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Your Closet Beautified

Thursday, August 11th, 2016

FFDM Belvedere Collection offers a lot of drawer space for your storage needs.

FFDM Belvedere Collection offers a lot of drawer space for your storage needs.

Your closet is a reflection of who you are – do you agree? A poorly-designed closet then requires an immediate redesigning task. If you are just starting, then allow this guide to get you through storing and getting the most out of your new wardrobe.

Get Only What You Need

If you haven’t already bought your cabinet, decide how big or small your closet space would be. Think also about the kind of design that you would want to build on. It could be tempting to provide one whole, blank wall to your cabinet without first considering what you would place inside it. So, yes, it is important to consider what the contents are going to be.

Build your closet based on the amount of hanging space that you actually need. Even small spaces can retain their look of spaciousness if you plan your closet space thoroughly. Planning ahead could also allow you to spend less or work within your budget.

Get Organized

Do not waste an inch of closet space – ever. Be sure to maximize space by grouping clothes according to their size. A group of clothing that spans 20 inches when hung should have a separate section. You need to be specific with regard to closet management. The top rod should be high enough so that you would have ample space between the hanging clothes and the second rod beneath them.

Consider Ergonomics

Of course, you wouldn’t want to be crawling on all fours looking for a pair of socks. You should learn to design your closet space ergonomically so you won’t have to bend down and hurt your back just to get a scarf or a hanky. Keeping your closet tidy will also add to the ergonomic feature of your bedroom.

Position the shelves in a more ergonomic manner by hanging them above your closet. Plus, make sure that they are no more than 14 inches deep or you would potentially lose your stuff at the back. Have no less than 10 inches of space between shelves. Stack right to the top of the shelf since you won’t have to reach to the back anymore.

Set up your shelves correctly and you won’t have to reorganize too often.

Get Ample Storage

This is especially true if you have a small space. The secret here is to use every bit of storage to its full potential. Hang clothes in the closet. Some homeowners find it better to hang their favorite clothes as folding them in deep shelves only spells mess in the end. Use deep space, instead, for hanging your clothes and the folded stuff can be placed elsewhere.

Deep drawers can be the home for sports gears and shoes. This allows easy dumping of stuff and finding them when you need them again. This is a better option than having the shoes stored at the bottom of the closet or directly underneath the bed.

Smart Shoe Storage

If you are dealing with a tight space, then storing your shoes inside the closet becomes a problem. You can have regular shelves or drawers house your shoe collection. The drawer method allows you to see your shoes immediately and you even have easy access to them.

If the shoes won’t fit inside the closet, then have some storage boxes brought in especially for them.

No Need for Closet Accessories

Closet accessories may be useful on some instances but be very selective in buying them. Most closet accessories are just a waste of money as well as space inside a small closet. What you should invest in are racks for ties, belts and scarves which would allow you to slide them in or out.

Don’t forget storing elsewhere. It would be unwise to clog your bedroom closet with all your stuff so be sure to use other shelving systems in your home.

 Henredon Living Room Armoire 6200-05-93

Henredon Living Room Armoire 6200-05-93

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Old House Concerns (And How You Can Stay On Top of Them)

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

This Hooker Furniture Living Room Imperial Regal 3-Piece Stationary Sectional will look great in any old home.

This Hooker Furniture Living Room Imperial Regal 3-Piece Stationary Sectional will look great in any old home.

There are two ways that you can be saddled with an old home issue; first, if you inherited one or if you bought one and are about to remodel it. Whichever scenario brought you this dilemma, you have to know that old home issues are sure to come up sooner or later so you might as well know what you’re about to face.

But what can be considered an old home?

This is going to be a subjective definition. Some would say that it is any house that’s been standing for 30 years or longer. This is why it is common for old house problems to materialize. Yet homes are supposed to age slowly and the problems that homeowners encounter often accrue gradually.

Religious maintenance can make a huge difference as can the quality of construction. Do accept, though, that the older the home gets, the likelier that you are going to encounter issues that would impact its livability as well as its safety.

Foundation Problems

You would require an inspection by a competent structural engineer if the floor that you’re walking on feels uneven. There are also less obvious signs that could manifest inside your home such as windows and doors that no longer latch properly. Such issues could also be spurred by foundation issues. Drywall cracks that are seen over windows and doors are also signs of a weakening foundation. Hairline cracks may appear harmless but a certified structural engineer would say otherwise.

