Design Post Update

1. What you use the most

Before you start renovating, think about the parts of the kitchen you use the most. You can even spend a week living your normal life but paying more attention to this aspect. If you never ever use the toaster why should it have a special place on the counter? If you use the same dinnerware every night, then why not store away the rest and use the free space.

2. Buy what you need

Again, it is pointless to fill the space with appliances you dont need. Just because you saw it in the shop doesnt mean you really need it. Do you think youll use this yogurt maker on a daily basis? Will you even have the time for it? Prioritize and be realistic.

3. Dont overspend

Yes, surely a high-end stove will make your kitchen incredible. But is it worth the money? There are stoves that are far less expensive and can do the same job. And it still looks beautiful and classy without you breaking the bank.

4. Decide before you start

It is easy to start a renovation but not having a clear plan can actually become a huge problem later on. Know your needs and what will work best for you and your home. If you cant decide alone or you dont want to risk, just ask for advice the pros in your area.

5. Set up a budget

It may seem like a few little renovations are nothing but there are a lot of unexpected fixes that have to be done instantly. So before you start making changes, set up a budget and stick to it. Decide what you can spend more money on and what is not that important to you and your needs.

6. Plan carefully

If youre getting new cabinets you have to know the exact measures of the kitchen and what can fit in it. You dont want to purchase something that you cant use. Just to be on the safe side, when youre buying a new washing machine, you can ask the store assistant if you can return it or change it with another model.

7. Hire help

If you have decided to DIY, that is great, especially if you have experience. But that doesnt mean you cant hire a pro for the toughest tasks. It is wiser to let the experts install your new stove or sink. There are things that require a qualified pro.

8. Pick the floor

Depending on how much time you spend in the kitchen, it is important to be comfortable. Wood flooring is actually more comfy to walk on while stone floor is highly durable. Of course, there are many options - do your research and be well aware of each type and its flaws.

9. Keep track of everything

It is wise to have a folder/notebook where you can collect and write down all expenses. This way, when youre done you can conclude what time it took to get it done, how much money youve spent, the materials youve bought, etc. So youll have a better idea of how to do things the next time you renovate the kitchen.

10. Dont stress

Last but definitely not least - keep calm. Things can be prolonged, there could be unexpected problems, you could get impatient but there is no way it wont be done. Keep a clear head - your kitchen will be renovated regardless of a few little issues. Stressing over time and expenses will not help you in any way.

There are definitely some things you should and shouldnt do in home remodeling and renovation. Still, dont forget that this is your home and your kitchen - it is up to you to do it your way. Youre the one who should find it both enjoyable and comfortable at the same time.

Innumerable studies have shown that a good night's rest is vital to happy and healthy living. By applying these 8 Feng Shui Bedroom Tips don't be surprised if you find yourself sleeping better, feeling more rested and refreshed than ever before.

These Feng Shui bedroom tips are all about attracting and channeling energy through and around the room. Done correctly this energy will work toward a health restoring, restful sleep experience.

Feng Shui understands that all aspects of life contain levels of energy. Science, within several independent studies, agree that "all matter in the universe is connected on the subatomic level through a constant dance of quantum energy exchange."

In other words what scientists have discovered within the last few hundred years, the Eastern practice of Feng Shui has been applied for 1000's of years.

So, let's get started on creating the positive energy effects of getting a good night's sleep by applying these Feng Shui bedroom tips.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 1: Rearrange Your Bed

The foot of the bed should not point directly to the door.

The door is the entry way for Feng Shui's life energy. Blocking or stopping that energy with objects or doors will only create limited access or stagnant air pockets.

The goal is to allow the positive energy (known as Sheng Chi in Feng Shui) to easily move around the room and over your body as you sleep.

Position the bed in a way you can easily see but does not block the door.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 2: De Clutter

The fewer items you have strewn around the room the more conducive your room will be to peace, rest and sleep. Surface clutter goes beyond Feng Shui in that the subtle emotional reactions will agitate your inner space. But, with Feng Shui in the bedroom clutter acts as a energy breaker or blocker.

Imagine your room as a road. If you have to constantly maneuver around objects such as rocks, tree limbs, or animals...the drive becomes exhausting. If you can cruise down a clear country road for miles without distraction, the drive is relaxingly enjoyable.

Chi energy works in the same way, when the space is free of clutter. Though a great storage area stuff under the bed will block energy from circulating properly.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 3: Use Soft Edged Furniture

Anything with "points" is understood to generate Sha Chi energy which is the negative counterpart of Sheng Chi.

This type of energy drains and weakens. It's the place of depletion, sickness and poverty. If you are experiencing feeling of depression or general malaise, it is understood by the followers of Feng Shui that you are under the influence of Sheng Chi energy.

Pointed edges from furniture, head boards or anything in the room that is pointing toward you as you sleep are referred to as "poison arrows".

Evaluate the rooms layout and either replace your furniture with softer edged ones or reposition those points so they are not facing you as you lie on your bed.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 4: Close the Master Bathroom Door

Water is full of moving energy, when a master bathroom door is open it will attract and pull any positive energy quickly through the room and down the toilet.

Think of this as acting like electricity. Electricity always takes the path of least resistance, so will Feng Shui in the bedroom if you do not keep the bathroom door closed.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 5:Move The Electronics

Keep computers, telephones, televisions, cell phones at least 5 to 6 feet away from the bed. These items give off electromagnetic fields (EMF) which will take a toll on your overall health and well being over time.

If you cannot move these due to a small spaced bedroom, try to separate or break up the path to these EMF waves by using a portable wall divider or large floor plant.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 6: Remove Activity

A desk with a computer or an exercise treadmill is a constant reminder of work or exercise. Remove any items that do not create the attitude and expectation of rest and sleep.

