Category: Interior Design and Decorating

With the decline in manufacturing in the 1950’s and 60’s, empty warehouses, schools, factories, and office and retail spaces opened up the opportunity for cheap rentals. These spaces allowed for the first true urban pioneers to establish an imaginative and trendy style that is still alive and growing. By keeping the exposed brick walls, and wood or concrete floors, as well as the duct work and pipes that were left in the buildings, people began creating useful and inviting spaces. Since many of the building were equipped with large windows and lots of them, there was no shortage of light to flood the rooms, which was just another added bonus, in some cases.

Although renovating an old building can be daunting and expensive nowadays, it can be well worth the effort. Breathing new life into formerly unused buildings is not only good for the building, it brings a sense of uplifting pleasure to those who live and visit the home or business. It renews the neighborhood and the people who live there, adding beauty and style. It allows the owner and designer to keep a bit of historical architecture while using new processes to preserve them. It can even add new revenue to the neighborhood by adding a bar, nightclub, restaurant, or even rental venue for weddings and such. The opportunities are endless for these vacant buildings. Of course, planning and design are an important first step. You should know ahead of time just where any wall or plumbing will have to be placed for kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and you’ll want to try to keep as much of the existing details and elements of the original building to stay true to the industrial/urban feel.

The style has led to the manufacturing and reproduction of industrial pieces that were popular in this bygone era. From lighting, to seating, to dining tables and accessories, there are a plethora of products that will look great with almost any decorating style. You can find fun pieces to incorporate into your home by looking for reproductions or shop the salvage and junk yards, garage sales, and flea markets for a special piece. An aged and worn look is what makes these pieces stand out and adds character and charm to any home when placed in just the right spot. Searching is half the fun, but the finished look of the room is what will grab the eyes, so search for pieces that speak to you about the industrial times.

In today’s internet world, you can find people who will refurbish old finds or create new pieces to match old ones such as wall or ceiling tiles. Metal staircases, doors and pulley systems left in old buildings make a great addition to these spaces. Keeping everyone safe by removing lead paint and asbestos is certainly a priority and you should always have the property checked before making a purchase or renting one out. Needless to say, you will also have to apply for permission to change it to residential use if need be.

We understand that the industrial style is not for everyone. The fact is, most people like the look and feel of something new. Personally, I love holding on to a special aged treasure that reminds me of times gone by. I also really enjoy shopping for creative and imaginative items designed for today’s spaces. Whatever your style, I hope you stay open enough to open your home to a bit of the past by seeking out a few urban elements or industrial furniture pieces.

First of all, what are blackout curtains? A lot of people are under the false impression that blackout curtains are completely black, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Blackout curtain linings are actually usually made of white fabric. They are made with tightly woven material that blocks all kind of outside light from entering the room.

This can have all types of benefits. Per example, I use to work as a night guard at a local hospital, and I had a lot of issues getting some quality sleep when I came back home because my curtains weren’t blocking the light properly. A lot of people work night shifts these days and finding blinds that can do the job can be really difficult, since most blinds are made for aesthetic reasons, not efficiency.

Another reason why you should consider getting blackout curtains is because of their amazing energy saving properties. Blackout curtains can help you save on energy bills in all kinds of ways. Per example, they can help you save on air conditioning by preventing sunrays from entering the room during hot summer days, hence keeping the room cooler naturally.

During the winter days, blackout curtains can help you keep the heat in and the cold out, further helping you lower your energy expenses. Another great advantage of these kinds of curtains is that they prevent outside noise from entering the room, which is a great thing if you have to sleep at unusual times during the day.

But to take advantage of blackout curtains, you have to make sure that they are installed properly, or you’ll lose all benefits. You have to make sure that your curtains cover the entire window and are installed higher than the curtain rod so they can effectively block the light from entering.

To make sure that you save energy during the colder fall and winter months, you have to make sure that you only open your blinds when the outside temperature exceeds your room’s temperature and when there’s enough sunlight outside to heat up the room.

All in all, this is great for people with a hectic schedule who are trying to enjoy a good night’s sleep, and they can also help you save a great deal on your energy bill. Just make sure that you install them properly and use them wisely if you want to take advantage of all their benefits.

Light control would be one important factor that would decide upon the mood and the temperature maintained by any a space. If an open space or window fall anywhere to the east or west, simply means facing the sun at the time of rising or set, sure you need to bring in accessories that would help you control the sun, thereby control temperature and lighting.