A quick exterior inspection must be done right away. Check for any bulges inside foundation walls or any part of your home that no longer appears vertical. See also if there are chipping and flaking and if you do see any get a screwdriver to check the concrete’s hardness.

The cost for foundation repair could be as low as $1,000 or it could go a lot higher depending on the damage.

The Leaky Roof

The intrusion of water in your home is a sure death to the structure. The soundness of your roofing system is crucial to the overall health of every structure therein.

So how do you spot if you have a leaky roof?

If you spot staining on the ceiling, then this could be a sign of roof leaks. There could also be other issues that could cause this such as plumbing or window leaks, no matter, some repairs need to be done.

Water spots on the exterior walls can also be a sign of flashing issues. If you see these, you need to inspect the roof tiles or shingles to see if there are any problems like cracks, unsecured flashing, missing parts or cupping. Taking a quick look at the attic insulation should also reveal signs of moisture. Looking for daylight underneath the roof boards is also an effective way of seeing if the roof is still in perfect shape.

Roof repair costs vary so it is best to get an estimate from a contractor or a local roofer.

Old Features

Popcorn ceilings are removable though it could cost anywhere from $2,000 and up. The job becomes more hazardous if the ceiling contains asbestos (which is a probability). Allow a contractor to do the testing and the ceiling removal.

Old countertops and cabinets should also be replaced eventually. Painting jobs are relatively easy as would the replacement of fixtures but outdated furnishings need to be addressed right away. That heirloom cabinet might be housing not just your great grandma’s antique pieces but also some termites so watch out.

Waterproofing Issues

If there is a musty smell in your home then, chances are, you have waterproofing problems. It could be mold or mildew that has built up in the walls, the attic or even your under floor framing. Once you smell this, be sure to ask for a professional inspection. This is a potential major issue as it could require a new drainage or waterproofing.

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You, Your Neighbors and That Thing Called Privacy

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

FFDM Antebellum: Carpeting in this room absorbs noise effectively.

FFDM Antebellum: Carpeting in this room absorbs noise effectively.

Living in close proximity with your neighbors may be the trend these days but it still poses quite a challenge. What you need is to plan smart so that not every person from your neighborhood would be able to smell what you’re cooking, see what you’re viewing, or even hear what your family is talking about.

Noise Control

The initial thing that you need to consider when living within earshot of your neighbors is the noise. This may be the music that is being played, kids running and laughing about or those regular parties. Any noise that you don’t make is considered noise.

There are two kinds of noise transference – impact and airborne. Impact noise includes footsteps or the whirs of washing machine. Airborne noise, on the other hand, includes muffled or audible voices, the sound of TV, or music. The solution for both is this – sound insulation.

Sound Insulation Equals Peace of Mind

If your neighbor’s barking dogs are starting to drive you mad, then you should definitely consider leveling up your home’s sound insulation. To significantly reduce the noise level coming into your home, be sure to use a fusion of sound-absorbent material and void.

Have the frame fixed into the interior wall or into the floor. This should create a void. It could be a wood lath frame or, for better results, use lightweight steel frame. Rubber sound-absorbent material can be bought by the roll.

Calculate

There are two chief points to think about when installing sound insulation. First, you need to consider the price for every square foot. Second, you also have to measure the depth of the system as far as how it protrudes from the current wall. The adjoining structure’s size will show what product standard will be viable for your home. For instance, if it’s just a bedroom wall, then you should pick the high-end kit.

Modern frame and clip kit offer minimal profile so you won’t lose more than an inch or two out from the wall’s surface. This will add up where three to four walls should be insulated as two inches from every side will have a relevant impact on the floor space.

Always consider your choices carefully.

Clean Air

Apart from sound, there is also another concern which is the smell. This could be the sewage, garbage, cooking or your neighbor’s pets. These are all issues especially when you are living in an apartment or a townhouse. More often than not, space restrictions come with an obligation to make the airflow breathable.

Have a duct installed and make sure that this is centered either on the bathroom or the kitchen. An air duct will extract any unwanted odors and vent them outside. In a few cases, this can be achieved by having voids between the stud work and joists. Exposed ducts can also be used as a contemporary feature in your living room.