Once again if there is no room in the rest of your house, find a way to block or divide the visual awareness of these items also by using a large plant or room divider of some sort.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 7: Paint the Walls

Color effects your mood and emotions. By painting your walls a soft robin egg blue or warm neutral, the mood in the room will invite peace and slumber. Accent the walls with soft edged paintings with further soothing colors. Do not include mirrors as a wall design accent.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip 8: Open Those Windows

If at all possible circulate fresh air through the bedroom each night. By circulating air you are circulating Cheng Shi in your Feng Shui in the bedroom.

These are just a few important steps to inviting the positive life changing power of Feng Shui in your bedroom.. By implementing these simple steps to bring Feng Shui into your bedroom you are well on your way to experiencing more success, improving your health and of course, getting a superior nights sleep.

There are many pizza vendors trying to establish a strong hold in the F&B market in India. Take a walk through your neighborhood and you would be surprised to see vivid local restaurants and pizzerias, with funky names and flashy lights, trying to meet your food desires. Not to mention, the jazzed-up menus will surely catch your eye, but not sure if the food will also excite you as much as the menu did.

When it comes to food, well, I dont really like to experiment much with my stomach. In a way, I am old school. Hence, a Pizza Hut pizza would delight me and quench my hunger just the way I desire. Besides, the trust factor that develops over time will always be impactful. On that note, I would request you to dedicate some more time of yours to read this blog all way till the end and check out the following 7 tastiest pizzas offered by Pizza Hut. This is my top 7 list that will include both veg and non-veg items. Hope youd like it and agree to my keen observations. Beware, by the time you read it all, youd definitely be hungry. So make sure you are ready with your mobile device and internet connectivity to place an order in a jiffy.
Here we go!

1. The Ever Classic Veggie Supreme Pizza

This one falls under the Supreme category of pizza offered by Pizza Hut. As the name suggest, Veggie Supreme pizza brings to your plate, a unique combination of sliced onions, sliced green capsicum, chopped mushrooms, fiery red paprika, black olives and lastly sweet corn.

Tickles your taste bud, doesnt it?
Hold on, there are 6 more to follow!

Here are some more details about the pizza.

Default Crust: Pan
Default Size: Medium
Yes, the pizza is customizable and you can make it much special by doing the right combinations.
A medium pizza (without any customization) would cost you Rs 480, perfect for two.

2. Supreme Exotica Pizza 

Well well, this is my favorite veg pizza from Pizza Hut. Imagine a juicy combination of premium veggies such as red capsicum, green capsicum, baby corn, black olives and tangy jalapenos, will take you aback indeed!

Heres some more detail about this exotic pizza.

Default Crust: Pan
Default Size: Medium
Yes, the pizza is also customizable. 
A medium pizza that serves two people would cost you Rs 480 only.

3. Mouth Watering Paneer Vegorama

For those who have a thing for Paneer, well, this one is a pure delight. Falling under the Supreme series of pizzas offered by Pizza Hut, Paneer Vegorama presents you with a one of a kind exciting combination of premium veggies such as Onion, Capsicum, Black Olives, Red Paprika & Paneer cubes dipping right into that melted cheese.

Some more details:

Default Crust: Pan
Default Size: Medium
Yes, this pizza is also customizable. Id recommend stuffed crust.
A medium pizza would cost you around Rs 480.

4. Signature Country Feast

For the old school lovers, nothing like this Signature Pizza Hut classic. The Country Feast pizza brings to you a fantastic blend of onion, capsicum, mushroom, sweet corn and well chopped tomato.

Some more details:

Default Crust: Pan
Default Size: Medium
Yes the pizza is also customizable.
A medium pizza (serves 2) would cost you Rs 425 only!

5. Signature Chickeroni (Chicken Pepperoni)

Well, there are non-veg pizzas and then there is this one in particular. If you are one of those meat loving pizza maniacs, well, this pizza just fits right in. All you get here is an overload of Chicken Pepperoni and cheese. Smack it up with a Cheese MAXX crust and trust me, it would be the best thing you might have tasted in a long long time.
A medium sized pizza would cost you Rs 480.

6. Chicken Italiano

Chicken Italiano is one of the most classy non-veg pizza offered by Pizza Hut. You get premium veg as well as non-veg toppings blending perfectly over a cheesy base. To name a few, you get toppings like chicken pepperoni, chicken sausage, mushroom, capsicum and black olives. Lovely, isnt the sound of it? Well, taste it and get even more surprised. A medium pizza would cost you Rs 525.

7. The Ultimate Chicken

Last in the list had to be this one. Chickeroni pizza was indeed a great non-veg delight, but this one is a pizza that will (mark my words) diminish your non-veg cravings unlike any other pizza. What could possibly go wrong when what youre offered is a smothering combination of?
Chicken Meatball, Chicken Pepperoni, Chicken Sausage and Chicken Keema spread all over that creamilicious cheesy pan crust.
Order one today and let your taste buds do the futterwacken!
A medium sized Ultimate Chicken pizza would cost you only Rs 525.

With this, Id wrap up my list of 7 tastiest pizzas from Pizza Hut. As I have mentioned earlier, Pizza Hut is a brand you can always rely on and trust that the food thatll be delivered at your doorstep would be of high quality by all means. Time for you to place your order, hurry up and avail some exciting discounts too!

Create some space creating style by applying these house Interior design rules the professional's use.

1. Slim Down - Grab a box or basket and go through the displayed accessories. Too many little things sitting around a small room will clog of the room's space quickly. It's amazing how much air space you will create by being super specific about what you have placed on table tops and shelves.

2. Trim Down - Heavy, bulky window treatments not only block the limited light in your small room but are also space hoggers. Free those windows by using shades, blinds or even shutters. There are some gorgeous options to be made or purchased at your favorite house Interior design store. From roman shades to bamboo blinds, they are all available in the shape and size that fits your innate designer's eye.

