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Top 10 Wall Decor Ideas to Refresh Your Space

By
James
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Wall Decor Ideas

The walls of any space are usually an under-planned aspect of the overall décor. In most instances, you can completely change the look of a room, apartment, foyer, or house simply by redoing the walls with thoughtful pieces whether they be art pieces, photographs, mirrors, shelves, quaint wallpapers, or house portraits. Let’s have a look 10 best wall decor ideas.

1. Personalize and Accessorize

Personalize and Accessorize

There are many out-of-the-box things you can do to completely alter the look of your space; especially if you are redoing any personal room like a study, bedroom, or studio. Attaching Polaroids to twine or using a jute board with photographs and fairy lights is both pleasing and personalized. It also gives a real glimpse into your life’s special moments.

When you are thinking of personalized pieces, you can opt for anything that sparks your fancy like geometric shapes, paintings, tapestries, and so on; the sky’s the limit.

2. Fabrics Make a Good Point

Tapestries, rugs, embroidered pieces whether self-made or store-bought make a great statement piece for any room. Depending on their size, they also lessen the need for multiple smaller pieces. Choose rich, vibrant colors or pick an exotic tapestry or rug from a different country. If you’ve traveled somewhere, this is your chance to showcase it as a centerpiece in a room of your choice.

3. Removable and Interchangeable

In the interest of maintaining the look and integrity of rental spaces like apartments, there has been a renewed interest in removable wall art and wall décor pieces that don’t damage the paint or require you to drill anything. Not only are they removable but they are also interchangeable so you can keep updating the look of your walls or moving pieces around as you wish.

4. The Mounting Look

Mounting Look

Nothing screams modern and functional like wall mountings. It could be your guitar, a bicycle, or even an organic taxidermy animal (the new straw or jute versions are more fashionable and don’t require cruelty to animals).

5. Writings on the Wall

Invest in a giant whiteboard or chalkboard to take notes in, to write down fun memories, or simply to jot down your to-do list. Functional yet fashionable pieces like this are becoming more and more popular. There are many ways to jazz up an old dull whiteboard as well as many people pick out aesthetic frames, wooden outlines, or even vintage frames.

6. Homemade Macramé

Homemade Macramé

Macramé wall hanging is a beautiful art that involves using string to weave tapestries, plant holders, dream catchers, mats, hats, and many other items. It is a bit of a niche art although it is easy to find pieces on websites like Etsy where enthusiasts weave to their heart’s delight and sell to interested customers.

This also means you will get a fairly unique piece that isn’t factory manufactured and has a personality of its own and a story to tell.

7. Custom House Portraits

Whether you’re giving a housewarming present or a birthday gift, custom house portraits are thoughtful and personal and will be cherished for years to come. Many individual artists make custom house portraits or you can opt for a company that has them hand-painted. Always opt for hand-painted house portraits instead of going for digital art prints although they look nice too.

There are many options with regard to the finished product; you can choose watercolor portraits, a letterpress style, hand-made illustrated ones, painted ones, oil paint designs, calligraphy style, stamp style house portraits, and even ones made out of a map. There are hundreds of design options you can opt for depending on what you consider aesthetic and pleasing.

8. Green Is Cool

Greenery inside the house always imparts a healthier, fresher environment that is calming to the senses. Hanging flower pots and vines (even if they’re artificial) add a revitalizing outdoor look to any room or apartment.

Other than wall-mounted planters you can also install white shelves or hooks to place or hang small flower pots so that the greenery is center stage. Wall hangings of plants like eucalyptus are also pleasing and can make any room feel like a relaxing spa.

9. Hang Your China

This may seem old-fashioned but hanging your specialty china plates, especially ones that serve as souvenirs from your travels is a fun, quirky way to decorate your walls. Even items other than plates such as breadboards or trays can be used as wall décor; especially if they are silver or vintage or if they have special sentimental value.

10. Murals

Murals

Murals are incredibly special because they are unique, require a bit of effort and time. It also has an immediate, long-lasting impact on anyone visiting your space. If you have a blank wall in a room you love or in your house, you can use it to express your creativity to the fullest or get a talented local artist to paint around a theme or concept you really like.

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The Best and New Shape of Home Design: Design Trends We Love

By
James
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0
Shape of Home Design

Home Sweet Home! Cliché as it may be, that phrase has never been truer than it is in the upcoming year! What used to be just the place where we slept and relaxed, has now become the safest place to be. Perforce, homes evolved into offices, schools, restaurants, and gyms. In fact, over the past 18 months, many people across London have spent more time in their own four walls than ever before!  And it’s shaping the way we think. Home design trends are changing. Consumers are adapting their homes to suit their newfound lifestyles.

Throughout history, pandemics have been the catalyst for change in home design. And the global COVID19 crisis has proved that theory yet again: humans are adaptable creatures, and we embrace change and reshape our living conditions to suit our circumstances.

So, what design trends are so much popular?  And why?

Multi-Use Zones

Are you one of the many who creates a home office in one corner of the lounge room, build a zoom zone for schooling in the kitchen or rearrange your bedroom to accommodate a desk and work area?

Across the UK, homeowners are embracing the concept of multi-use zones for everyday living. And this trend is no passing fad. Having proved the benefits that come with flexibility and change, many Londoners are enjoying their newfound work arrangements and are discovering creative ways to balance work and relaxation.

Homeowners are designing rooms to suit multiple activities and sourcing furniture items that can use for more than one purpose.