You can also extract cooking smells by using a high-powered fan. Just make sure that the one you invest in does not contribute to the level of noise, though. If you want to make good use of a kitchen ventilation system, then be sure to keep the speed under maximum speed. If you have to use the fan at this speed, then be sure to keep your usage under 10 minutes.

If you happen to live in an apartment and you’re sandwiched between units, then your only option is to have a filtered exhaust fan installed. Change the filter regularly so that the fan will remain effective and quiet.

Shun Those Prying Eyes

Lastly, even the friendliest of neighbors could be tempted to look into your terrace, patio, balcony or even the rooms. To avoid this, you must screen aesthetically, meaning, have the windows dressed with Venetian blinds, curtains or drapes.

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The Stairway Fashion Update

Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

The Accessories Uttermost Iron Fish Wall Art 04273 is an interesting alternative to the usual framed photos or paintings.

The Accessories Uttermost Iron Fish Wall Art 04273 is an interesting alternative to the usual framed photos or paintings.

The stairway is an integral part of any home renovation.  This is especially true for multiple-floor homes whether they have the budget for a rebuild or just a refinish project. Here are some guidelines that you might want to consider as you try to tackle this remodeling project in your home –

Replace Not                            

If you want your stairway project to be cost-effective, then try to update your old staircase by refinishing it. You would be amazed at how you can transform the look of your stairs by merely painting the risers or the vertical part of your stairs. Be sure that the trim and the risers have the same color and the treads are refinished.

You can also update the railing by having the balusters painted and having the handrails refinished. You could achieve a more traditional look by accomplishing this but if you want a contemporary vibe, then all you have to do is to add a modern carpet runner.

Repaint or Clad with New Treads and Risers

Another less expensive way of updating the stairs – whether old or new – is to having it painted. Be sure to paint the treads, railings and the risers. Use contrasting colors like black and white to achieve a more dramatic flair.

If a painting job is not your cup of tea, then you can always have the stairs clad with new treads and risers. Here, you won’t have to worry about overspending on rebuilding or tearing out your stairs.

Choose the Right Materials

One other magnificent way to spruce up a contemporary or traditional staircase is by using non-traditional materials for your balusters. Add steel or iron to the railing then alter the whole look as well as the character of the stairs.

Adding glass will also modernize the look of your stairway. There are a few reminders that you need to remember when considering this route. Primarily, know that fingerprints will show when you touch glass so it won’t be enough just to install a glass railing. You would also need to install a handrail atop the glass so that the fingerprint concern will be reduced, if not eliminated.

Go Horizontal

There is now a popular look that is being used in many modern spaces. This is the use of horizontal railing. Be extra careful when using this kind of railing as it is easy for a little child to climb onto. If you still have kids at home, it is better to look at other options so as not to worry about their safety.

A safer choice is a horizontal railing that would go all the way up to the ceiling. This would completely eliminate the problem on kids climbing over the railing. This railing wall will also provide a dramatic backdrop to any adjoining room.

A Floating Staircase

Bring in a little magic into your home. A floating staircase comes at an amazing price as it needs a steel structure for support. Steel can be quite pricey so see if you are ready to bring this look to life. In addition to this, there is also the added danger of kids squeezing between the tread spaces. Make sure that the space between each is no less than four inches.

Accessories Uttermost Citrus Study Hand Painted Art, S2 36109

Accessories Uttermost Citrus Study Hand Painted Art, S2 36109

Be More Imaginative

You can also customize your stairway based on your preference. Think of clever ways to beautify your stairway. You can have an open riser as you beef up the size of the treads. Doing so will also minimize the gaps. Use steel balusters for a minimalist appeal.

Wood or steel railings can also be customized and can add an interesting detail to your home.

Create Storage

Storage may not have anything to do with railing, risers or treads but there is always that extra space beneath the stairs. It would be a waste to not have a function for this available space. Even a floating staircase will always have a space to offer underneath so make good use of it. This is a great storage space for shoes, books and knickknacks.

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Moisture in Your Home and Its Telltale Signs

Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

The 1586-80110D-MULTI4 Serendipity Rectangle Cocktail Table is the kind of furniture that can withstand an upped level of moisture in your home.