3. Color Down - Though a variety of color breaks up a large house, too much color in a small one will work against your already limited amount of space. It is best to paint all the walls one color or use a similar pallet hue for small subtle changes from room to room.

4. Lighten Up - Pull in that limited light with the use of mirrors positioned directly across from a window. Use semi gloss paint to reflect the light and keep your furniture polished and your appliances clean.

5. Fabric Up - It is better to fabric up your accents and leave the large furniture pieces to solids. If you already have a busy couch with a floral print, shapes or strips, consider toning things down a bit with a slip cover. Then, bring in those extra fabrics in your accents to provide some visual depth and emotional interest. Have fun with this part of your house Interior design project!

Bring in those weaves, patterns, and quilted fabrics for this.

6. Liven Up - Nothing says open space and health like fresh plants placed around a room. Potted plants are preferred but bountiful bouquets regularly freshened up will also work well.

Limited for room? Place a plant in front of the fire place during the warmest months. Angle your furniture and use the extra space to display an indoor tree or palm.

7. Step Up - Ah, a bare wood floor will liven up any space, making the area seem larger than it really is. But, if you are living in an apartment with limited house Interior design options and all you have is carpet throughout, consider bringing in some topper surfaces to lighten things up, try a sisal area rug or a bamboo color on top.

If you are wanting a beautiful Christmas at home, it does not have to cost a huge amount. We all dream of having the huge tree covered in beautiful decorations, a beautiful dining space and rooms with all the festive embellishments your heart desires. But the issue we can face with these types of niceties is the cost however, with a little bit of imagination and some forward planning you can have your home feeling just as magical but will cost you significantly less money. From searching around for natural decorations to reimagining the traditional Christmas meal, there are a number of ways you can get your home feeling festive whilst on a tight budget.

Less is More

Your home doesnt have to look like it belongs in the North Pole for it to be festive and Christmassy, so rather than drowning each room in bargain decorations try and take a more strategic approach to your dcor. The idea is to try and invest in a small selection of really beautiful and high-quality decorations that can be displayed more creatively. For instance, why not thinking about wrapping a thin strip of tinsel around your window blinds and teaming it up with some authentic wooden stars that can hang off the window rail.

Transform Twigs into Decorations

A fantastic way to let nature flood into your home can be simply done by getting some twigs from your local park and transform them into Christmas decorations. The way you choose to form the twigs is completely up to you, you can create a long string of them to place along your window sill or you can make them into a little star. This can be really fun to do especially if you have young children that can have some fun with them. To then make this look extra special you can bind the twigs together with a piece of string that has some lights taped to it, which will create some extra sparkle!

Tape up a Tree

If you have a blank wall space, a quick and trendy Christmas decoration can be made by creating a Christmas tree which is made out of colorful washi tape. This will create an element of color and freshness to your dcor, and it will cost you hardly anything at all!

Scale Down

If you are wanting to bring the price down on your Christmas decorations this year, then a simple way to do this is by scaling down on the size of the decorations which are being used. We often spend lots of money on large, real trees which look great for that short period, but once it comes to January they end up in a wood-chipper. So the idea, in this case, is to get a singular spring which can be placed in a small vase and can then be decorated with small acorns or little candy canes.

Reuse Old Decorations

If some of your baubles are starting to look a little tired and worn out, they may no longer be able to be hung on your tree individually. Therefore, you would want to try and find new and innovative ways to use them rather than having to rush out and buy replacements. A great idea can be to either place them all into a large vase which can be placed on your window sill or another option can be to place 3 or 4 of them into pretty little cups and use them as mantel decorations. If you want to try and re-vamp them completely you can choose to spray-paint them in sparkly silver and they can then even be hung back up on your tree.

Re-think the Traditional Christmas Meal

Sometimes the traditional dinner can become too much and it can feel like its the just the same old thing every year. When you are having to purchase a turkey every year with all the trimmings too it can cost a lot of money, so why not veer away from the traditional and cook a dish that you would really want to eat. You can switch it up and save yourself some money by making a casserole, risotto or even an unconventional turkey curry which will keep both your bank manager and stomach satisfied.

These days, everything is superficial and visual appeal is given the utmost importance. Precisely for this reason, homeowners these days place great importance in how their house looks. Everyone wants their house to be a subject of awe, but not everyone has the means to do that. Whether it's for financial constraints or a lack of time, there are few homeowners who actually have the expertise to design their own homes. Precisely for this reason, a lot of homeowners rely on Interior designers in Queensland to give their house a trendy and awe inspiring look.

But how do you ascertain which designers to hire? There's a dizzying array of choices in the market, and if you don't know what to look for, things can get a bit tricky for you.

Some of the qualities which you should look for in a designer are:-

Able to build trust with clients:

The process of Interior designing is never an easy one for homeowners. Precisely for this reason, the professionals should be able to make the whole process hassle free. They should be reliable because most of the time, you will be leaving your house to them so that they can work in peace.

Genuinely interested in designing:

You don't want designers who will do their job half heartedly, right? Precisely for this reason, make sure that you hire designers who have a genuine interest in the designing your premises in the best possible manner.

Well aware of the latest trends:

Designing trends keep on changing rapidly, and its important for the designers to be well aware of such trends. It's no use in hiring a professional who is still implementing age old designs. You dont want your house to look like backdated, right?

Focus on details:

Considering the fact that designing a house is a complicated task, its easy to miss out on certain small details. But this isnt a thing which you will face while dealing with good designers. Most of them are detail oriented which means that they wont leave out any nooks or corners while designing your house.

Has a positive attitude:

Designing a house is not a cakewalk by any means even for designers. Sometimes things won't work out as they want or sometimes they would have to redo things, but that doesnt mean that you will give up. They should have a positive attitude and no matter what the obstacles, they should be able to overcome it.