Consumers are setting up rooms and living zones so that they can be repurposed easily: desks and workspaces are now a common feature of bedroom design; larger kitchen island benches with room for more than one activity are becoming increasingly popular.

Closed Floorplan Ideas / Semi-open Floorplan Ideas

Closed Floorplan Ideas / Semi-open Floorplan Ideas

For years now, open plan living has been rising in popularity. However, with recent lockdowns, there’s an undeniable resurgence of closed floorplan ideas or semi-open floorplan ideas which are now gaining momentum.

Why?

Some folks have found that having family members working, schooling, and playing in the same area just isn’t practical. Instead, they’re wanting spaces that can close off to give individuals some privacy and quiet time.

Integrated Smart Home Technology

The Upcoming year will continue to see a rise in integrated Smart Home technology across London. From home offices and schooling to entertainment and online shopping, Londoners are using technology to carry out their work, stay connected with family and friends and keep life daily routines ticking along as normally as possible.

Home theatres, security systems and integrated appliances and systems are taking convenience and home comfort to the next level. And once these habits will form, they’ll be here to stay.

Decorate to Please

With people spending considerably more time at home, many have caught the home decorating bug!

From kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and living zones, most homeowners have found the urge to re-vamp at least one area of their property…

Home Décor Colours Trends

While soft pastels and neutral colour palettes remain ever-popular, pops of bright, primary colours are finding their way into homes across London. This trend shows that for many people, a little cheerfulness is welcome in a time when things are tough.

Yellow is a colour that’s gaining momentum in interior design. Why?  Because for many people, yellow represents positivity, hope and a brighter future.

Gentle hues of green take us back to nature. And many Londoners in 2022 and the next year have re-established their connection with the world around them: learning to appreciate the small things in life has been a new experience for some, and old-fashioned hobbies such as vegetable gardening have been re-discovering. Shades of green on walls and cabinetry remain popular in kitchens and living areas.

The Navy is making an undeniable comeback. Stylish, enchanting, and thought-provoking, we’re set to see midnight blue appearing in living rooms, bedrooms and even kitchens. When paired with white or gold, deep blues are the perfect way to add that touch of luxury to any living space.

Decorate to Excess

This year is set to see diehard minimalists shaking in their shoes: the concept of decorating to excess is gaining momentum.

In a world that’s been gripping by uncertainties and fear, many people have taken to surrounding themselves with creature comforts: welcome cosy maximalism!

This design style thrives on layering textures, colours, and patterns. It embraces diversity and personality and encourages the individual to tell their story through their surroundings.

Vibrant colours curated displays, and accessories in abundance – the home décor market is in high demand across London!

More is more: it’s about surrounding yourself with things you love, not being bound by opinions and stereotypes.

Wood Furniture Trends

Natural wood and light-coloured wooden finishes are back on international design mood boards. With decades of painted and stained wooden furniture behind us, many consumers are opting for natural and organic wooden finishes in both cabinetry and furniture.

Bringing Nature Inside

Let’s face it: lockdowns have made us value the world around us like never before. In the upcoming year will continue to see homeowners blurring the boundary between the inside and outdoors by decorating with natural finishes and potted plants.

Stone, ceramic, rattan, seagrass… these textures are a great way to bring a piece of nature inside.

Indoor plants are not only beautiful: they act as air filters and purifiers too. And the therapeutic benefits of caring for plants are well known – you don’t live in the countryside to experience the simple pleasure of nature!

The team at Combit Construction, specialist builders in North London, are excited about the new home design trends we’re seeing. Life is full of surprises and the world of design is constantly evolving to suit the needs of modern living.

For more information on trends for the next year and beyond, talk to Igor and his team. With 20+ years of experience in the home renovating industry, Igor has a wealth of knowledge to help you at any stage of an extension and renovation project.

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5 Ways to Handle Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

By
James
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0
Handle Water Damages

When it comes to residential homes, it’s easy to imagine how water damage can cause severe destruction. During winter or rainy seasons, leaks in your piping or roof could ruin walls, floors, and the ceiling. In comparison, most people think commercial buildings are sturdier and could handle water damage and all kinds of wear and tear. But the truth is, water can get through wood and concrete materials. Hence, even commercial buildings could definitely get damaged.

This is why it’s essential to get a professional, like Moisture Master Pros LLC, to look at the building to see whether it could handle water damage or if it has already incurred it. Thankfully, you can easily find these experts in your area with the help of the internet.

Until then, here are some ways for you to water damage in commercial buildings.

1. Find Ways to Prevent It

It’s crucial to find ways to avoid any kind of damage a structure could incur. This might include some preventive steps like installing materials that resist water better. But many other things could help out, such as:

  • Regularly inspect pipelines
  • Check the gutters
  • Clear the gutters frequently
  • Get the basement waterproofed
  • Upgrade old fixtures
  • Examine the roof routinely

Since water is usually find within the pipelines, it’s one of the essential parts that should regularly inspect and repair. During winter, it’s possible that pipes could burst, so that’s one thing that should examine by plumbers since any problems with your lines could damage anything surrounding it.

Prevention is definitely an effective way to avoid water damage. For example, preventing having hard water from going through your pipes can reduce water damage. Water hardness creates corrosion, deposits, limescale, and other impurities, that are all being together in your pipes. It potentially causes water damage. Having eco-friendly industrial water treatment gives you water damage prevention.

2. Make It a Department Manager’s Responsibility

Make It a Department Manager's Responsibility to Handle Water Damage

Commercial buildings are handling by a team because it’s almost impossible for a single person to handle all the ins and outs. If you find it challenging to stay on top of everything, it might be time to get a manager to oversee things like the building’s condition and possible problems such as water damage.