The 1586-80110D-MULTI4 Serendipity Rectangle Cocktail Table is the kind of furniture that can withstand an upped level of moisture in your home.

There are but a few things that can wreak havoc when it comes to indoor air quality than moisture. The non-removal of water vapor could result in the formation of mold, an increase in the population of dust mites and condensation. You all know what would happen should these start to invade your home so it’s time to fix your moisture problem once and for all.

Knowing how to get rid of moisture issues begins with being able to tell if it has gotten into your home. So where does it all begin?

People Are the Culprit

You may or may not be surprised to learn that people are the leading culprits when it comes to the occurrence of water vapor inside homes. Did you know that even in the hottest and most humid months, moisture can get in? Yet the environmental factors pale in comparison to the moisture produced by cooking, showering, even your breathing.

A family consisting of four members can produce up to three gallons of water vapor daily. If you’re thinking that merely opening windows would solve your problems, well, think again. Rather than doing this because it could bring in more moisture into your home, it would be better to dehumidify the area.

Shading is yet another strategy that you could look into.

Spot the Moisture Buildup

So how do you know when moisture is already starting to build up? First, you might notice some water drops along the edges of your glass windows.

Look up and you might also be able to see some mold or mildew forming right where the ceiling and the wall meet. The damp smell that is associated with mildew is also a common telltale sign that moisture is trying to destroy your home.

Seeing these things only means that what you have is either a very old home or a poorly-designed new building. There could be thermal bridges where insulation is quite weak as it allows heat to escape at a quicker rate.

A home renovation or remodel should include a consultation with a building science expert. Ventilation and envelope should be properly-designed so that moisture issues can be avoided.

Beware of Unseen Moisture

There could also be widespread condensation happening inside the roofs, walls or slabs where the human eye won’t penetrate. Yet there are also telltale signs that would tell you something is happening in those hidden areas. Called interstitial condensation, the moisture is escaping towards a cooler environment right on the other side of the warmer wall. When this happens, you would observe that the wall would start to degrade. Also, the efficiency of the insulation would start to be reduced.

FFDM Antebellum Collection: Take care of furniture pieces made of hardwood if you suspect that there is an increased level of moisture in your home.

FFDM Antebellum Collection: Take care of furniture pieces made of hardwood if you suspect that there is an increased level of moisture in your home.

Concentrated Condensation

Spot this right at that point where the roof, wall and slab are assembled. These are often visibly wet so you don’t need a pair of glasses to see where the plumbing issues are ensuing. This type of moisture intrusion is caused by an air leak that is localized, meaning, in just a single spot, there is a hole or crack where air escapes to the outside.

Should you know where to find the actual leak, then it is pretty easy to fix by simply checking the airtightness layer. At times, a simple blue tape could fortify punched areas.

Measure the Humidity

You might not see any of the above problems yet you know, somehow, that moisture is beginning to affect the indoor air quality in your home.  If all you have is a gut feel, then it would be wise to invest in a hygrometer so you’ll know the levels of humidity in your home. The ideal measurement should be anywhere between 30 to 50 relative humidity.

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The Awesome Bathroom Remodel

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Monkeys Soap Dish 1253-470

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Monkeys Soap Dish 1253-470

Have you recently decided to remodel your bathroom? Then what an amazing decision that is. As you already know, there are a lot of tasks to do ahead of you. Even when you are in collaboration with a bathroom designer as well as a general contractor, there is still a lot of mental and physical work involved in this project. As a homeowner you should be above these things.

It is up to you to decide where things will be placed, how much budget will be allocated, and how the layout will be done. There isn’t just a single book when it comes to the step-by-step process of bathroom renovation but there are fundamentals that could guide you as you go about with this project.

Know What You’re Achieving

There is a simple answer to this – you are in need of a new bathroom. Yet this journey will eat up some of your savings and a lot of your time. You need to determine, from the onset, the kind of result that you would want to achieve. Know your ideal bathroom. Don’t think about the constraints of money or time at first so that your creativity can take flight.

Envisioning the end result asks for you to know who the bathroom is for. A kid’s bathroom is a lot different from the powder room. How often this room will be used will also determine the eventual look. Consider also how many people would be using the bathroom. It also pays if you could determine how much time will be spent there during the morning, afternoon or the evening.

Other things that need to be addressed include knowing which routines will be done in the bathroom. Will this be the home where you will grow up in?