Can create unique designs:

Its the job of Interior designers to create unique designs that stand out from the rest. You dont want your house to look like something which resembles some other house, right? You want your house to have its own identity. Precisely for this reason, you need to look out for designers have a great sense of creativity.

So these are some of the best qualities you should look for in Interior designers whether you are looking to undertake home renovation in Whitsunday or build a new house. Make sure you invest enough time in finding these professionals as it will be a significant investment on your part and you will obviously not want it to go wrong.

Author's Bio: 

The author is one of the most reputed Interior designers in Queensland. If you are looking for any help regarding home renovation in Whitsunday, he can certainly help you out.

When designing a screened porch, there are a couple of things you need to focus on to achieve that great-looking porch, which are as follows: size, building structure, fixtures and furnishings, add-ons, right of entry, and cost.

Designing a porch can be very exciting; however, it can also be a source of concern especially without proper planning. Therefore, the first thing to do when putting additional room at home is to make a visible layout. Everything should be found on the plan including its size, partition, and Interior design. See to it that the inside of your porch will complement the existing facade and surroundings. Here are some of the elements that need to be emphasized when building a screened porch such as:

Size

Determine the size of the room, so that it will be easier for you to choose your furniture and other home accessories. The bigger the room, the more you need to smarten it up to make it more impressive.

Building structure

The structural support must be positioned in a way that it will offer ample space. Spacious area will encourage a laid-back ambiance.

Fixtures and furnishings

Pick bits and pieces that are in harmony with the interiors. Consider the color of the wall, ceiling, and the flooring as well before you decide on what furniture blends well. If the place resembles a contemporary look, go for matching ideas that are timeless and versatile. This approach facilitates easy makeover of the place because all you need to do is to mix and match furnishings to come up with a brand new scene.

Add-ons

Aside from the natural light coming from the sun, it is best to add lighting accessories that provide diverse light intensities. Choose something that can be adjusted from gloomy to very bright depending on the needs. Ensure that there are enough electrical outlets where you can plug-in your appliances. As much as possible avoid overloading your extension cords because you are putting everybody's life at risk.

Right on entry

Accessibility should not be taken for granted; in fact, a point of entry must be placed conspicuously, so that it can easily be located in times of emergencies. Ideally, there should be at least two passageways; one from the inside of the house and the other access is directly leading outside the yard. Advance thinking is always important to prevent untoward incidents in the future.

Cost

Once you have finalized your plan, proceed to your financial costing. This is an essential part of the project because you can't carry on in the absence of funds. You need to include under the costing the expenses such as materials, labor, and meal allowances when necessary.

Building an additional area in your house entails a lot of money, time, and effort. Therefore, you need to have a thorough preparation to come up with only the finest, nice-looking space.

It is always wrongly assumed that the indoor air quality in a house is pure. There are a number of causes that may be polluting the indoor air quality in your house without even you realizing them. So make sure to know the causes along with the tips to improve the air quality naturally.

Often it is assumed that the air pollutants are found outside without having any adverse of them inside the houses we live. But the fact is, these pollutants can be found as much inside the house as outside. Some of the pollutants are easily traceable, these being the ones that are visible to the naked eyes. But the ones which are not, such as microscopic dust mites and mold are not so easily recognizable. So why not take measure to protect yourself and your house from these harmful organisms.

Here are 5 such tips to improve the air quality indoors naturally-

Humidity control:- Moisture in the house attracts pests like mold and dust mites which cause allergies. Allergies have undesirable effects on the health. The ideal humidity control should be between 30-50% to prevent allergies. To prevent all of these, the best practice would be to use a dehumidifier or to use an appropriate air conditioning system in the house. Apart from these, make sure to select a house that has proper ventilation.

Tips:-

Track the humidity levels of the house from time to time.

Take care of the water leaks in the house.

Open the windows while cooking and after showering.

Make your house a non smoking zone:- Smoking has numerous repercussions for the smoker as well the ones around breathing the air. It causes infections, difficulties in breathing and pollutes the air. The smoke lingers in the air for quite some time which makes breathing difficult. It causes an uncomfortable environment in the house. For those already facing these situations in the house, you will be surprised to feel the difference yourself once you make your house a non-smoking zone. A single drag of cigarette contains more than 3000 different chemicals.
Tips:-
Ask your guest to smoke outside.
Replace your HVAC filters from time to time

HVACs air filters keep various allergens away from the house. When the filters are not at certain intervals, they become clogged which drastically reduces the air quality. You will then find various debris, dirt, and dust indoors. Apart from this, it also puts a lot of effort on the HVAC system to work in order. As a result of all of these, you will find your electric bills increasing. A typical air filter should be changed after every 90 days ideally. Contact your nearest home AC repair service for such related assistance.

Avoid using chemicals:- Chemically manufactured air fresheners may seem like a good idea to keep your house aromatic.  The strong scents although may give you a fresh clean vibe, breathing them in can be harmful. Consider shifting to natural aromas without any chemicals. If you love filling your room with natural aromas, beeswax candles can act as such. These candles burn out without producing almost no smoke. Additionally, they help asthmatics. Avoid petroleum-derived candles which release the harmful affluent like soot and benzene in the air.

Keep your floors clean:- Vacuuming your floors every day with the right filters installed keeps the allergens out of your house. Make sure to vacuum all the carpets, floor corners and other such places where dust accumulates quickly and easily. Make it a habit to mop the floors as it helps to pick up the dust left behind.

Tips:-

Keep the dust out by placing large floor mat on every doorstep. Dirt is easily carried in shoes, so make sure to take every measure not to enter the pollutants in the house.

It's so easy to take your home for granted. Before you know it the place has lost it's luster and you are finding dust, and dreariness in every room. A home like this can drag on the subconscious moods of the mind and can begin eroding the feelings of contentment, safety and comfort that you once felt from your home.