While it’s great if they’re familiar with problems, like detecting water leaks and problems with plumbing, they don’t have to be. As long as they make it a point to get experts to make regular weekly inspections of the building, it’ll be a massive step forward in preserving the structural integrity.

3. Reseal Damaged Windows

Windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of a building when it comes to water damage. They can break or weaken if they constantly exposing to water, especially if they’re not sealing correctly.

If it’s currently in need of repair, it’s best to get it complete as soon as possible so that mold growth doesn’t spread out. While you’re at it, getting it resealing properly and switching to materials that are waterproof and reinforce should do the trick.

4. Stop Mold from Growing

One of the worst signs you have water damage in the property is mold growth. It’s a pain in the neck to get rid of, especially if it already spread and caused an infestation. It grows within 24-48 hours after the surface has been exposed to water damage. So, just like many other problems relating to water damage, it’s vital to act quickly.

While some people say that you could DIY mold removal, it might be more difficult for a commercial building. Besides, doing it yourself isn’t always practical. So, getting it servicing and cleaning up is a more reasonable and assuring way to clean up the mold permanently.

5. Get It Insured

Get It Insured again Handle Water Damage

When it comes to managing and maintaining a commercial building, take note that many unexpected things can happen. So, it’s a good idea to control things that are expecting to happen, such as certain calamities and accidents.

However, it also depends on the kind of insurance you get since some cover fewer losses. Basic insurance for commercial properties might include losses from storms, fires, lightning, hail, and explosions. Getting more coverage to include water damage could help you get the expenses you need for repairs.

Remember, even if you have your property insured, it’s still essential to make the needed upgrades and changes to help the structure prevent water damage. This is because some insurance companies also want to make sure that you’ve done your due diligence when it comes to protecting and maintaining the building.

Conclusion

Some people think that water can’t possibly cause so much damage, especially to a commercial building. However, exposure to water for long periods of time could even lead to problems with the foundation.

Because of this, preventing water damage and dealing with current ones as soon as possible is extremely important. Dealing with mold and repairing parts that are easily damaged by water should be done immediately after they’re identified.

To find out more:-

Striatus Bridge: A 3D Printed Concrete Structure in Venice

By
Himadri Shakya
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0
Striatus bridge

You may already have seen a 3D printed map or building model or toys, but have you ever seen a 3D printed Bridge? Yes, you have read it right, 3D printed bridge! Recently, the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid Architects and Block Research Group have created a freestanding, unreinforced pedestrian bridge in Italy. Let’s see striatus bridge.

This bridge is built from 53 3D-printed concrete blocks, and it is the first of its kind of 3D concrete printed bridge. It is now open for leisurely foot traffic in Venice. Are you excited to know about this unique structure? Keep on reading to find mind-boggling facts about this bridge.

Striatus Bridge

Striatus Bridge

Architects: Block Research Group + Zaha Hadid Architects

Location: Venezia, Italy

Area: 50 m²

Year: 2021

Status: Built

Typology: Bridge

The Block Research Group at ETCH and Zurich Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Design Group (ZHA CODE) have collaborated with the incremental 3D (in3D) and Holcim for a project. They have recently unveiled an arched concrete masonry footbridge. Located at the Giardini Della Marinaressa in Venice, Italy, this bridge is quite unique in itself. 

This project is known as “Striatus,” which is exclusively built for the “Time Space Existence” exhibition, which was organized by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) during the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021. This exhibition opened on 22 May 2021 and it will remain open till November 2021, for the public. 

The footbridge size is around 6 x 12 meters or 40-by-52-foot; however, you’ll be surprised to know that it was developed as “the first of its kind.” Let’s know more about this remarkable construction. 

What is Striatus?

What is Striatus

“Striatus is an arched, unreinforced masonry footbridge.”

This entire structure of the footbridge is made from 53 3D-printed concrete blocks. The most bizarre thing about this construction is that all the blocks were assembled without mortar or reinforcement. Pretty shocking, right?

Do you know what the name “Striatus” reflects? According to the architects, Striatus reflects its structural logic and fabrication process. 

Striatus Bridge

Not only this, but the construction methodology combines traditional techniques of master builders. This also includes advanced computational designing, engineering, and robotic manufacturing technologies. 

Striatus Bridge

Philippe Block, co-director of the Block Research Group at ETH Zurich, said, “In arched and vaulted structures, the material is placed such that forces can travel to the supports in pure compression. Strength is created through geometry, using a fraction of the materials used in conventional concrete beams. This, furthermore, opens a breadth of opportunities to build with lower-strength and in a more ecologically friendly way.”

Design: A New Language For Concrete

Design: A New Language For Concrete

The bridge’s design proposes a new language for concrete. This mainly refers to the structural fabrication technique and a way to ecologically and precisely placed blocks so that we can build more with less.

Striatus under Bridge

Every day millions of structures around the globe have been constructed with the use of reinforced concrete. Due to this, large amounts of CO2 emissions occur in our environment. Along with that, materials like steel are being used for reinforcement and cement for the concrete. All these things severely harm the environment in which we’re living and all these things are absolutely problematic for nature.

Exterior of Striatus Bridge

Through the project, Striatus, ETH researchers have now presented a way to reduce both. The construction was built with concrete blocks that form an arch that is already known in traditional masonry bridges. This compression-only structure technique has allowed the forces to travel from everywhere to the footings. All of them are lastly tied together on the ground. 