It also pays to determine if older people would be using the bathroom because, then, you will consider how to deal with poor eyesight and arthritis. It would also be good to have a bathroom that is a looker, nevertheless, one that’s easy to clean.

Lastly, know if you are remodeling for a resale because you will have to consider adding towel warmers, a fireplace, steam showers, even a television.

Define Your Remodeling Reason(s)

There are three chief reasons why people opt to remodel their bathrooms, the first being to update the look of this part in their home. If this is your reason for remodeling, then be sure to pick new cabinets as well as plumbing fixtures.

The second reason for bathroom renovation is upping the home’s resale value. When selling, it pays to know what your buyers actually want. Random buyers could be a tad more difficult to anticipate but you could survey what most homeowners love in purchasing new or pre-loved homes.

The third reason why people renovate their bathrooms is for added storage and better functionality. There are many changes that you could apply such as adding another sink or having shelves for the toiletries and make-up. This third kind of remodel could lead to a gutted bathroom but this is also the one that would end up with a high-end look.

Research

Before you set out to spend money on your bathroom renovation, see that you know what you’re getting into. You could estimate what you could roughly afford but your allotted budget would be more concise if you do your research. More than 50% of homeowners, according to some surveys, are willing to spend beyond $10,000 on master bathroom remodels.

Hire a Pro

It would definitely cost more to hire an expert but you get the added guarantee that the result would be professional-grade. So rather than risk having to redo the remodeling project, it is best to ask for help from a team that knows.

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The Renovation Plan, Your Schedule and Budget

Monday, August 8th, 2016

 1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard

1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard

As a home renovation client, you might feel that you have very little influence when it comes to the makeover project; yet you have more control that you might actually lead yourself to think. Keep in mind that the scope of the project and the materials to be used are all going to be up to you.

The secret to working on a renovation project and keeping it on schedule and on the right budget is to plan all the details before the ground even breaks. If you have not renovated or rebuilt a home in the past, then it’s time that you learn some tricks on how to complete the project.

Know Your Goal

Before you even meet up with a professional, you must know what you would want to accomplish. Would you like to renovate the entire kitchen or just a portion of it? Would you want an elegant upgrade, complete replacement of the furnishings, or would you just like to replace a long-loved backsplash?

A few homeowners know when it is time to renovate their current home yet most of them aren’t sure how to go about with the project. Most of them end up deciding to work with professionals who help in interior design advice and developing a plan.

Prepare the Construction Plans

One of the most crucial documents that you will use are construction plans. These building plans should have the approval of an agency to ascertain that the home meets safety and local codes. If you are not familiar with the building codes as well as construction methods, then you should think of hiring a professional to draft the plans for you.

Different states have different drafting rules. These can also depend on the type and size of the renovation project. Ask people from the local building department to explain the current rules in your area.

Every profession emphasizes different roles. Interior designers and architects are the ones that come up with concepts. They are also the ones that usually draw plans. General contractors are the ones that build the plans while landscape architects create plans and designs for the outdoors.

Know Your Options

Many experts provide a range of services from project management to the final construction. There are those who charge by the hour and those who compute per project. There are also architectural firms that provide design services.

After knowing which team to handle your design project, then you should make your choice regarding who to become your first member. Most hire a designer, architect, builder or a remodeler depending on their current priorities.

Interview a few people then ask for references. Take the time to drive to their past projects. Follow these basic guidelines when hiring an interior designer.

FFDM American Cherry Collection

FFDM American Cherry Collection

Set the Right Budget

Not everyone may stay on budget, in fact, only about a third is able to work on a renovation project within their initial budget. Another third exceeded their budgets while only about 3% were able to achieve a project that’s below their budget. The worst group was those who had no budget to begin with. Those who went over their budgets reasoned that they chose more elegant materials and finishes.

Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $50,700 or more depending on the square feet that need to be worked on. Master bathroom renovation could include furniture and appliance replacement. Asking for an estimate should give you ample leeway in terms of budget. Rather than do the project yourself and risk possible mishaps, it’s way better to ask a team of professionals to complete the project for you.

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Going Tropical with Wicker and Rattan

Sunday, August 7th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Wicker is often viewed as a material but, in essence, it is a term that is often used to describe a category of man-made or natural materials that are woven. This can be rattan, cane, willow, rush, reed, resins, grasses, splints and vinyl.

