Tech Furniture with Changing Color Fibers, Milan 2010

Some of the showrooms we saw in Milan were just so inviting, that we just had to go in and take a closer look. Michael was particularly drawn to the Fokas Fiber showroom which could be easily observed from far away due to the cool changing colors embedded in the furniture. We spent at least a quarter of hour there, enjoying the way the sofas, chairs and even carpets changed colors. The technology used to create this designs is fiber optics. Here are a few words from the official web page of the producers: “Fiber optics may be good for the internet, but it is also very eye-catching in furniture. One of a kind sexy sofa that you have never seen before. Fokas Fiber is the only company in the world to produce them and had its worldwide debut in Dubai at the Index 2006 show. Fokas is a Greek company based in Thessaloniki and has been around for 35 years.” Don’t forget to check out the video in order to see how the system works. Would you go for this type of furniture or do you consider it to be too flashy?

Interior Design Ideas for Apartments

Interior Design Ideas

If you are staying in an apartment that needs some refurbishing then, this article will definitely help you. Apartments usually tend to be smaller and hence, designing them in the right way is essential. Remember that while you decide on the interior design ideas for apartments, you need to ensure that adding an element does not give a cluttered appearance. Giving a spacious feel to the apartment must be the primary aim while you work on its interiors. So go through these interior decorating ideas and have the place designed in a classic way.

Cool Interior Designing Ideas for Apartments

Create Maximum Space
Before you look at the various interior design ideas for apartments, start decluttering the area. Believe me, useless items occupy a lot of useful space in our house! So, make sure that you get all such items out of the apartment. Also make sure you make a list of big items you need to add to your apartment, which might occupy considerable amount of space. For instance, if you are opting for a new electronic appliance which needs to be placed on the floor, you need to ensure that certain area needs to be dedicated for this item in the new plan.

Consider Having More Storage
Well, in apartments where space is a concern, you need to get some more storage spaces. Let me tell you that this needs to be smart storage that will help you pack in the objects and add up to the decorations as well. One of the ideas for decorating apartments is to have decorative cabinets and other storage units. Having colorful wall cabinets on one of the walls of your bedroom is the best decorating tip for small bedrooms. You can give it a look of wood wall paneling, hence, hiding the storage idea.

In the kitchen if you have a kitchen island or planning to install one, this must be storage oriented. You can have a lot of drawers and closed shelves in this. In the living room you can have the floating wall shelves which will help place the decorative art pieces on these. You can also plan to have shelves for the entertainment center, hence releasing the floor space, which is one of the smart interior design ideas for apartments. You can also opt for a flat screen TV that can be mounted on the wall.



Arrangement and Decoration
Start with the flooring. It is best to expose the wooden flooring. If you have been covering it with rugs and carpets, get them off. The view of wood flooring gives an elegant and spacious look to the apartment. Opting for the right furniture arrangement is the primary element of interior design ideas for apartments. Go for the posh leather sofas and pick the style according to your living room. You can choose from the large variety in leather sofas and chairs available in the furniture stores.

You can just place a round or square rug in the center of the seating arrangement. Wall decorations should not be forgotten. For small walls you can have long rectangular frames to give the wall a stretched look. Also have the floating wall shelves on the larger wall, so that it doesn't give a cluttered look. You can display other artworks on the passage wall, which often gets left out. If your apartment has a large living area or a common, living and dining area you can opt for opaque partitions or translucent panels to divide the area and maintain the privacy element. These room dividers will also help you have defined spaces.

Best Choice of Colors
Another interior design ideas for apartments is to go for lighter shades, white being the best. While you might wonder that white is so common, let me tell you that this allows you best to play with colors. With white wall you can have any color of furniture, cabinets, shelves, wall paneling, flooring and mainly the furnishing.



The next decorating ideas for apartments is to get some bold colors for the furnishings. Check out the amazing appearance of your apartment. You can also have a red and white, violet and white, gray and white combo to spice up the home decorations. Get those vases and decorative items to match these wall colors and place in the corners. Get more apartment decorating ideas.