3D concrete printing (3DCP) and contemporary design present to the world an effective and brilliant alternative to traditional concrete construction.

Striatus Bridge

Here the concrete is printed in layers that are orthogonal to the main structure. This way, it creates a “striated” compression-only funicular structure that can be built without reinforcement. This project shows how 3D printing can be used to build load-bearing concrete structures. These buildings will require significantly less material and no steel reinforcement or mortar.

Construction of Striatus Bridge

Zaha Hadid Architects said, “Striatus optimizes the properties of masonry structures, 3D concrete printing (3DCP) and contemporary design; presenting an alternative to traditional concrete construction.” 

Concept: The Striatus Bridge

Concept of The Striatus Bridge

The Striatus bridge represents the 3 R’s of the circular economy – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and it also shows us how this technique can easily be applied consistently to all the concrete structures worldwide.

REDUCE: The bridge is designed in such a way that only a few or minimal materials have been used to get maximum strength without wasting anything. 

REUSE: Every block or component is designed to be disassembled and reused.

RECYCLE: All components of the bridge can be easily recycled with only a limited amount of energy and cost.

Striatus Bridge

As there are no reinforcements, glue, or binders in the structure, so no materials sorting is needed; hence the recycling process automatically gets simple and cost-efficient. 

Striatus Bridge

Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim: “Striatus was designed by some of the best architectural and creative minds in their fields. It demonstrates the infinite possibilities of 3D Concrete Printing to enable more sustainable, faster, and effective building structures without compromise on aesthetics and functionality. Its digital and circular design uses concrete at its best, with minimal material use and blocks that can be repeatedly reassembled and infinitely recycled.”

Construction: Robotic 3D Printing of Concrete

Construction: Robotic 3D Printing of Concrete

We all have already seen many 3D printed buildings, such as TECLA, which is a Clay 3D Printed House. However, the new thing about the Striatus Bridge is the type of 3D-printed concrete, which the researchers developed together with the company Incremental3D.  

Here the concrete is not applied horizontally in the usual way. Instead, it is applied at specific angles so that they are orthogonal to the flow of compressive forces. This way, all the printed layers in the blocks are nicely pressed together, and that too without any need for reinforcement or post-tensioning. Amazing, right?

The two-component (2K) concrete ink for the 3D printer, which is used to print the blocks of the bridge, was exclusively and precisely developed by the company Holcim. Even though it’s a dry-assembled construction still it is finely stable due to its geometry only. 

Construction: Robotic 3D Printing of Concrete

Another benefit of not using a single amount of mortar in the construction is that the blocks can be dismantled and the bridge reassembled again and again at various locations. 

Shajay Bhooshan, Head of CODE, Zaha Hadid Architects’ Computation and Design research group, explained, “Striatus stands on the shoulders of giants: it revives ancestral techniques of the past, taking the structural logic of the 1600s into the future with digital computation, engineering, and robotic manufacturing technologies. Its tactile quality, aesthetics, and strength reflect our principal partner Patrik Schumacher’s vision that beauty is a promise of performance.”

Assembly: 3D Concrete Printing and Installation

Assembly: 3D Concrete Printing and Installation

All the 53 3DCP voussoirs or the concrete blocks of the bridge have been produced using non-parallel print layers. All the layers are orthogonal to the dominant flow of forces. As these layers are held together in compression, it avoids the delamination between the print layers.

No block has been produced with a solid section because architects wanted to reduce the amount of material needed as compared to subtractive fabrication methods or casting. 

Assembly: 3D Concrete Printing and Installation

This pedestrian bridge follows masonry structural logic on two levels.: As a complete bridge and As small blocks. 

The entire bridge behaves like a series of leaning unreinforced voussoir arches and also follows the same structural principles as arched Roman bridges in stone. Whereas on the level of the voussoir or blocks, the 3DCP layers behave as traditional brick masonry evident in the inclined rows of bricks within Nubian or Mexican vaulting.

Assembly: 3D Concrete Printing and Installation

The Striatus freestanding bridge offers a great alternative to the standard inefficient floor slabs within any structure.

Zaha Hadid Architects Block Research Group

You’ll be surprised to know that as compared to typical reinforced concrete flat floor slabs, this new floor system uses only 30% of the volume of concrete and just 10% of the amount of steel! 

The structure is prefabricated and dry-assembled; hence it is fully demountable and reusable. Even the floor system can easily and cleanly also be recyclable at end-of-life. 

According to the architects, around 300 billion square meters of floor area are to be constructed worldwide over the next 30 years. These floors can hold more than 40% of the weight of most high-rise buildings (10+ storeys). 

The Bottom Line

So, this is all about the Striatus Bridge designed by Block Research Group and Zaha Hadid Architects. We can look at this bridge structure and know that it is possible to use 3D printing to create load-bearing concrete structures. The best thing about this method is that there is absolutely no requirement of any significant materials and also no steel reinforcement or mortar. 

If the buildings are constructed with this new floor system, a lot of materials can be saved and recycled, which is highly beneficial for our planet. Striatus will completely transform the construction techniques in the future. It also positively impacts our thinking and now we will be more focused on how we design and construct structures in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. All these things will build a new sustainable environment for our era.

If you want to know more about these types of unique and unusual houses or places located in various parts of the world, read our previous blogs, such as Pencil Tower Hotel( Australia’s Thinnest “Pencil” Skyscraper), Pegasus Trail, Central Park Tower, and many more.  