True, these feelings may be indicative of something more serious but maybe, all it will take is a few of these low cost/no cost Interior design lift tips to bring life back into your living space.

Tip 1 - Splash A New Color On The Wall

A fresh coat of paint is inexpensive and can transform a frumpy room into a room of life and fun. Try something outside your comfort zone. If you are feeling uncomfortable about trying something too new, paint a 3 by 5 piece of foam core with your new paint selection and hang it on your wall to see if it will grow on you. This way you will also be able to experience it's color changes through the different times during the night and day.

Tip 2 - Change The Light bulbs

There is nothing as quickly mood changing as a different type of light in your fixtures or lamps. Or, be a little more energetic and change up an old chandelier with a new more contemporary design. Install a wall sconce, canned lighting or change up your end table lighting with new shades and mood enhancing bulbs.

Tip 3 - Introduce a Room Divider

Great rooms are the trend in new construction today, but maybe you are feeling that those room blends are just a bit too much. Maybe you don't want to see those dirty dishes from the kitchen while watching movies in the den. Maybe you miss the bit of privacy that walls provide when sitting down with a best friend.

The great room has become a large impersonal space that offers access to all with privacy for none.

Here is where a free standing room divider can make a wonderful difference. These privacy screens come in many designs and offer 2 to 4 panel lengths. Create a new look around the divider. Don't want to paint a wall? Paint a divider, to bring in a new splash of color and contour.

Tip 4 - De Clutter

Clutter can kill peaceful "mojo" in any home no matter how beautiful your Interior may be. It's hard to see with all that stuff. Maybe it's not so much "stuff" as it is a struggle with small spaces. Go through the room that has to much and decide if you can consolidate.

For example; use nesting tables instead of 2 or 3 individual end tables. Introduce a coffee table with storage drawers underneath so you can put all the magazines, TV controls etc in a functional hide-away.

Install shelves 2 feet below the ceiling to display those valuable photo's, nick knacks and mementos. This way you can remove the lower level catch all horizontal surfaces.

Baskets provide easy storage and organization areas that are not only functional but decorative.

Tip 5 - Introduce A Theme Or Pursue Your Personal Design Style

Go with a new theme or re-evaluate your own favored design style. Carry it through by incorporating area rugs, decorative pillows, fabrics and artwork. There's a lot of mood enhancing power in those textures and patterns.

Giving your home a house lift doesn't need to cost a lot of money; it just requires some elbow grease and focused creative attention. By implementing any one or all of these ideas will go a long way in invigorating your spirit and restoring your home to its original "I love to stay home" look.

Whether youre looking to redecorate your kitchen or are ready for a full-blown remodel, youll want to ensure that the jobs done right and preferably in style! Any makeover, no matter how large or small, requires inspiration, which youre likely to receive from countless magazines, billboards, blogs, and your friends decorative touches. But how do you sift through all of these options and choose a style thats bound to stand the test of time? If youre ready to cut through the noise and make decisions that are sure to last, its time to familiarize yourself with the popular trends that many modern, quality kitchens embrace. Read on for the five biggest and boldest traits that are sweeping the industry.

1. Chic Color Choices

If youre after a look thats both tidy and elegant, white cabinetry stands head and shoulders above the rest. White not only creates a light and friendly ambiance, but is also timeless, as it perfectly complements everything from natural shades to bright bursts of color. So, you cant go wrong with this clean, versatile look especially if youre prone to frequent redecorating projects.

While white is undoubtedly the leader of the pack in quality kitchens, you could also opt for darker shades if youd like to swim against the current and spice up your space. Colors such as stone gray, plum, or even black are gaining traction, and are certain to give your space a dramatic edge thatll wow your visitors. Keep in mind, however, that these shades can make your kitchen too dark, particularly if natural light is sparse.

2. Fully Extending Drawers

Many quality kitchens still have both upper and lower rows of cabinets with doors, but this trend is on a clear downward trajectory. After all, who still wants to have a row of lower cabinets with doors when you could have slick, fully extending drawers instead? This ingenious storage solution not only allows you to get a comprehensive overview of the drawers contents at one glance, but also enables you to maximize and effectively organize your space. Thats right: no more partially empty cabinets because you cant reach the far corners. Drawers save you the trouble of bending down and rummaging through your cupboards and they look beautiful, too!

3. Versatile Kitchen Islands

Along with lower cabinets with doors, more and more quality kitchens are waving goodbye to wall cabinets in order to create a brighter, less cluttered space. As a result, islands are becoming bigger and better, simultaneously functioning as an area for food preparation, casual dining, and storage. Their versatility is illustrated by a hot trend in open-plan homes, in which islands that extend all the way into the dining or living room area are becoming increasingly common. Never underestimate the functionality of these multifaceted wonders!

4. Fabulous Floors

Solid wood floors are and always will be a top contender in this category, but lets take a moment to consider the popular alternatives. Engineered wood and ceramic tiles are more practical when it comes to maintenance, and are available in a huge range of styles and textures. So, why not go for one of these materials, which can mimic the sophistication of wood flooring, but dont stain and dont require regular varnishing? Ease and elegance all in one.

Many homeowners spend a fortune updating the look of their kitchens. After all, kitchen remodelling is one of the home improvement projects that add the most value. But you don't have to overspend in prettifying your kitchen. If the cupboards and cabinets are the specific sources of concern, consider investing in cost-effective solutions like the vinyl wrap kitchen doors.

What are Vinyl Wrap Kitchen Doors?

Also known as thermo-laminated doors, vinyl wrap kitchen doors are composed of flexible thin vinyl material moulded and wrapped on medium-density fiberboard (MDF) through a vacuuming, gluing and heating process. While the surface of the kitchen door is covered with the vinyl material, the back is typically made of melamine.

Here are the top five advantages of vinyl wrap doors for your kitchen.