Wicker can also be the term used to describe the weaving process itself. Wickerwork is known as an ancient technique that is applied using natural materials. These materials are often made wet so that they can be subjected to the weaving procedure.

Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also be created using synthetic materials like resin or vinyl.

Wicker Furniture Benefits

You might be deliberating on what makes wicker furniture the best solution for your home. First, choosing wicker furnishings means owning a lightweight design element; while you can move it around easily, it is sturdy enough to accommodate people of different shapes and sizes.

Wicker is also durable especially the pieces that are made from rattan. Reed and bamboo furniture pieces are strong, too. Wicker with metal frames is even sturdier and is comparable with those made synthetically like resin.

Wicker is also famous for being flexible. It can come in various colors such as black, brown, tan, white, even olive green. Homeowners have the leeway to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.

 Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Different Wicker Options

The first kind that you might want to look into is cane. This is made from rattan’s peeled bark. The strips of bark or the skin are cut into uniform strips. What is achieved is an end product that can be used as a sturdy material for the backs and seats of chairs. Cane can also be used for the legs of tables and chairs.

Another type of wicker is rattan. This is a common material that is used in manufacturing stylish wicker pieces. Rattan comes from the climbing palm named Calamus. This grows at about 36 inches each day which makes it a fast-growing furniture resource. Apart from the skin eventually processed as cane, rattan is then cut to different sizes of reeds. These can be used for wickerwork because of its durability, strength and resilience.

The third type is called reed. This is actually the pithy interior of a rattan. It can be processed to different sizes and shapes like wedge, flat or round.

Another type is what’s known as willow. This is a natural U.S. and Europe material that is commonly used in weaving. It can be harvested from willow shrubs and trees. They are blonde and have small knots right where the offshoots have been removed during processing.

Add to this list the ever-famous bamboo. This comes from the grass family which features an outer bark that may be less weather resistant so you just have to use it inside your home. Bamboo is the best material for homeowners who want the classic look of wicker without having to spend too much.

Traditional wicker coming from natural materials is the best pieces to use as indoor furniture. They are your best choice for living room, bedroom, and dining room pieces. They can also be used outside your home but just make sure that you fortify them against moisture and the glaring heat of the sun.

Synthetic wicker has recently emerged because of the growing demand for sturdy yet inexpensive wicker furniture. Vinyl and resin are made from plastic yet they can also be cut into different sizes and shapes just like the natural materials. There is no better wicker furniture for the outdoors than this last kind of wicker material.

So, have you made your choice?

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Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

The Dream Home Office – Is It Within Your Reach?

Saturday, August 6th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Cherry Creek Modular Group

Hooker Furniture Cherry Creek Modular Group

Working from home has its perks. This is no longer a secret – just ask those hundreds and thousands of people who have not set up their home offices in the privacy of their homes. Most probably, you will be hearing about these benefits that they are already enjoying –

Flexibility

Probably the first thing that you would hear is the amount of freedom that home office owners enjoy. Just picture yourself being caught in the Monday morning traffic and you’d cringe at the idea of having to report to an office far, far away.

These small things can add up and eventually take a toll on you so if you really want to, go ahead and emancipate yourself from the cogs of the corporate wheel.

This flexibility extends beyond the normal day-to-day happenings. It can even open up opportunities to travel throughout the globe or to live in a location that you have wished to live in for the longest time. Referred to as a digital nomad, this is someone who can travel anywhere in the world and enjoys a life of independence.

Zero Morning Commute

Traveling to a traditional office could take 1-3 hours. Just imagine the things that you could accomplish with these three hours being freed up. You can either wake up early or you can finally decide to set up a home office.

You Get to Dress Down

Imagine having to dress down all days of the work week! You can literally work in your PJs as you finish the tasks that you have lined up for the week. This is related to the first benefit which is flexibility. Admit it, there are days when you don’t feel like working and there are moments when you just want to work during the evenings.

You are your own boss so you get to decide when and how to work.

Zero Corporate Restrictions

People who work from home don’t have to deal with office politics. There is no need to worry about bosses and people who annoy you, even people that interrupt your productivity. There is also no need to worry about unnecessary meetings.