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Finding the Right Air Conditioning Unit for Your Home

By
James
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0
air conditioning unit for homes

An air conditioning unit is a major investment you make for your house, which is why it requires thorough research before you make this investment. With multiple types and options of AC units available, it can get difficult to determine which one is the right air conditioning unit for home.

Making the right decision is essential as the energy consumption, comfort level, and cooling of your home would depend on the choice you make. Different kinds of AC units have their own advantages and disadvantages.

So how can you find the right one?

There are various things you can consider, including the cost and features to help you make the final decision. Here are some of the most valuable tips to find the right AC unit for your home:

Decide Your Budget

First things first. You must decide how much you want to spend on the air conditioning unit. Typically, AC units are considered among the more costly household appliances. However, you can still find affordable air conditioning units, depending on your budget.

Deciding the budget will shortlist the options for you and give you a better idea of what is available to you. It will also help you determine which type of AC units would be suitable under your budget.

Choose Type of AC Unit

air conditioning unit for home

The next thing you must choose is the type of AC unit you want in your house. Your budget would help in shortlisting the options but there are still several options to choose from, including:

  •         Window AC unit
  •         Ductless AC unit
  •         Central AC system
  •         Portable AC unit
  •         Smart AC
  •         Floor mounted AC
  •         PTAC AC Unit

Each type of unit serves several purposes. Be sure to do your research and determine which one best meets your needs.

Determine Features of the AC Unit

While it might appear that all AC units are the same, that isn’t true. Air conditioning systems include different features that could actually help you in saving money and conveniently cool your home. Newer AC units have smart thermostats that can efficiently cool your house by setting it to the right temperature. You can also control it through your phone.

There are also more features like fan-only options for energy saving and an auto-delay switch that also helps reduce your energy bill by ensuring all of the cool air is pushed out in the room after you switch it off.

Think About Conserving Energy

If saving money and energy conservation is integral for you, opt for a unit that can keep your expenses low. Central AC has a higher cost than split AC units. Whereas, portable AC units fall somewhere in the middle of these units in terms of energy use every month.

Consider Structural and Physical Restrictions

Consider Structural and Physical Restrictions

Another integral thing to consider when purchasing an AC unit is to check the physical space and the structure of the room to find the right size.

Installing an AC that is too powerful in a small room can lead to several problems, including the unit frequently alternating between cycling off and on. Other issues you might face if you don’t consider the physical and structural attributes of the room include:

  •         There would be higher humidity in the room
  •         The unit would consume higher energy, leading to higher bills
  •         Frequent cycle switching would put the unit at a higher risk

However, if the AC unit is underpowered and small then you won’t be able to get proper cooling in the room. It would also increase the cost of energy and your bills.

Therefore, be sure to take the right measurements of the room and the area you want to install the AC unit to find the right fit.

Final Words

These factors will help you in finding the right air conditioning unit for your home. The most crucial thing should be to set a budget for the unit. Moreover, doing your research to determine the options available for you within your budget and depending on the structure of the house would further shortlist the options for you, making it easier to decide.

Keep in mind that whichever type of AC unit you select for your house, will require regular maintenance and servicing to smoothly run and keep your house or room cool. Make sure to consult an expert for any maintenance and repair while also cleaning the filters and keeping the units washed to protect them.

To get more information:

How to Maximise Your Garage Space

By
James
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0
How to Maximise Your Garage Spaces

A garage is so much more than just a space for your car. Typical garages have an open floor plan, which means you can turn them into any space you like. Most people don’t realize a garage’s usefulness, and this is mostly because they feel it is just a storage room with some parking space. If you put in a little effort, organize, and add a few things, you can maximise your garage space and use the extra space for anything you please. You can create a workstation, store more things, park another vehicle, or start that DIY project you always wanted to.

Let’s discuss how you can maximise your garage space to get the most out of it.

How to Maximise Your Garage Space

We asked the experts at Fairdinkum Builds about how one can make more room and maximise garage space, and these are the tips they shared with us. 

Buy or Build Storage Cabinets

Storage cabinets are so important for a garage. They add tiers for storing things, help you to organize your garage, and keep your stuff out of sight. If you have a garage with boxes and piles of things on the floor, buying or building storage cabinets will drastically change your garage space.

The best part is that you will never have to struggle to find something because you can organize the cabinets and label them. If you already have a few storage cabinets, think of where you can add more. Maybe there is more space against the back wall or space above the existing cabinets.

Consider Your Walls

Consider Your garage Walls

The walls of your garage are no good unless they are being utilized for storage or organizing items. You can consider adding shelves or a wall organizer to help organize your files, folders, or anything that fits.

One important thing to note is that most shelves and wall organizers in the market may not always suit your needs. Hence, it is better to build custom ones that match your requirements. If nothing else, stick a few hooks in the walls to help you hang the space-consuming items in your garage.

Buy a Pegboard

Buy a Pegboard to Maximise Your Garage Space

Just like cabinets, a pegboard is a garage essential. They are highly customizable, and you can hang almost anything on them. You can organize your tools, gardening equipment, or hang anything up to 40kg if you install it properly. 

Try Adjustable or Open Shelves

Adjustable shelves are a great solution for moving your storage containers around; this can be especially useful if you store seasonal items in the garage. On the other hand, you can install a wooden panel and create open shelving that lets you hang containers.

This way, you get a shelf and a container in one. You can move the containers out of the way when they are not in use and hang them up when you need Garage Storage.

Build a Workstation

Build a Workstation to Your Garage Space

Whether for crafting, DIY projects, or office work, building a workstation will help you utilize the extra space in your garage. It is even better if you can build one that is foldable. They are not difficult to build, and you can easily find a million “how-to” videos online.