Illumination is the Key
One of the contemporary interior design ideas for apartments is to focus on the sunlight. That is, get maximum sunlight to light up your area. Have the huge glass windows which welcome the sun rays and naturally illuminate the rooms. Of course don't forget to have the lovely window blinds which can be pulled down when required. Place the lamps in corners in various angles to create beautiful light patterns on the walls. You can go for decorative embedded lighting for the living and dining area. These come in large decorative patterns as well. Hanging a chandelier above the dining table or kitchen island and in the living area is a great idea. Don't forget to consider illumination for each wall art, shelves and passage area.

Amazing Interior Design of Modern Duplex Penthouse

This duplex penthouse has an amazing corner position with dramatic diagonal views of the San Francisco’s downtown. These views are framed in discontinuous groupings of conventional double hung windows within openings that are painted in grey and blue colors. These openings visually blends with the actual skyline very well. There are two living zones in the duplex. A darker inner one, lined with natural materials – walnut paneling and banquettes upholstered in deep blue mohair – defines the entry, stairwell and second floor pool/guest room. A bright outer zone, lit by windows, defines the double height corner living/media room and kitchen/dining area on the first floor and the master bedroom suite above. It’s contrasting neutral palette of white and grey synthetic materials – concrete, fritted-glass, and stainless and powdercoated steel – focuses attention on the “sky zone” that frames city views.

Different interior design ideas

simple ideas for unique wall paneling treatments that you can do yourself, or that you can hire someone else to do cheaply

Interior Design Ideas





A common trait in many higher end and well-designed homes is wall paneling. This can be very expensive in addition to being a daunting job to do yourself. Here are some simple ideas for unique wall paneling treatments that you can do yourself, or that you can hire someone else to do cheaply.

1. Textured wallpaper: There are many textured wallpaper patterns on the market that mimic wood paneling. There are also styles that are reminiscent of tin ceiling tiles and molded plaster. There is no rule as to how or where to use these products. The key to making them look like real wood or molded plaster is to install them in between two strips of molding, or beneath a chair rail. When shopping for these products ask for textured wallpaper, paintable wallpaper, Lincrusta, and Anaglypta.

2. Bamboo: Bamboo reeds are a highly versatile material as well as a replenishable wood material. They are an ideal creative paneling treatment as well. Then come in many thicknesses and sizes. Look for smaller reeds to use for wall paneling. Just install them directly against the wall using finishing nails starting in one corner and continuing down the wall. The only preparation step you will need to do is to cut them to the correct height for your project. If you are using them for a chair rail, use a thicker piece cut in half, lengthwise, for the header. You can use bamboo to panel the ceiling, a bar, or a wall. You can purchase bamboo flooring
as well, which can also be used for wall paneling.

3. Faux painting: Faux painting has become the wall finish of choice in the last decade. It is inexpensive, costing only the price of paint. It is also a great project for do-it-yourselfers. With the correct tools and painting instructions, you can easily mimic wood, tile, marble, malachite, plaster, or any other surface material you can think of. You can choose to take a class on how to do the finish you desire, or you can hire a faux artist to do it for you. If you later decide you hate the results, all you need to do is paint over it.

4. Fabric: Fabric is a great material that can be used to panel your walls. The simplest way to install fabric in panels is to purchase thin foam insulation boards, cut them to size and wrap them with the fabric of your choice. While wrapping your panels, check with the previous one to make sure your pattern matches up from one panel to the next. Once your panels are completed, just affix to the wall using two sided Velcro or double stick foam tape. This will make it easy to remove and change the fabric on the panels at your whim. Top off the fabric paneling with a nice wood trim. Using this process, you can panel the wall with soft material from leather and suede to denim and vinyl.

As you can see, the only limit to creative wall coverings is our imagination. You can affix any material to the wall that pleases you such as wall bark, tree branches and even a picket fence if you choose. Just keep your eyes open for new paneling ideas, then run home and try them.