They Come in Various Finishes and Textures

Vinyl wrap kitchen doors come in different kinds of finishes, colours and textures to satisfy your Interior design taste. The finishes can range from glossy, semi, sheer to matte. You may opt to pick a flat-designed surface or one with intricate embellishments. The colours are also extensive, starting from neutral whites to bolder hues of reds and in between.

Aesthetic Appeal

Featuring a superior edging, consistent, beautiful finish and overall appeal, vinyl-wrapped doors prove to be excellent options for a beautiful and functional kitchen. Available in a wide range of colour and design, and with exceptional craft and installation, these doors can practically fit any kitchen look and style.

Cost-Effective Remodeling Project

Replacing your entire outdated kitchen cabinets can be expensive. Kitchen laminated doors give you the option for an almost instant makeover without breaking the bank. Such kitchen doors are easy to install over any surface, can be custom-fitted and provides the kitchen with a seemingly brand new look at a very reasonable price.

Durability

The kitchen is a bustling area in your home and having durable kitchen cabinets, drawers and cupboards are an excellent investment. Vinyl-wrapped doors excel in the durability department, precisely because they don't chip and scratch easily. Additionally, such doors can repel moisture which prevents the MDF.

Easy to Maintain

Laminated kitchen doors are also very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike wood that requires specific cleaners, vinyl doors need only a wipe, or two of clean sponge dipped in soapy water. And because such doors don't chip or fade, you don't have to repaint them.

Final Thoughts

The kitchen is a hub, not just for cooking and preparing food, but also for talking, bonding, reading the paper and doing assignments. It's also a high-traffic area where furnishings can take a beating after some time. Your kitchen drawers, cupboards and cabinets will sustain wear and tear at some point, and you may need to replace or repair them. However, such endeavour can be a bit heavy to the wallet.

Creating a home with desirable curb appeal is a goal of most homeowners. As you are choosing trees, foliage and lighting, are you also thinking about your driveway design? Except for grass, your driveway probably takes up more square footage than anything else in your yard. The right driveway is a welcome mat for your Interior design.

Your landscape plan should include the type of driveway and sidewalk that will enhance the style of your home. An elegant Tudor needs a cobblestone drive while a mid century ranch would be better suited to a textured concrete driveway. Let us look at some of the choices available today.

1. Concrete is one of the first things people think of when they consider their paving options. The plain but functional concrete drive is being replaced by versions with stamped designs as well as colors. Popular paving materials such as cobblestone, brick and fieldstone can be replicated in concrete at a fraction of the cost. You can also feature geometric designs in your drive. Staining the completed driveway will create depth and texture that adds to the illusion that you have a stone driveway . While plain concrete is one of your best budget options, choosing and paying for an upscale design will give your home increased aesthetic value.

2. Affordability makes asphalt another popular choice. It is strong , does not show stains like concrete does and needs only a minimal amount of maintenance. A long dark driveway can look impressive in a well landscaped yard.

3. Brick pavers create a driveway that is elegant and timeless. This is a wonderful choice for an historic home. You can sometimes find old bricks for sale at companies that specialize in demolition of older homes. Patterns can be created with the bricks ranging from herringbone to basketweave. A foundation bed of sand will give your driveway stability. Another plus is that if a brick cracks it can be replaced without interfering with the whole driveway.

4. Cobblestone is a costly but long lasting choice for high end homeowners. It is extremely durable and environmentally friendly. The labor intense process of laying this material, plus the cost of the material itself, makes the up front cost prohibitive to most homeowners.

5. If brick and natural stones are out of your price range and even concrete pushes the budget, you do have the option of gravel. This crushed stone is eco- friendly because it allows rainwater to soak into the area instead of running off. Maintenance is minimal. You will have to replace the stones every few years but you will never have to worry about cracks in the driveway. Adding a border of bricks or larger stones will give your driveway definition. This choice of driveway material is popular in rural settings.

When choosing a driveway material think about price, maintenance and durability as well as how well it fits the look of your home and yard. How does it fit into your lifestyle? Children that skate or shoot baskets in the driveway will appreciate a smooth surface. If you live in a snowy environment talk to a local driveway designer to see what is slip resistant and easy to shovel. Drive around neighborhoods with homes like yours and see what driveways appeal to you.

Every detail of your home, when thoughtfully chosen, adds appeal for you to enjoy now and contributes to the resale value in the future. Spend a little time looking at the decorative and functional options for your driveway. You will reap the benefits every time you return home.

When decorating their houses, people use curtains and blinds for more privacy and comfort. From the multitude of types and styles that can be found on the market, some people prefer a specific type of blinds called roman blinds, because they find them elegant, modern and sophisticated. These decorations can add more luxury and warmth to the look of a houses Interior. Lets see exactly what are the best reasons to choose them:

1.Attractive Look

The first good reason to use roman blinds in your home is their aesthetic value. Their lines are clean, and this contributes to the modern appearance of these decorations. You can choose from a multitude of colors and models to fit the Interior of your home, because this is important if you want to obtain an optimal effect.

2.Ease of Use

Because of their simple design, as they are made from a single piece of fabric, these blinds are easy to use. It is known how hard it can be sometimes to install curtains, but blinds are usually much easier to install and use. They can block sunlight and offer privacy in a similar manner to how curtains do, but they can also have more transparency.

3.Good Prices

If you make a comparison between curtains and roman blinds, the second option is usually much cheaper. It depends a lot on the materials from which each of the two types of products are made. Regardless of the type you choose, these blinds are affordable.

4.Durability

Due to their high durability, these types of decorations can be used for a long period of time. How much they last depends also on how much you take care of them, but they are also easy to maintain. The material from which they are made plays an important role in this, as not all materials are easy to wash.