If the building is not your thing, you can always buy a wall-mounted foldable workstation from the market. Use it as you please and fold it away when you are done.

Try Wheels for Your Workstation

If the idea of being stuck in a corner is unappealing, you can always build a workstation with wheels. It will help you move around and keep things interesting. Moreover, you can build a collapsible one that folds over and wheel it in any corner of your garage.

Conclusion

If you have not maximised your garage space for storage, work, or play, it is wasting precious real estate. Following the mentioned things can help you stay organized, maximise your garage space and get the most out of this part of your home.

Not only will they make your garage more practical, but they will also make it look and feel better.

However, if you have tried everything and your garage is simply not turning into space you want it to be, you may need to start thinking about a new garage. 

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7 Trendy & Stylish Bed Designs for Your Bedroom in 2025

By
James
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Bed Designs for Your Bedrooms

A bedroom is the only place where we get complete rest after a tiring and exhausting day. Here not only do we rejuvenate our body but also our mind and soul. So, this place should be designed in such a way that whenever we enter this room, we should immediately feel comfortable and relaxed. After all, you all spend most of your time choosing bed designs for your bedroom. That’s why people invest so much time and money while designing a bedroom. The interiors should always be beautiful, bright, and soothing to the eyes and soul. The most important part of any bedroom design is the furniture which is the bed. 

From traditional beds, Sofa Beds to modern murphy beds, there are countless options available in the market as well as online. However, picking the right option according to your taste and bedroom interiors is not that easy. Today in this blog, we’re going to tell you about the various types of bed designs so that you can easily pick the right type of bed design and style for your room. 

Here are seven various types of bed designs for your bedroom: 

1. Platform Bed

Platform Bed

Platform beds are flat and sturdy and will give you a modern and chic bedroom outlook. These beds are made with rows of flexible wooden slats structures. They’re designed in a specific way that they can even support the heaviest mattress. You can buy Uratex Beds or mattresses for your platform bed. They’re highly budget-friendly and also provide proper ventilation; thus, there will be no mold and mildew buildup.               

2. Sofa Bed

Sofa Bed

For people who live in studios or small apartments, sofa beds are the best option. They’re also known as daybeds and similar to futons. They’re multifunctional because you can use them as a bed, a bench, and a sofa. Sofa beds are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They look versatile and elegant and are perfect for home offices, guest rooms, and even outdoors.

3. Panel Bed

Panel Bed

Panel beds have rails along their sides and slatted panels of wooden boards at the base (just like wall paneling). They design to hold and support mattresses. These beds often come with a large headboard that is usually made from metal or a solid panel of wood. Panel beds and platform beds are similar in some ways. The only difference is that platform beds offer a modern and trendy look. Whereas panel beds support the mattress quite well and give a traditional look to bedroom interiors.

4. Murphy Bed

Murphy Bed

Another space-saving option for you is the Murphy beds. They’re also known as pull-down beds or wall beds. These beds are extremely popular these days. A perfect solution for those who want to save floor space or maximize their space. They’re fixing on the wall so that they can be folded up and stored against the wall when not in use. Some of them also come with storage spaces, so you can also store extra stuff of yours in this space.  

5. Ottoman Bed

Ottoman Bed

If you want something interesting and unique, go for ottoman beds. Yes, many ottoman bed designs are available in the market that can easily turn into benches or full-size beds. You can use them as a regular footrest during the day and transform them into a bed at night. You can buy a single or twin bed according to your requirements and bedroom space.           

6. Canopy Bed

Canopy Bed

A canopy bed looks pretty similar to the poster bed style. Though the design dates back to the 1800s during the last year, this bed design gains a lot of popularity. In this bed style, there are four posts that extend from all four corners of the bed. You can decorate them with special decorative fabrics, which generally drape around these posts. The best thing about this type of bed is that they fit any size of the room and complements every interior design. 

7. Bunk Bed

Bunk Bed

Are you designing a kid’s bedroom? If yes, a bunk bed is an ideal option to go with. Bunks beds come in a set of two or three beds which are placed vertically adjacent to the walls. They’re a great space-saving idea and also ideal for families with more than one kid. Siblings can share the room but still, they’ll have separate sleeping areas. Bunk beds designs include loft-style beds, doubles, and L-shape beds with desks, stairs.

Conclusion

From modern, contemporary to traditional, and minimal, you can create any type of interior design in your bedroom with the help of a bed. So it’s vital to pick the bed and its accessories in the right shape, size, and style. A particular style will define the overall look or theme of your bedroom. You can also include various types of textures, tones and add a personalized feel to your room with the help of the furniture. So buy the bed according to your room size, shape, and also your budget.

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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for New Furniture

By
James
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Shopping for New Furnitures

Although furniture pieces are not as expensive as a house, flat, or car, they are still considered big-ticket purchases, especially if you are shopping for new furniture.

This means that even if buying a sofa may not be as risky as purchasing a home or vehicle, failing to go about the correct shopping process can also lead to different issues that can cause you various problems.

And if you can’t find a solution to these issues, you will have no choice but to buy new furniture to replace your bad purchase, causing you to shell out more money.

With this in mind, you can’t afford to make shopping for furniture lightly. You always have to follow the right strategies and steps for buying any piece or set.

Avoiding the Common Pitfalls of Furniture Shopping

Whether you are buying cabinets or a bed, or a dining or sofa set in the UAE, ensure you avoid these mistakes to have a smooth, stress-free, and successful shopping experience and get the most from your investment:

1. Failing to Think About the Future

Thinking about where you see yourself living after five years is a great approach to include in your furniture shopping strategy.