Interior Design Ideas for Bedroom

Bedroom Interior Design




You can enjoy the summer all year round by creating a beach themed bedroom. When creating your beach themed bedroom, you will want to stay on track and avoid obvious themes to keep the room timeless and relaxing. Unless you have a love for the following, you will want to avoid designing the room around lighthouses, and over abundance of seashells and nautical themes. You want to create simple relaxed atmosphere, not overwhelm yourself with imagery.

Wall treatments: Use colors notorious for relaxation, comfort, and welcome. Pastel shades of green, yellow, off white, and blue are great colors to use. You can choose simple print wallpaper in these colors or create a very simple faux wall treatment. You can do a light wash, paint simple stripes, swirls, or sponge imprint a simple shape onto the walls.

Window Treatments: Window treatments should be light and breezy. You want to be able to imagine these curtains blowing in the breeze. Hang simple tab top or tie top curtain panels on white painted wooden rods.

Furniture: Furniture should be kept simple and have a light relaxed atmosphere. You can purchase a wicker set that includes dresser, armoire, love seat, headboard and a bench for the foot of the bed. Other alternatives would be to white wash existing furniture by thinning white paint with water or a faux glazing product, and putting layers of paint on the furniture until you are satisfied with the color.

Bedding: If you feel a strong need to use a theme item in your room décor, this is the place you will to use it. This is an item that you will keep for a year or season only. Use the color from your walls as your background color, and then choose a pattern like seashells, lighthouses, or something abstract. Keeping the walls and bedding in the same color family will further promote rest and relaxation.

Flooring: A white washed wood floor would be ideal for this setting. If you are uncomfortable making permanent changes to your floor, you have other options. You can purchase a soft, lightweight, light colored throw rug, or a wall-to-wall carpet in pastel color like blue, mauve or light green.

Accessories: As long as the accessories are not expensive, this is another area to bring in themed items. However, you must be careful not to overwhelm. Your wall hangings, nick-knacks, and disposable items can be shaped like seashells, lighthouses, and anchors if you wish. You an make all of the accessories yourself by bringing home items from the beach to make shadow box collages, and to accessorize light weight wicker items like picture frames, lamps, wastebaskets, and laundry baskets. In addition to making items to decorate your room, bring some life into the room in the form of plants. Place both hanging plants and floor plants in from of the windows to bring a bit of summer time into the room. Balance the extra shade provided by the plants with extra light wattage into the room.

Retro Bedroom Design Ideas

Retro Bedroom Design






When one thinks of the word “retro”, their mind automatically goes to the decorating styles of the 1960’s and 1970’s. For more and more people, however, the 1980’s is also considered retro. Here are some ideas you can use to create a retro bedroom for yourself.

The 1960’s was the time of hippies, and free love. Even more than that, it was a time for people to discover love of their fellow man with the emergence of Martin Luther King, Kennedy, and war protests. Home décor was as bold and free as the youth of the generation.

Walls: Room décor did not necessarily come from wall colors. They came from what was hung on them. On your white or neutral wall colors, hang colorful bold flower print fabrics in two or three colors.

Fabrics: Use bold color blocked fabric for your bedding and window treatment. For example, a white background with orange circles or uneven squares. Colors to look for are orange, brown, white, celadon green, and mustard.

Flooring: Floor tiles were very popular during this time. Purchase floor tiles in two colors and install like in a checkerboard pattern. Add several throw rugs to warm your feet in the morning.

Accessories: Accessorize the room with pop art reminiscent of Andy Warhol who was famous for his paintings of Campbell’s soup and Marilyn Monroe. Lava lamps and Hawaiian tiki carvings are also great room accessories of the time.

As the baby boomers came of age in the 1970’s, free love, war protests, and overall cultural awareness faded as disco and nightclubs became the obsession of the generation who needed to work off steam as they worked themselves up the corporate ladder. Home décor and fashions evolved greatly during this time from wild and crazy to clean lines, but bold colors remained.