Lighting for any space is important to be maintained to keep up with the mood of the room, few designed spaces need less external lighting and they carry internal lighting on their own, or that it is like the interior works of the room will only have an elevated view if the lighting is proper of control.

And of course, any space comes with windows or glasses that just adds life to space, to get control over light, no one really stacks bricks all around the space, construct with no windows. That just means that windows are required, but the light that comes in needs to be controlled according to the mood.

Blackout curtains are one good way to control the light and maintain the lighting mood of a space. It is not the lighting alone that it controls, you have an efficient control of temperature as well. So would like to let you know the right curtains can save you a lot of money, at least 25% of your space temperature maintenance cost.

The plaster is often revered for its timeless aesthetic beauty, as well as its durability and resistance. Not only is the ancient application incredibly hard-wearing, it also has low resistance to vapour diffusion, making it breathable and safe for every environment. It also has superior insulating properties due to its high micro-porosity.

Many builders and decorators will wax lyrical about the application’s many qualities – particularly its flame resistance, anti-bacterial properties and highly durability. It is also incredibly flexible and easier to apply than traditional decorating materials. But what actually is Venetian plaster and how is it made?

The process is lengthy and relies on a number of precise variables in order to end up with the perfect make-up. The product is made from lime – an ancient, renewable and highly resistant material that originates from pebbles. These pebbles (which are rich in calcium carbonate) are slowly transformed into a slaked lime product using a carefully orchestrated balance of tradition and technology.

The pebbles are baked in a wood kiln, as they would have been in more primitive times. It’s important to interject here, as the most environmentally responsible companies won’t chop down trees in order to make their kilns. The best manufacturers will use recycled wood sourced from carpenters and other sources.

Sawdust (usually collected in large amounts of scrap from local tradesmen) is then blown into the oven to burn the pebbles, rather than incorporating harmful chemicals such as gas or petroleum. This also prevents the need for electricity, saving once again on ecological consumption.

The pebbles are baked for over a week in the kiln, with an automatic control system monitoring the temperature and process. An innovative filtering system is then used to dampen the emissions into the atmosphere, making the process safer, and more environmentally friendly, still.

At this stage, the pebbles have usually crumbled into a quicklime substance. They are then immerged in water, where they will dissolve into liquid form, ready for the next stage of the process.

The substance is filtered once again in order to remove any unbaked lime that could potentially jeopardise the quality of the product. The slaked lime is then poured into a maturation tank, where it rests for approximately six months. This is typically the minimum time needed for it to mature into a chemical structure – so the process cannot be hurried.

One it has been left to rest, the lime is chemically balanced to make sure it is of the best possible quality and meets all safety requirements. Before it enters the manufacturing process, it is micro-filtered again to ensure the removal of even the smallest impurities, and create the creamy texture we now recognise as plaster.

If you’re looking to source Venetian plaster for your decorating project, it’s important that you use a good-quality, environmentally responsible supplier. If in doubt, it’s best to consult the company about how the product has been made. You can also look for customer reviews online to inform you of the quality of their materials.

Before starting with the decoration, you should decide on whether to use a tablecloth or runner. Many people will choose a runner to protect the wooden furnishing from scratching and staining plus it looks modern and elegant. The tablecloth and runner also does not need to match the curtains but if a carpet is present, make sure that the colour suits the carpet. Alternatively, you can use contrasting colours such as black and white, yellow and red, or perhaps purple and green.

Centerpieces can be more than just flowers and candles. They can also be a combination of decor items or something completely out of this world and abstract.

The item that will be used as the main focus should be in a different colour than that of the tablecloth or runner. Try to avoid blending the same colour decor items so that guests can actually see the distinctive decor elements. The only exception to this decor rule is the use of transparent glasses and vases.

A trend that is taking wedding venues by storm is the upside down wine glass containing an item of sentimental value and a candle placed on top. This centerpiece is placed on a dark plate that accentuates the glossiness of the wine glass. This should be done in sets of three for a wholesome look.

Filling a tumbler (a tall glass) halfway with beads in the colour of your choice might seem generic. So try topping the bead filled glass with water and placing three of these tumblers on a reflective plate. This is a simple yet gorgeous centerpiece that won’t take too much effort to construct.