As you can see, there are great advantages for those who are using roman blinds. You will have to choose the size of the blinds, so make sure you measure your windows correctly. Then, you will have to choose from different types, according to what you prefer. These blinds can be used either alone, or combined with curtains, for creating an amazing ambiance in your home. Now that you have good reasons to choose roman blinds, you can reach a better decision.

As a conclusion, you can choose any type of curtains or blinds you like. Your home is your private space and your Interior design should reflect the person that you really are. Try to step away from the stereotypes you see around everyday and if someone tells you they don't like long curtains but you do, stop considering his option. Even if we talk about paper towels - you like the ones with tiny flower prints? You buy them! 

Personally, I wouldn't even consider my husband's opinnion! He always says "let the sun come in" but I am just really uncomfortable if my windows aren't covered. I would place curtains and blinds even in the bathroom. Some people say I'm really crazy; others are just like me and they love the fact that there is someone else out there that shares their feelings and beliefs on what Interior design really means and how it affects the human being. I think it's more that a matter of taste; psychologically, the choices you make say a lot about you, even if we talk about Interior design. People that buy blue rugs and shower curtains with the ocean theme for their bathroom, I can say, they are very shallow people. Can you deny it? Can you?

Each day there is a new mobile application being developed. These apps are not just helping people to wake up in the morning and read the latest news or to watch their favorite shows, but they are helping people to grow their business. It was a few years ago that these applications were a new invention, and it was all new for people. However, now things have become different, as the market grew over the past few years, the demand for application quality as users has increased. 

To have a quality application, an efficient mobile app testing is essential. A good application needs to be tested properly, and the quality standards should also be kept in mind. But, what are the biggest challenges of mobile application testing that should be identified?

1. There are many devices that have made testing an actual pain. Most of the manufacturers are creating tablets and smartphones with different screen sizes and other filling such as RAM-memory, CPU, etc. A good application needs to run on devices that your end-user may possess. Therefore, this is the number one mobile testing issue these days.

2. Having an appropriate tool for testing is a major issue. There are tools that are narrow and are not allowing too much functional on various operating systems and devices. Therefore, every device needs a specific set of tools, and these tools are very expensive.

3. With more and more operating systems coming each day, testing has become a lot more difficult nowadays. Certainly, there are always Android and iOS, which are relatively stable, however what if you have a wider set of audience. The total amount of operating systems and their versions with your application might be limitless. 

4. Resources with the right knowledge and skilled QA testers are hard to find, this becomes a huge challenge for the companies.

Recommendations on testing strategies

A hands-on approach:  Every tester in this world knows its impossible to cover every possible perspective in testing. You cant cover an extensive amalgamation of all devices and OS versions, so its best to target the significant devices. Evaluate which device has the largest market stake and focus on the OS version with the utmost dissemination. Explore what is popular with the demographic being targeted, and you can abstract more worth from your testing.

Go for an unsolidified structure and evade a solid base: Begin using simulators to recognize bugs and functional issues. Afterwards, you can move to tangible devices and perhaps accessed devices remotely when you begin testing in actual conditions and considering network and security impact.

Checking the quality of the product mainly through functional and usability testing should be the main aim, but one has to keep a vigilant check that new features may be discarded into the mix during development. Everything must be checked before it goes live. 

The challenges of mobile testing are exceptional. The fact is that each testing choice a tester takes up will have advantages and disadvantages associated with it, and the tester needs to identify what will be a perfect choice. For that, an extensive testing strategy combined with different testing options that together will provide you with the best testing which as a result balances the quality, transaction cost, and time-to-market.

We all knows that the challenges of mobile testing are distinctive and therefore is the solution which is the combination of tools, platforms, frameworks and testing experts; that strike the balance between cost, quality and time-to-market. 

You might have worked on building the useful app, but to make it effective in the market it has to work effectively. An effective and active mobile testing approach forms the base of delivering rock-solid, right-first-time apps

January 31st provides an opportunity for celebration right across the 5 boroughs of New York, with thousands of individuals frequenting bars, clubs and restaurants in order to herald the dawn of a brand new year. The beginning in 2012 will be no exception, as New Years Eve remains an evening where people put their social or economic concerns behind them and strive to enjoy an enjoyable, all night celebration. It is important to stay safe as you party in NYC however, in order to ensure that when you return home you have only positive memories of the experience.

Safety for the Individual and Large Groups

So what are the best methods of staying safe in NYC? Well it must be remembered that New Years Eve is a particularly busy and hectic time, where the already bustling streets of the city become even more congested. So being prepared for these crowds of people and applying common sense to every situation that you find yourself in will give you a good foundation for safe practice. The following 3 tips are all designed to afford you additional reassurance, whether you are partying in a small, medium sized or large group.

Before assuming responsibility for a group, it is important that you and other individuals take the initiative to protect yourselves. Leaving the house with a fully charged mobile phone is important, especially if you were to become estranged from other members of your group. Taking good care of your cellphone, cash and other valuables ensures that whatever problems you may encounter this New Years Eve, you will be prepared to deal with them.
Should you be traveling from outside of the city to sample the New York experience, then it is important to have rigid and adhered to travel plans. If you are making your own way there, then it is crucial that a designated driver remains sober and is prepared to take responsibility for the role. It is important that each member of your party is returned home safely, so be careful not to let carefully laid plans go awry.
Hiring a New York Limo remains a potential course of action for large groups or party-goers, especially in terms of safe and convenient travel. Not only are limousine vehicles pre-booked to collect and drop off at designated times, but you can also select a suitable model to courier all of your party in a single visit. Whether your group is 6 or 60 strong, there is a vehicle to suit your needs, and the cost sharing option between individuals ensures that hiring a limo is also an affordable option.

The Bottom Line

While these tips may seem like simple examples of good common sense, they are good practices to get into the habit of undertaking. Where options exist it is always important to select the most safety conscious one when it comes to partying, in order to make sure that alcohol is enjoyed responsibly and that a good evening is not spoiled by reckless or ill considered behavior.