Walls: Paint the room in a two-toned design like a beige on top and brown on the bottom. Two tones of any color will work well.

Fabrics: Floral designs continued to remain dominant, but more colors were added to the color palate. For your bed, purchase a cozy chenille bedspread and matching sheer curtain panels for your windows.

Flooring: Shag carpet would look great in your 70’s inspired bedroom, but you do not need to stick with the mixed shades of brown that was used to camouflage spills. Purchase your shag carpet in solid colors instead, and stick to area rugs to save money because shag carpet does not have a long shelf life.

Accessories: Mirrors and glass became the main room accessories during this period. Cover a wall with mirrors and add a mirrored disco ball to reflect the light in your room.

During the 1980’s the baby boomers became parents and so home décor became more grown up. Patterns became more subtle, subdued, and traditional. Victorian elements re-emerged during this time.

Walls: There was a return to white and neutral colored walls. You can paint your 1980's inspired bedroom walls white with pastel colored trim, or antique white with high gloss white trim.

Fabrics: Pastel colors became the popular color scheme during this period interspersed with subtle florals by designers like Ashley Stewart. For a more masculine room, stick with classic stripes and argyle patterns.

Flooring: During the 1980’s, carpet got colorful and shorter. Short twisted pile carpet in pinks, blues, and greens would work well in your room.

Accessories: Accessories during this period were also a bit more grown up. Glass figurines became popular for adults and hand made bunnies and stuffed animals were the main décor in children’s rooms. Photography became the wall hangings of choice from candid pictures of family members to posters of rock stars, to black and white landscapes by photographers like Ansel Adams.

Porch Decorating Ideas for Spring and Summer

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Home Tips : Present solutions for Splashing water in the Park Home

Present solutions for Splashing water in the Park Home!
No need to be disappointed because it could not make a backyard pool is limited. You can still bring the gurgling sound of water in the park, although only using a fountain.
No one denies that if the gurgling sound of water can create a cool atmosphere. So no wonder if many people are also willing to make the pond in his yard, complete with a fountain for the soothing sound of water gurgling it.

About this pool, some people assume make a pool can only be done on a vast land. Thus, those who have limited land, failed to make the pond and fountain in his yard, plus get the gurgling sounds of water. This assumption is not always true. On the narrow yard, we can obtain the gurgling sounds of water in the park.

No need to create a large pool anyway, if the land is not possible. Simply create a small fountai water in the corner of the land. Fountai like this could be placed under trees or in the other corner of the park. Clear land needed is much smaller than if you had to make a pool below the waterfall.

Small fountain, like the photo above, can be inspiring. Fountai 50cm in diameter made of stone, with holes like dimples. Hole in the middle of this rock filled with water. At its center is placed a small fountain, which stuck with the water flow quietly. Made water circulates from the lip of the overflow hole in the stone, and flows into the coral rock beneath.

Continuous overflow of water out, making the surface of the outer wall of mossy stone. Some may consider it dirty. But not a few people who liked it. In the tropical garden concept, mossy rocks make the garden look more exotic and natural. Still, that does not mean fountai not need to be cleaned at all. You still have to pay attention to cleanliness, at least once a week. At the very least, treat that fountai not even be a nest of mosquitoes.

Home Tips : Tips of theWood Floor Care

Tips of the wood floor care!

Wood Floors, is an alternative floor has high artistic value, but the wood floors can also be disastrous for the user ..


Basically, the material of wood, very, very vulnerable to changes in weather and termites. But with treatment and current tekologi, wood flooring is an alternative method for the floor of a luxury home or office. But with unfavorable treatment or undercooked it will make the house look bad appearance and function of such floors could be disrupted.

QUALITY WOOD FLOOR

To get a quality wood floor and in accordance with the expected, then the maximal function of the wood material, be aware of several things, including the need to choose weather-resistant tree species and termites. For example, teak, ebony, iron or ironwood, marine resin, bangkirai, and merbau. Also be sure the wood used in a very minimal water content. Because of high water content can be made of wood became swollen, shrinkage, or cracks. Besides doing all the finishing process and coating with anti-termite substances. And if you want to obtain the surface texture, use a polish or varnish, can also paint with a paint timber.