Sometimes people travel to different parts of the world and tend to buy souvenirs such as a bottle of local gem stones. However, when you get home you realise that you don’t have any use for these gem stones. Filling small mason jars with either a specific type of stone or mixing them could give the room a rustic appearance. You can either top the jar up with water or place a tea candle on top of the gems.

Derivation of Makrana marble

It is an entirely Indian marble. A small place named Makrana is the city of origin of this limestone. It is a small place but marble popularity made it a prominent place, and it delivers marble worldwide.

Within India, Makrana marble has proved its significance many times. It is done that by creating the world class and famous buildings in India. A few of them are Taj Mahal a monument that comes into one of the wonders of the world, Birla Mandir that is a beautiful temple made by using white marble from Makrana, Jain temple of Dilwara, Victoria Temple of Kolkata, etc. are a few more renowned names.

There are lots of mines situated in the Aravalli range, and other nearby areas. These are useful to extract marbles from them, and Makrana marble is one of the prominent ones. It has given employment to lots of people in nearby villages.

Top-notch uses

If you want to take advantage of the world-class marble, then you can employ the same at your house with the help of most excellent architects available. They can help you and design it in a flawless manner. Mainly it is used in flooring, and you can go with the similar use. It can also be used on walls as done by famous buildings but that should not pinch your pocket.

A range of varieties availability

Makrana marble is not limited to a single color, and it is available with plenty of variety. So, if you are planning to use it at your home or office, then there are various options available. It is durable if taken proper care that will let it stay for an elongated time. Therefore, it requires a one-time investment and can confer fabulous returns. So, whatever is your will to use marble in your house, you can do that appropriately.

Many allergy sufferers are irritated by various carpets and fabrics indoors, especially because the carpet can trap allergens in its fibers, including mold, dust, and dander, and these items can find their way into the air whenever you walk on the carpet. Unlike most traditional carpets, however, cowhide rugs do not trap allergens and do not release fibers into the air. While they do gather dust, these rugs do not trap dust within their fibers like other rugs do. Instead of regular cleaning and vacuuming, all you need to do is take the rug outside and shake it to rid it of dust, and brush it by hand every so often to remove visible dirt. This of course cuts down on the overall time you need to spend cleaning any room in which you place your cow skin rug, which can save homeowners and apartment dwellers money in the long run, because there is no need to have the carpet professionally cleaned periodically. Rugs made from cowhide do not contain synthetic materials and are also unlikely to be treated with volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), such as pesticides and flame retardant chemicals.

These rugs are also very simple to clean should there be a spill. You don’t need to panic and rub the rug with potentially toxic chemical carpet cleaners like you would with other kinds of floor coverings. Instead, you simply need to apply a moist cloth to the cowhide rug to remove spills, and a dry cloth to anything that is spilled on it that could cause a stain.

Another plus to rugs made from cowhide is their durability. Most carpets wear down in a fairly predictable way, becoming worn, faded and dirty with age due to foot traffic and constant exposure to dirt and debris from outdoors. But a cowhide rug can sustain foot traffic much more easily than other kinds of rugs, and thus lasts longer. The cowhide also contains natural oils that help the rug resist the penetration of the surface via liquids and other contaminants. If you want to keep the rug looking its vibrant best and prevent fading, all you need to remember is to keep it away from direct sunlight.

Important factors to consider

First of all, if you don’t have vases already, you may want to buy a few. When buying, however, make sure you take into account three fundamental factors: color, shape and size. Apart from these factors, you may want to decide on the type of vase you need. You can opt for a ceramic, metal, glass or wood vase. Besides, you should consider the overall design of your room before you choose a vase. Actually, the purpose of considering the theme is to make sure that the vase will match the room décor.

Types of flowers

Unfortunately, you can’t put all types of flowers in a vase. The first thing that you need to consider when putting flowers in a vase is the size of the vase. If your vase has a narrow base and big mouth, we suggest that you opt for flowers with big petals like lilies and dahlias. Apart from this, flowers with single stem like sunflowers and roses are an ideal choice for vases that are narrow.

Decorative pieces

If you put another vase next to the one you chose, it will make the table look more refreshing. What you need to do is put some decorative pieces like marbles, stones, small rocks, seashells, colorful buttons, old coins, ferns, or dried leaves in the vase. These small items will look great in the transparent vase. So, you may want to buy another vase to serve as an additional decorative piece.

