April 27th, 2008
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Baths, Carpets, Cleaning, Covers, Cushions, Decoration, Duvets, Mattresses, Painting, Pillows, Quilts, Sheet, Silk, Stain Removal, Windows, Wood |
4 Comments »
PRACTICAL DECORATING
When you start planning how to decorate a room, you are probably thinking mainly of the walls. These are what gives the room its overall effect, by providing a background colour. The individual rooms and on colour and pattern offer advice on the best options for specific areas, but you’ll have a basic choice to make between paint and wallpaper.
Painting is cheaper, quicker, easier and gives you a more versatile range of colours — all you have to do is make sure that you pick the right type for the job. Paper has the advantage of adding pattern if you want it, and gives a better- looking finish to a less-than-perfect wall surface. (more…)
Published
April 14th, 2008
in
Blinds, Carpets, Curtains, Furniture, Lighting, Mirrors, Windows |
4 Comments »
Daylight is a crucial feature of any natural home, and yours can be adapted to be far more “daylight healthy” and, thus, far less reliant on artificial light. The potential for admitting daylight into your home varies greatly depending on location and climate. Homes in temperate regions of the world, for example, can be daylight deficient, while those in more tropical, hotter areas can suffer from the opposite problem. Well-designed new homes being built in temperate regions should (but very often don’t) make allowances for the lack of daylight for large parts of the year, but if you are trying to make improvements to an existing building, concentrate your attention on rooms that do not receive direct sunlight, those that are overshadowed, and basement or sub-basement areas..
The following points are more applicable to people living in the daylight- deficient areas of the world, but many homes, because of their orientation, overshadowing, or local aspects of environment, in the sunnier areas can also suffer from daylight deprivation. (more…)