When shopping for expensive pieces, in addition to thinking about how they will look and function in your current home or space, you would do well to think ahead.

For instance, if you are presently renting a flat but already saving money to buy a house in the future, you may want to factor this in your final choice so that you can still use the furniture in your future abode.

Planning ahead will also help you greatly if you are shopping for timeless, forever pieces, such as sofas, coffee, and dining tables. In such a situation, you would do well to steer clear of trendy and unique designs and styles since they won’t likely look relevant after a couple of years or so.

If you want to own furniture pieces that you will love and can use for years, think about the present and the future as you shop.

2. Not Measuring Everything That Needs to Be Measured

Not Measuring Everything That Needs to Be Measured

The last thing you want to happen is to buy an expensive sofa or dining table that won’t fit through the door, staircase, or hallway. This is a mistake that you can easily avoid simply by measuring everything that needs to be measured before purchasing large furniture pieces.

Whether you are shopping online or at physical stores, write down the measurements of the large furniture you are interested in.

You can also use a measuring tape if you are shopping at a brick-and-mortar shop to double-check the height, width, and depth of the furniture.

Once you have the dimensions, use your measuring tape and measure all doorways, door frames of the room, hallways, staircases, and elevators — anything through which the new furniture will pass through.

Also, add some space to your measurements for the people who will carry the furniture.

If the furniture can fit into these areas, you are halfway through getting the right piece.

When you take the time to measure everything you need to measure, you will avoid the headache of looking for ways to bring a large furniture piece into your home and possibly returning it if there is no way of getting it inside at all.

3. Ignoring the Importance of Scale

A large furniture piece should be able to fit into doorways, entryways, and, more importantly, the room where you intend to place it.

The furniture should fit into space without blocking entryways and foot traffic. People should be able to get to or walk past the piece without the need to squeeze in between the other features.

Also, consider how the room will look as a whole with the new piece. Try to keep things in proportion so that you will still have an appealing space.

An oversized, bulky sofa, for instance, can look and feel overwhelming inside a small living room.

On the other hand, a small decorative rug will look out of place in a large family room, even if you use it as a centerpiece and put it in the middle of the floor.

To have an interior that looks seamless, you have to choose a furniture piece that fits into space and goes well with your other features.

4. Failing to Take Your Lifestyle into Account

Failing to Take Your Lifestyle into Account when buying furniture

Although there is nothing wrong with buying the most beautiful sofa, coffee table, and other furniture you see, you have to consider your lifestyle as well.

Failing to do so can cause you to have a case of buyer’s remorse.

For instance, if you have a toddler, cross out hard-edged coffee and side tables from your options. Plain, light-colored couches are not advisable, either.

If you have a frisky dog or cat, buying a couch and chairs with loose weave fabrics is never a good idea.

To ensure you buy the right furniture, identify the people who will use it frequently. Make sure it meets everyone’s needs and won’t be a hazard for anyone.

Additionally, you will also do well-choosing furniture that can keep up with your lifestyle. As such, read the product specification sheets to get details regarding the manufacturer care instructions and construction.

5. Not Getting Details About the Maintenance Needs of the Furniture

Not Getting Details About the Maintenance Needs of the Furniture

Buying the right furniture does not only mean having attractive, good-quality pieces that complement the space and fall within your budget.

Although these two factors are essential, it does not mean that you should focus on these and forget about the furniture’s maintenance needs.

Identify the usual wear and tear the furniture will be subjected to and evaluate your willingness to clean it yourself or pay for regular professional cleaning. If you have toddlers and pets, prepare yourself for frequently spot-cleaning spills and dirty palm and paw prints.

Also, know the specific type of care your preferred furniture needs, which is usually based on their materials and finishes. Read their cleaning requirements and find out which products are the best ones to use to clean them beforehand.

Conclusion

Before buying a sofa or any furniture, ensure you know what you are getting into beforehand and consider a particular material only if you are certain that you are up to the task of staying on top of its maintenance and cleaning requirements.

If you are in the market for new furniture pieces, make sure you invest in the right ones that will serve their purpose for years by avoiding these shopping mistakes.

For more information:-

Understanding Antique Furniture Legs and Feet

By
James
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Antique Furniture Legs and Feet

If you’re looking to update your decor with something a little more traditional, the type of leg can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of a piece. Even if you don’t have the budget for full-blown antiques, getting a reproduction gives you the traditional feel you want. So what’s behind some of the traditional or antique furniture legs and feet styles that you might like to incorporate?

Barley Twist Leg

Barley Twist Leg: Furniture Legs and Feet

If you’re of a certain age you’ll remember seeing one of these on furniture handed down from a grandparent or great grandparent. That spiral twist, which has connotations of the aniseed twist sweets, was heavily used in the late 1600s. Then as was the tendency with Victorians, they popularised the style once again and it remained fashionable into the Edwardian period too.

Very much a style used with oak wood, the barley twist most often found a home as a table leg.

Bun Foot

Bun Foot: Furniture Legs and Feet

Like the edible namesake, the bun foot is a bun-shaped foot that’s as simple as it is elegant. A flattened ball, it’s the same shape as the hair bun and it’s one of the most popular feet types and was hugely popular in Victorian times (although it can be found on earlier pieces).

Occasionally you might find a bun foot with an extra turned section at the bottom, and occasionally a bun foot is given a small square plinth.