Other creative ideas

Aside from the ideas given above, you can try out tons of other creative ideas to arrange your vases. For a modern style and look, we suggest that you line up a few vases on the table. Make sure that these vases are of the same type, color, size and shape. Apart from this, you can use candles to put beside the vases for a romantic theme. So, you can use these creative ideas in order to decorate your room with decorative vases.

General Purpose

The general purpose panels are practical for indoor or outdoor use and often installed in ceilings or walls. Plus, for the more attractive finish they can include the recess to frames with flush latches and concealed hinges to avoid interrupting the existing surface finish. This type of panel is perfect to install where it isn’t necessary to conceal high security items or comply with specific fire codes. The type of doors in this category includes those that have code locking, temperature control and draft resistant designs.

Drywall

Most of the commercial and residential buildings have walls with drywall that fills an area of steel or wood framing. In the event of needing to complete plumbing or electrical repairs, it is usually necessary to cut into this area of drywall to reach the parts that need repairing. But with a proper drywall access point it is much easier to complete the repairs without causing unnecessary damage. Most of these openings are designed to fit flush to the wall surface and can be painted to match the existing decor to completely blend with the surrounding environment. For greater security, it is possible to install a concealed safety system that can prevent children or strangers from opening these areas.

Plaster Bead

If the ceilings or walls are made of plaster, the preferred option is the plaster bead access panels that are less likely to cause any interference with the plaster surface or structural integrity. Plaster is significantly less resilient than the more hard-wearing drywall, so it is necessary to use a different method of insulation. This is achieved by using a very strong frame that can accept the door and also prevent issues with chipping. The preferred style includes those that have a recessed frame to make sure it is able to stay flush with either the ceiling or wall surface.

• Duvet: This is basically a type of blanket which you put on your bed. These blankets are also provided with zippers so you can fix them accurately and zip apart easily while washing. They also come with pillowcases.
• Quilt: A quilt is a handmade blanket consisting of varied colors or types of fabrics. You can make them easily at home with even denims or cotton cloth. You have to simply sew them together in your favorite design or even add batting for the extra warmth.
• Comforter: This is what we call blanket in general language because a comforter is responsible for the warmth. They come with variety of fabrics to even synthetic materials woven together to shield you from the winters.
• Throw Blanket: As the name suggests, this blanket is used for the occasions when you are feeling only a bit of cold. They come usually in lighter variety but some might even come with heavier ones. They are made up of fleece and a variety of fabrics.
• Fleece Blankets: These are very thin and short. Not preferably the ones you will need to snuggle in winters but can be used in summers for just giving you the comfort of one. One can put them on sofa’s for decorating as they are usually of soft materials.
• Afghan Blankets: A type of throw blanket and the most desirable among all. These are actually knitted or crocheted with a typical yarn. These are perfect for giving you the warmth in winters. Most of the people make these at their homes or even gift their loved ones. However, these still cannot protect you from extreme winter as they have minute holes in them through air can easily pass.
• Security blankets: These are the favorite of children all over the world. They may be available in full size but are usually of short length to give children comfort.

The Handwoven Nature Makes Them Desirable

One of the most important aspects of the traditional Berber rug that has survived to this day is it is still handwoven. The tribes that make the rugs are known for their craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations.

The handwoven aspect has made them quite popular. For one, purchasing the rugs help these humble people continue their way of life, and it is definitely fair-trade. These rugs are made special every time since they are handmade, making them one-of-a-kind and priceless.

Completely Ethical in Every Way

There are several rugs made from synthetic materials that are usually quite affordable and durable. The problem is the rugs are sometimes made from materials that were not ethically sourced or with non-renewable energy.

It is important, especially now-a-days, to stick to materials that are eco-friendly, ethically made, and comes from renewable sources. Purchasing these types of materials helps the global economy and the earth’s well-being.

Plus, it is no secret that sticking to ethically-made products is considered very classy, which is ultimately what everyone wants their rug piece to say.

All Around Natural Rugs

The Berber rugs are becoming popular because they are made using only wool. The wool comes from animals that the people farm themselves and take care of in a humane way. The wool is gently removed, and it is not altered in any way when it is finally used to make the Berber rugs.

This is one reason why these rugs are durable, luxurious, and completely enchanting. The wool is plush, so it does make for a very comfortable rug that any family would enjoy, not to mention very safe for kids and pets. The fibers do not catch dust as easily as some synthetic fibers, promoting better overall air quality.