For wood floors would be better to use solid wood species, because solid wood is resistant to termite attack in addition to having a beautiful texture. Also create a balanced composition with a field of wooden furniture. The floor could use a structure that extends vertically, while the widening could be horizontal. Facilitate appropriate arrangements perletakkan furniture. In order to view a maximum wood floor, you should confirm the condition of the ground floor flat face and neat. Uneven floor can damage the wood and the atmosphere of space.

For maximum results must be done by a professional installer, and for the installation of wood floors do not require a long time, because it only takes 1-2 days.

Installation of wood floors do not have to dismantle the old floor, such as floor tiles, marble, cement floors acian and old wood floors can be stacked with our wood floor.

Basically a wooden floor or only able to hold the water from the upper layer only. Therefore, washing the wood floor is not allowed, so the advise to use a special floor cleaner tool. Basically, the water spills on the wood floor is not too problematic, as long as soon as possible dried (not left for days).

EXCESS WOOD FLOOR

Pros use a wood floor is cool when hot, warm when cold, Beautiful & elegant, Comfortable Friendly, No Sign in the wind if you slept, Hygienic & Non Allergy, No disassemble & damaging the floor early. not until the peeling layer conditions (10 year warranty), stain resistant & Scratch Resistant (no layer of corundum crystal), is not changed color (10-year warranty), Hold fire, cigarettes (no layer of corundum crystal), water resistant & waterproof (upper layer laminate ).

Besides the above mentioned wood floors have many colors & styles to suit the desired interior, no odor, no dust sticks & easily cleaned, repaired & replaced easily, no serious injuries if fallen on it, no noise when stepped on, no need to sand, diwax / difinish reset, but the connection & not curved, high Value & economical, not humid in the room air conditioner, Suitable for tropical and mountainous, suitable for your room audio & video, installation & maintenance Save time, Supported accesories for the beauty of your room , does not need the added layer of protection, no need membongklar old floor.

In addition, the best way to care hardwood floors can be through special instructions recommended by the manufacturers who produce wood floors. But in general, to cleaning and preventing damage to the wooden floor at home.

To clean wood floors can use a soft brush made of feathers or sulah, because although the wood floor is scratch-resistant, does not cover the possibility of scratches due to errors selecting a broom. Also use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner to avoid scratching the floor. Clean the floor with vacuum 1 or 2 times a week.

Walaupin wood floors that we have included in the high-quality wood floor, wood floor how baikknya avoid the water that is its greatest enemy. If the wood floor is exposed to water, it can be cleaned with a soft towel, then dry.

When cleaning wood floors, redeeming a dry cloth. Water from the wet wipes can seep into the pores of the wood floor causing damage. Carpet may be an alternative to cover the wooden floor, especially on the most frequently traveled areas. But choose a carpet with a non-skid coating that is not easily displaced.

Frequently carpet area is cleaned with a vacuum so that dust does not fall through the fibers of carpets and wood littered the floor. Avoid wearing heavy shoes or high heels on the wooden floor you. In addition to cause scratches, some heels can also result in grooves on wooden floors.

Never drag furniture on your wood floor. Use a soft base such as cloth or towel on the bottom of furniture when they want to move it, this avoid scratches on your wood floor.

Use doormats at each access in and out of the room to reduce the impurities carried by the shoe. Make sure you follow the guidelines recommended by the manufacturer to remove scratches on hardwood floors. If there is damage caused by water, will likely be very difficult to fix. Some types of wood flooring may require the process of waxing or pengkilapan floor regularly. Get recommendations from the manufacturer about this and other wood floor care in particular.

Renovation Floor Plan

Before I get any further with my ideas for paint colours, fabrics and flooring options, here is the renovation floor plan. It doesn't show where the existing walls are but you can see how it will look when it's finished.