The bun foot was also popular on early baroque furniture, from around 1695 and into 1720, a period is known as the William and Mary period after the dutch monarchs who ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland around that time. It was brought up by those who wanted luxury and comfort in their furniture taste.

Bracket Foot

If you buy a basic wooden shelf you’ll probably find yourself unwrapping a solid wooden bracket with a few curves to make it look appealing. Imagine turning the bracket on its side and joining a second one to it to form a corner; (like a picture frame). There might be a simple wooden furniture block behind the brackets to take the actual weight of the furniture too. But, that is the bracket foot.

It came into existence in around 1680 and those curved inner edges are often found on Georgian furniture, like chests of drawers for wardrobes and the style was widely reproduced in the Edwardian period. And not all brackets have fancy curves or scrolling, some are plain squares or variations of squares.

Ball and Claw Foot

Ball and Claw Foot: Furniture Legs and Feet

Much like it says in the name; the ball and claw foot is a ball with an animal’s claw gripping the ball to create an ornate foot. It’s usually an eagle claw but many different bird claws have been carved in this style over the years.

It originates from the Edwardian period, but experts believe the style was copied from earlier furniture styles when it was not uncommon to see a ball and claw foot in use. Popularised in the 1600s in Chippendale furniture, today it’s used on modern furniture where a traditional style is required. You’ll often find this foot on a chair or bookcase.

Sabre Leg

Sabre Leg: Furniture Legs and Feet

The sabre leg was one of the most frequently usedfurniture legs UK , especially in the Regency era (1795-1820), and is characterized by a swept-out leg that tapers towards the bottom.

Cabriole Leg

Cabriole Leg: Furniture Legs and Feet

A cabriole leg is a curved leg that sweeps out and in many cases is finished off with a pad foot; (a variation on the golf club-shaped club foot). This would originally be found on Queen Anne furniture but was again often reproduced in the Edwardian period.

Spade Foot on a Tapering Leg

Spade Foot on a Tapering Leg: Furniture Legs and Feet

A Spadefoot is a short sofa leg with four squared-off and tapering sides. At the foot, the same shape is carved but in a smaller taper. This leg will then sit on a castor. Popular on Edwardian chairs and tables.

Conclusion

Once you start to look, you’ll find many different table legs and be able to recognize more easily which period they are from, or if other parts don’t match the style of the era. You’ll probably even recognize some of these in your own furniture.

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Sustainable Architecture: The Industrial Design Revolution

By
James
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Sustainable Architecture

Centuries after the Industrial Revolution, we are facing a new revolution: sustainable architecture. The need for sustainable approaches to the design and construction of buildings for the industry cannot be stated enough. The construction industry has a significant impact on our planet.

It uses huge amounts of resources, materials, energy, and water, all of which can have a negative impact on the earth. The impact is worsened by inefficient production processes, the production of excessive waste, and the considerable displacement of supplies. There are many different ways to make the construction industry more sustainable. Here is a look at how architects can play their part.

The Circular Economy Concept

Circular Economy Concept

Quite simply, humanity has no choice but to make changes in how resources are used. Environmental resources are not infinite, after all. Humanity also needs to dramatically reduce the amount of waste it produces if we want a green and clean future. Becoming more efficient with the use of resources is one way that can help sustainability in the construction industry.

That involves having less demand for energy and resources and reducing waste generation. At the heart of the industrial design revolution of sustainability is what is known as the Circular Economy. Inspired by natural mechanisms, the concept works in a continual process of production, resorption, and recycling.

It is a self-managing system where waste is using for the production of new items, thereby significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Furthermore, the Circular Economy concept reduces inefficiencies in the lifecycle of a product.

Rethinking Design

Rethinking Design

There are many ways the construction industry can become more sustainable, from recycling waste to checking that the machinery purchase from a used process equipment dealer is in full working order and not accidentally causing environmental harm.

When it comes to the architectural designs used in the construction industry, the first thing a modern architect needs to do is carefully consider things like the best materials to use and how to best optimize sustainable solutions. Architects need to break paradigms and think outside the box. Things to consider include working with local materials and understanding diverse design constraints.

​​Reducing

Reducing is about doing things like decreasing the amount of concrete using in a structure by resizing it and designing lightweight systems that use fewer resources and raw materials. Reducing is also about reducing the waste production.

That could be achieved via dry building systems. Cooling and heating systems need to consider too. Architects also need to think about the lifespan of materials and “Where would it end up after its life is over?” Using longer-lasting materials is often the best answer.

Reusing

As you would expect, the term “reusing” in sustainable architecture refers to reusing materials. That could be solid wood, structural metal parts, glass, coatings, partition walls, and so on. Architects need to work out how best to reuse materials before demolishing one structure and building another.

That will save a lot of waste going to landfill. Again, architects who are working toward creating greater sustainability need to be clever and shrewd in how they approach their designs to maximize the reusing of materials.

Recycling

Reusing is about repurposing a material. Recycling is about harnessing waste to create other products. Those products could or could not have similar characteristics and use. Recycling stops materials from being discarded and ending up in environmentally damaging landfill sites.

A Waste Management Program

Architects may also need to come up with an effective waste management program. They will have to think about adding recycling stations and how to reduce contamination as part of a standardized program. There are various resources that architects can use to learn how to design excellent recycling and waste management program. Check out these eight best resources for architects and designers.

Final Thoughts

The construction industry is rapidly adopting sustainable approaches, so expect to see big changes in the coming years. Many people in all sorts of fields are contributing to making the planet more sustainable and greener, and architects are doing their bit in the industrial design revolution.

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