Many people reporting to have a stink bug infestation claim the numbers to be mind boggling. It seems when these critters get out of control they simply take over an area. This can be devastating if the area happens to be your front porch.

While the stink bug is relatively harmless it is a most annoying pest. When agitated it lets of a puff of stench. When infestation numbers reach in the hundreds and even thousands you can imagine just how annoying this little pest can be.

The stink bug is attracted to light. This is why most infestations happens around doors and windows. The problem with this is the can easily get into the house. Turning off outside lights at night is a good idea. If you are worried about animals and other predator a motion detection light can easily be installed. By turning off the lights you will be forcing the bugs to find a new home. You should start to see a reduction in numbers over a few weeks.

If you are still having a problem you could try planting some sunflowers. Sunflowers are a great way to attract sink bugs to a new location. Planting is extremely easy, just throw down seeds and water. You should select a variety of seeds to insure they bloom late into the season. Also remember to plant them in an unused location of your yard. If you currently have sunflowers growing up near your home, you should consider cutting them down immediately.

The last tip is the fastest and will produce quick results but keep in mind it is a bit stinky. Get a garden spray bottle from your local gardening or home improvement supply store. Blend one and a half cups water and one whole garlic in your blender to a pulp. Strain mixture into spray bottle and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Shake well and spray mixtures around doors and windows.

If you having this problem in your garden you may want to think about the plants which are most effected and why they are being effected. The best way to control pests is by creating a balance in the plant life around your home. Before using organic pest control stink bugs please be sure to check out the balance in your garden. Organic bug killer should only be used for short term infestations and even then in sparing amounts only over a short period of time.

An Interior Designer At Work

What is the job?

So what is an Interior Designer? Well firstly - they are not the same as interior decorators! Interior designers use a range of design techniques to make the best visual and physical use of space; they plan and organise the design of commercial and domestic interiors such as offices, hotels, shops, public buildings, ships, aircraft and homes. In contrast, an interior decorators sole focus is the selection of furniture and finishes to create a consistent style within a space. The role of an Interior designer is more complex and will also usually involve the use of architectural software(s) and a working knowledge of the architectural/construction process.
, to ensure progress is being made in accordance with agreed timelines and plans are being adhered to.

Typical career routes

The job tends to be divided into various levels of seniority, based mostly on experience. As a general rule, the greater the seniority, the more responsibility the designer will have for the overall project.

Environment - Large design firms may have the resources for a more comfortable work environment and state-of-the-art equipment. They also have established connections with related firms and specialists. This can be an important consideration for anyone starting an interior design career.
Clients - If you are self-employed, you may have more say in which jobs you take; however, you are responsible for finding your own clients and connections.

Many interior designers are self-employed or do contract work on top of their jobs at design firms. When deciding where you want to work, you must evaluate the risks and rewards for yourself.
Work Hours - If you are self-employed or work for a small firm, you are more likely to work flexible hours as you adjust your schedule around your clients' needs and deadlines. If you start your interior design career in a large design firm, you will probably have more predictable hours.

Specialist Areas:

Many interior designers will specialise in a particular field

As your interior design career progresses, you may discover a preference for one type of interior design over another. You can specialize in designing for corporate settings, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals or other health care facilities, or you may decide to focus on residential design. You may even narrow your focus further to kitchens or bathrooms, for example. If you like choosing colors and fabrics, but would rather not handle the nitty-gritty details, such as safety codes, you may want to be an interior decorator rather than an interior designer. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, interior decorating is less technical than interior design.

Whether you prefer sticking to one interior design style that fits you perfectly, or you want to switch things up now and then, an interior design career gives you many options. Choose from the following types of interior design...

• Corporate Interior Design - Design ergonomic and efficient work spaces that will project the right image for a company. They focus on creating spaces that are efficient, functional, and safe for employees. They may incorporate design elements that reflect a company’s brand in their designs.
• Bathroom Design - Help your clients get the bathrooms of their dreams with designs that are elegant and restful as well as functional. You will need expert knowledge of the variety of relevant cabinets, fixtures, appliances, plumbing, and electrical solutions.
• Exhibit Design - Create exhibits for clients ranging from art galleries to zoos, or help companies design exhibits for tradeshows and showrooms.
• Feng Shui Interior Design - Use the principles of Feng Shui to get the energy flowing and create balance in an environment.
• Green Interior Design - Develop expertise in designing spaces using products and methods that are environmentally friendly. They may obtain certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 
• Health Care Interior Design - Help make health care centers such as hospitals, cancer centers, drug treatment centers, nursing homes, social services providers, doctors' offices, dental offices, etc. more efficient and welcoming through interior design.
• Hotel Interior Design - Create inviting spaces for the hotel industry while considering several important factors such as: comfort, function, aesthetic appeal, concept and budget.
• Japanese and Asian Interior Design - Bring the graceful, uncluttered aesthetic of Japanese and Asian interior design to clients in any geographic location.
• Kitchen Design - Give your clients the kitchen they've always wanted. Develop expertise on appliances and efficient kitchen design.
• Modern Interior Design - Incorporate the sleek look and practical principles of modern design into your work.
• Residential Interior Design - Work with clients to improve the form and function of their living spaces, while helping them define and reflect their personal style.
• Restaurant Interior Design - Develop design concepts that will contribute to positive customer experiences and the success of restaurant businesses.
• Set Design - Use your design skills to work in film, television or theater.
• Zen Interior Design - Create beautiful interior spaces using the minimalist style of Zen interior design.
• Universal designers renovate spaces in order to make them more accessible. Often, these designs are used to renovate spaces for elderly people and people with special needs; however, universal designs can benefit anyone.

*If you enjoyed this article you may also find our interior design process, interior design styles and design presentation boards