These problems do not occur when you work at home. You decide what to do, when to do it, and you buy the supplies and furniture that inspire you the most.

Fine Furniture Design Home Office Writing Desk 1150-925

Fine Furniture Design Home Office Writing Desk 1150-925

More Time with Loved Ones

One of the biggest changes that will take place in your career when you set up a home office is that you would have more time for your family. You don’t have to worry about coming home late at night because you had to finish something in the office. Now, you can postpone tasks and get back to them when you are most ready.

Get Comfy

Everyone loves to feel comfortable. Wouldn’t it be great to have this even while you’re working? In traditional offices, you don’t get to choose your chair or desk. In your home office, you get to pick an ergonomic chair or any seating unit or work station that comes in your favorite theme.

Increased Productivity

Placing a home office can have the added benefit of upped productivity. You will find yourself more focused on tasks as you find no one hovering over you. What comes with this is for you to do more planning and some micro and macro management of tasks. Just plan your schedule and you should be fine.

Increased Use of Technology

Technology has made the workplace a lot more flexible which is why more and more people are working in their home offices. Now that you know the benefits of having a home office, it’s time to shop for the needful items there –

  • A desk
  • Swivel chair
  • Couch
  • A lamp light
  • And some storage units.

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Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »

Virtual Designing Through Interior Design Apps

Saturday, August 6th, 2016

FFDM's Highlands Collection

FFDM’s Highlands Collection

Home making is not just a visual but also a tactile endeavor. It is an art that needs attention and time. There are now a lot of interior design tools that homeowners can utilize especially when designing, decorating, choosing paint or picking the right kinds of furniture. While there are a lot of them, not everything is useful or even amusing; but those who can’t design using the good ol’ fashioned mood boards or tester pots, then these apps are the next great thing.

Here are some of the leading apps that you can consider –

PhotoMeasures for iPhone and iPad

Using this app is as easy as snapping a photo of the rooms in your home, adding some measurements, and then zooming in and out to the details that you need. This is quite handy for someone who is always on the go. This is also amazing for those who are shopping for new furniture.

Do you want to email the photos to designers? Then there’s no problem; just use PhotoMeasures.

Magpie by Conran

This is an easy-to-use app that is available for free on iPad. Think of it as an online scrapbook that can help you in taking pictures or shooting videos. You can also create notes that would inspire you as you go about with your designing tasks. It is also easy to print your notes or photos and use them as arranged mood boards.

Remodelista

This is an app that comes with the claim – sourcebook for the considered home. You can check daily postings of interior design news throughout the world. You can easily spot cool chairs from abroad, to textural throws for different seasons. It also has the click-to-buy function which makes it a handy app.

The lite version can be downloaded for free.

Phaidon Design Classics

This app can be had for a fee. This is based on the famous book series which is an impressive collection of designs for the last 200 years. This app features items from great minds such as Rams, Dieter and Erro Saarinen.

iHandy for iPhone and iPad

In essence, this is that app that can be considered as the soul of your phone. The Elle Decoration team has downloaded this app free of charge.

Peppermint 2 for iPhone and iPad

This is an amazing app for those who are struggling with their choice of color palette. With it, you can play with various combinations, alter and adjust the shades, even save ideas for your interior design schemes.

1586-75900-BL1 Curiosity Credenza

1586-75900-BL1 Curiosity Credenza

Sun Seeker for iPhone, iPad and Android

This is the app that you need if you want to calculate the amount of natural light or sunshine that’s going to be made available inside a room. This app makes use of the iPhone’s GPS system which is a built-in feature. The GPS system tells the owner which direction he should face when mapping out the potential rays. This is extra useful when you are shopping for a new home.

The Sun Seeker lite version is free of charge.

Architonic

This is an app that you can use on both iPhones and Android phones. This is also available on iPad. This is useful for designers and architects because it showcases finished portfolios of past projects. It also catalogs just about everything pertaining to interior design and architecture.

‘Looking’ for free guides in buying an armchair or a sofa? This app has it, too.

ColorSnap

The paint brand Sherman-Williams has come up with the wonderful app that allows you to use the inspirations from the outdoors landscape, textiles or works of art into your home’s interiors. It can analyze any photo’s colors and allows you to find which shade of paint they actually match. There are more than 1,500 shades to choose from.

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