Design Bubble

17/01/2014

Innovative ideas of our future

Why dedicate a whole room to your kitchen when you could fit it all on to one wall – and that includes the appliances? Modular Kitchen by Matthew Gilbride, based in the US, lets you do just that, with each shelf-like unit using solar-powered wireless networks to morph into any of a number of roles: shelf, fridge, stove, light or air-conditioning unit.

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Video: This multifunctional shelf could make kitchens a thing of the past

17/01/2014

Innovative Ideas

Putting clothes away in the closet can be a drag, but there would be added incentive with this space-saving idea designed by Michael Edenius, based in Sweden. Instead of having to wash clothes between wears, just hang them up and your wardrobe will do all the hard work, scanning clothes for dirt and using water less molecular technology to remove it ready for next time you need to get dressed.

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Video: In the future, a biological wardrobe could wash you dirty laundry

17/01/2014

Quick Makeover

A home should reflect the unique design ideas and lifestyle of its occupants. While decorating interiors, your goal should be to create beautiful spaces that are functional and organized, physically safe and emotionally nurturing. Even if you don’t want to go for a complete makeover, there are several ways in which you can add style and panache to your home with minimal effort and expense.
You can start off by arranging same sized pictures in a triangle shape. A brass plate on a dark bookcase will lighten and brighten it.
Wall mounted swing arm lamps are unobtrusive and very functional when used above night tables on either side of the bed.
You can hang clothes rods at varying heights in closets to maximize space or mirror a wall to create a feeling of spaciousness.
If you are tired of those old dining room chairs, try a slipcover.
You can also make the room interesting with unusual fabric combinations. To achieve a designer look choose one large bold pattern and to that add two other patterns.
You can put the large print of the sofa, the floral stripe on the windows, the plaid on one chair and the small print on another chair and have several pillows mad in a combination of various fabrics. Don’t forget to embellish the pillows with fringe and contrasting cording.
Wooden shutters, wooden blinds, woven wooden roman shades, cellular shades and vertical blinds continue to be the most popular choices for privacy and light control at window.
Fabrics add the soft design touch to all of these hard treatments, but they should be used to frame and not to cover the window.
Accessories are the finishing touches, that beautiful object of art – paintings, mirrors, plants, flowers, clocks, candlesticks, sculpture, boxes, pillows etc. that gives a room a feeling of charm, warm, interest and asset in creating the desired moods. Stronger statements than single items use plants either real or silk or a sculpture on a pedestal to fill a bare corner.
Keep the scale in harmony with the size of the room and the size of the different furniture pieces. The quantity of accessories used also depends on the mood and style. Victorian settings thrive on platter, while contemporary settings call for a stream line look.
Look at each area and ask what you are trying to achieve – a dash of colour and element of softness , something to fill a bare spot , something to add visual weight start with larger objects stop stand back and observe where the holes are and then fill in with smaller objects.

14/01/2014

14/01/2014

14/01/2014

The Greenbo Planter is a new concept of eco-living,made from high quality UV protected Polypropylene with patented rail stability design for growing flowers or organic herb and vegetable gardens without any screws, nails or brackets; which means no more rusting and damages to walls, banisters and fences.With a patented built-in draining solution (two removable, cleanable, and replaceable trays), it is the perfect solution to a modern urban living lifestyle.Consumers who living in high density dwellings with balconies; houses with fences, banisters and balustrades who wish to grow their small organic vegetable garden or flowers utilizing
existing structure to maximize living space this one is your answer.It has two built-in draining trays;therefore, the plant’s root system is completely separated from excess water.

08/01/2014

The colors always compliment your personality or rather say they define you. The color that we like, wear and sport suggest a great deal about us. They influence us and at times change or effect the way we think. Every color speaks for itself. Black suggests the darkness of night while blue suggest the morning sky. So it’s necessary to have the right shades and intensity of colors around us.
While choosing the colour for a room one most consider the activity that will take place there as well as kind of people who will be using it. Red is a warm colour and is usually preferred for play room, kitchen and exercise room as it helps to stimulates people and maintain a high level of activity. Yellow and orange are also warm colors but good for kids room. Dark tones suggest warmth and are also called advancing colors as they make surface come closer i.e. they create an illusion of contraction wide spaces. Green blue violet and white are cool colors with pale tones so are also called receding colors as they make the space appear larger.
Even the texture of the color changes its effects for e.g. glossy finish appears brighter where as matt or less shiny finish gives a softer look to the surface. Violet represents richness and majesty. Blue suggest peace and calmness, provides coolness when used with a good contrast. Green brings freshness and inspires creativity as it is bright lively and energetic color. Yellow has a natural soothing nature and provides stillness and at the same time gives a fresh ambiance. Bright red evokes intimacy, adding warmth and coziness. Orange extraordinarily versatile and gives great energy along with warmth and comfort. Black can be merged with metal glass where as white enhances other colors, in fact it works as the ideal backdrop. Gold add shine and sparkle, on the other hand silver implies coolness.