I'm really happy with it so I don't think there will be any changes. I'm not sure I will be able to get the kitchen in straight away so we still have to work out how we're going to handle that while still pulling the walls down...

xo

Tweaking the renovation plans

So I have the quote back from the carpenter and things are progressing (yay). We're at the tweaking stage; thinking even more carefully about exactly where the new walls are to go and which ones to remove. We want to make sure we get it right and maximise the space in a way that suits our needs but also appeals to potential buyers when we eventually sell.

I think we're about 95% there. I decided to carve a bit of space from the WIR-to-be and put a study nook on the other side. I'm super happy with the idea because the newly created hallway won't be wasted space and the living area with the tv will be far enough away that the study area can be used without it being too noisy. I haven't seen any ideas that quite match what I want but here are bits and pieces that I like.











I am going to ask for a quote to add a window seat at the end of the new living room. I was planning to use that end for the couches/tv but I've decided to swap that with the dining area and I can see already that it will work much better.

However, it led me to re-consider the flooring. I had been imagining carpet because I've heard people say you should at least have carpet in one living area. But I think I will go against the grain (no pun intended) and lay timber laminate or floating floors and just add a nice big rug where the couches will be. I don't want to be stressing about food being dropped and I can only imagine it will happen more than once - there's a step leading from the kitchen to the that area. My first preference would be to go with a light oak or similar but my husband only likes the darker woods so we'll compromise and probably go with a spotted gum or similar - like this.

Back to Black

Yes, I am fully intending to take the plunge and paint a wall (or two) black. Most people I have told think it is a terrible idea but I've seen it done well and I'm hoping to prove them wrong.

My chosen wall is a 6.5 metre wall with a double open doorway through to the second living area. I'm even condsidering painting the ceiling of that room black - although I'm a little worried it could look like a nightclub. The adjoining walls will all be painted white although I may use fabric or timber panneling on one of the end walls too.

I can't remember where I saw the original photo that inspired me to paint a wall black but here are a few recent ones I like.

20 Bedroom Interior Design Ideas

Amazing pictures and great ideas can be almost as helpful in designing the best new bedroom as having a cool designer – and inspiration is free. From retro and vintage to modern and bohemian, small spare rooms to magnificent master bedrooms, here are some of the most creative and unique photos of bedroom interior designs online.

Cool & Hot Colored Bedroom Design: An age-old interior designer trick is to start with a great color palette and work from there, finding, designing and painting around that first defining choice. From simple modern black, white or grey palettes the bright blue, yellow and red choices in the pictures above, this is a good way to start small and build a big space around a tiny color concept.

Themed & Bohemian Bedroom Design: For those of a slightly different stripe (zebra, perhaps?) there are a number of ways to transform master and guest bedrooms into great spaces. Retro and vintage can be cool, but these images illustrate people who have gone all the way to tropical Pacific Island green, water-filled Far East blue or simple mellow Western-Style (yacht) white-and-yellow.

Elegant, Classic & Stately Bedroom Design: Before you get too carried away in one direction with ideas for your own designer bedroom, it is worth keeping in mind that there are creative design concepts of all kinds. While some will find these traditional styles stuffy and boring, they can actually become fairly amazing quite quickly with anything from faux-panoramic Roman-ruins scenery to miniature-replica Egyptian-god fountains.

Glamorous, Over-the-Top & Celebrity-Style Bedroom Designs: Once again making a mighty leap in design, these pictures show that stripping poles and sparkling pink are still in style for some people as well. While they might be cool and fun for a temporary hotel room stay, they are not the kinds of places most of us would feel comfortable creating in our own house or home.

Japanese, Chinese & Other Asian Theme Bedroom Designs: Saved for last, inspiration from the Far East can be dangerous – it is a small step from cultural curiosity to crazy kitsch. Nonetheless, there are designer lessons to be learned from the ways in which these spaces are organized, colored and decorated even if taking direct aesthetic ideas might not be the best idea.