Tips:
• Use Lilacs in bedrooms and studies for refreshing and stimulating effects.
• Deep red is perfect for dining rooms as well as living rooms
• Use yellow for kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms to give a fresh feel.
• Brown can be used for both bedrooms and studies for a sense of solitude and warmth.
• Use light colours for low ceilings, as they tend to higher them and vice-versa.
• Only one colour must dominate your scheme. Never use two colour of same strength.
• Background must enhance what is in the foreground and at the same time should not be obtrusive.
• Lastly maintain continuity among rooms with the common furnishing colours or wood work.
Tips before Painting:
• Check for any area that requires repair and get it mended before painting.
• Remove hardware from doors and windows, loosen lighting fixtures or mask them with tape or paper.
• Be extremely clear about your budget.
• Buy paint in one pack or the largest possible pack to reduce the possibility of colour variations between batches.
• Dust walls thoroughly using a dry mop.
• For large surfaces prefer using a roller brush and /spray gun.

While painting:
• Use primer or putty of a reputed brand to even out the surfaces before applying the first coat.
• For best results apply two or three coats of paint rather than one thick coat.

Maintenance:
• Wash your walls with a soft sponge and mild detergent twice a year for best result. Apply minimum pressure while cleaning distemper walls.
• If there is any dampness in the wall check for the cause and rectify immediately. This would prevent flaking and peeling of paint

03/01/2014

Classic furniture

Selecting furniture is not a tedious job in an interior. All you need is a bit of imagination and some advice. For maximum people furniture pieces are life time investments. Their permanence offers a sense of comfort and belonging. Many of us believe that furniture in dark grains with heavily upholstered seats offers comfort and style. Classical style gives the interiors a look that last forever. These pieces can be passed on from one generation to the next with just a change of upholstery. Beds with round ages on the head board, subtle patterns, cane work, legs with futon all reflect a unique old world charm. Stylish and comfortable furniture with walnut, silver and gold finish are all time favorites.
Lighter tones like Nagpur teak which used to be and old time favorite in the colonial era continues to have its charm, though these days’ people generally prefer subtle detailing then too elaborate design. Tones like mahogany, rosewood, oak, British walnut and dark teak have their own position in market and are easy to maintain than lighter one’s and they also look good with fabric in all soft pastel shades. Fabric in neutral colours and soft green, beige, pastel in solids as well as floral patterns and stripes are all time favorites. These shades make small spaces look larger. Color can be added via bright cushion, curtains, and accessories. Lastly it’s the finish that counts on the furniture. Lacquer polish gives high gloss shiny effect but cracks over period of time. Melamine polish is applied by spraying on the furniture which gives a rich look to the wood and are stain resistant and also does not crack due to variation in temperature. Polyurethane polish is another option for the furniture which makes them moisture resistant.
While buying new piece of furniture always take a look on the room’s layout and its theme. Most important thing to remember is always pick a look and style that last for ages. For many of us its maintenance is the craziest job ever, so here are few tips that can help you out in some way or the other.

• Protect furniture from direct sun light which can cause cracking.
• Always use coasters while keeping glasses, cups and vases to avoid making rings on the furniture.
• Protect your furniture from heat and moisture through hot bowls plate or pans with lots of cushion.
• Always keep your furniture in a healthy environment.
• Try not to put your Classic Furniture close to Air Conditioner or Heater or temperature regulation to have maximum age of your Classic Furniture.
• Use soft, lint-free cloth for e.g. clean cotton T-shirts is commonly used. Dampen them slightly to help trap dust.
• Use a clean dry towel to remove any moisture left from dusting with a damp cloth.
• Never use all-purpose cleaning sprays unless your furniture has a plastic coating, such as the kind used on kitchen tables and children's furniture.
• You'll usually want to avoid cleaning wood with water. However, sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Here's how: dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth.
• If a vintage piece has a lingering smell, air outside on a warm, dry day. Shade from direct sunlight. Pour talcum powder or baking soda over the surface to absorb odors. Place a shallow pan of charcoal briquettes inside drawers. Rub the upper edge of sticking drawers with a white candle
• Polishing Hardware: Remove hardware from the furniture piece. Clean with a metal or brass cleaner and buff. Reattach when completely dry.
• Clean glass surfaces with water or glass cleaner only that is applied directly to clean the cloth; do not spray liquid directly onto the glass to prevent spillover onto the other finishes and surfaces.
• Home remedy to clean or polish:
1/3 cup Boiled Linseed Oil
1/3 cup Turpentine
1/3 cup White Vinegar
Mix in glass jar and shake before using. Pour on soft cloth and apply. Wipe dry with soft cloth.
This is very combustible so dispose of used cloths outside