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Best Wooden Window Blinds For Your Home

Different Styles Of Wooden Window Blinds For Your Home

The right blinds can add a whole lot of character to your place.

However, making the right choice can be tricky.

There is such a lot of variety out there that you really have to know the pros and cons of different styles in order to make the right decision.

One such decision that baffles most is the choice between vertical and Venetian timber blinds.

The Venetian timber blind slats can be removed very easily, and this helps you to clean and maintain them.

Vertical and Venetian Timber Blinds

Vertical and Venetian Timber Blinds

Aesthetics

In terms of aesthetics, nothing beats timber blinds.

They are what is known as a classic in home décor.

The horizontal slats of timber blinds can give a larger appearance to a window, which can make your space look bigger. In terms of aesthetics thus, timber blinds take the cake.

They can be custom-made to suit any type of home and office décor requirement. Since they can be painted with lacquer, stains, and painting, you can use them to enhance the aesthetic of the home in any manner.

Functionality

This is a matter of personal preference.

If you want the sun streaming through your window, timber blinds are perhaps not the best bet.

Wooden Window Blinds

  • Lowering and opening them too often can wreak havoc with the mechanism, which means extra repair bills. However, if you want just a little bit of sunlight coming through your window, timber blinds aren’t such a bad choice. 
  • In terms of functionality thus between vertical and timber blinds, vertical blinds are suited if you live in a comfortable location with moderate temperatures.

Maintenance is Easy

Vertical timber blinds win hands down when it comes to maintenance.

Often, buyers scrimp on choosing blinds simply because they can be hard to maintain.

  • Since they have horizontal slats, they have a much larger surface area to attract dust and debris. That said though, cleaning timber blinds isn’t such a hard task after all.
  • Here are a few maintenance tips for cleaning your gorgeous blinds and keeping them looking new for long.

vertical blinds

How to Clean Vertical Blinds?

First things first, wood is not exactly conducive to water.

Thus, you should avoid using water or soapy solutions to clean your blinds, unless absolutely necessary.

Moreover, the materials used for polishing and varnishing are not conducive to water too.

  • It is important that you dust your wooden blinds regularly with a clean cloth. Doing so can help prevent the build-up of dust and debris.
  • You can use a light vacuum on your wooden blinds to get rid of hard to remove dust particles. Vacuum is especially useful for hard to reach corners.
  • In case you have hard to remove stains on your blinds, take a cloth, dip it in water, and rub lightly on the concerned spots. Do not use a hard cleansing agent for the task. It is also important not to spray your timber blinds with water, which can destroy the perfect glossy finish of the blinds. 

image03

Verdict: Vertical Timber Blinds

When it comes to choosing between vertical and timber blinds, the latter perhaps wins in terms of aesthetics.

However, if you are not particularly fond of high maintenance products, you would perhaps do well to stick to vertical timber blinds.

In terms of pricing too, vertical timber blinds edge out the variety.

However, if you have a classic décor theme in your home or office, nothing could come close to blinds.

They have the sort of charm that no other variety of blinds can come close to matching.

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Best Kitchen Renovation Tips for 2017

Best Kitchen Renovation Tips for 2017Here we present the best kitchen renovation tips for 2017. Are you sick and tired of looking at the same old decorations over and over? Lots of people feel inexplicably anxious and nervous in their own home, and numerous studies show that a great deal of tension comes from not being satisfied with their surroundings. If you’re feeling this way too, it’s high time you acted on it! 

black kitchen sink and water tap designThe best place to introduce changes is the kitchen, but you can’t do just anything. Following trends and staying updated is vital because you don’t want just any change – you want something substantial! Therefore, you need to investigate and find out what’s trending right now as that’s the only way to come up with the most current renovation ideas for this season. Here are a few suggestions you might want to take into consideration and a couple of easy ways how to realize them on your own. 

A wider angled view of this large luxury kitchen with its extra large bar style granite topped island benchCreate a Kitchen Island

People living in big homes are usually lucky enough to have a spacious kitchen as well – and what better way to organize your space than around a big kitchen island? This idea will not only solve your storage problems – just imagine how many utensils and appliances you can hide in there! – but also help you create a focal point and organize the dining area as well.

White cabinet modern kitchenYour island doesn’t have to be too big if you aren’t comfortable with huge pieces of furniture right in the middle of your cooking area, but you can also create a smaller one that’s still highly functional. Even if your kitchen isn’t as spacious as you’d like it to be, you can create a compact island that will suit any space you have. And if you decide to make it on your own, it won’t be overly expensive, which is great for your decoration budget. 

kitchen cooking pot and containersGo All In!

You don’t have to be Jamie Oliver to enjoy preparing food nor an experienced cook to appreciate the value of a good meal. Every cooking aficionado in the world will tell you how much their kitchen means to them and how comfortable they feel surrounded by pots, saucepans, bowls and cutting boards – not to mention expensive knives and high-tech ovens! That’s why one of the trends for this season is just perfect for these people: designing a luxurious kitchen area that’s fit for a king!

Kitchen with brick featureBefore you decide to go all in, make sure your budget can withstand these changes – besides installing an enormous kitchen island, you’ll also need new cabinets and countertops, as well as a number of new appliances and a whole set of utensils. Finally, don’t forget a new floor, which you can decorate with a new rug, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and some kitchen furniture. Creating a luxury kitchen requires a lot of work, time, money and effort, but the results are quite spectacular and the level of elegance is something no ordinary kitchen can match. 

minimalist kitchen and dining with feature curtainsComfortable Dining

Speaking of furniture, you don’t need a king-size kitchen to have a comfortable dining room. While most families still live in homes where these two areas are physically separated, others prefer blending these zones together and creating an open area for cooking and eating. That’s precisely why you might want to think about this idea as well – no matter how big your home is, you should try to make room for dining, even at the expense of a second bedroom.

Custom designed dining tableThere are a few ways to create a small dining area and you should research all of them before finding the one that suits you the most. While some people value practicality and simply install a breakfast bar into their kitchen, others make their own collapsible tables that don’t occupy too much space yet allow comfortable dining. However, being able to insert a dining table and a few chairs in your kitchen is still the best idea out there – but only if your home is big enough. 

kitchen food displayGreen, Green, Green

Eco-friendliness has been one of the most popular home decorating trends for a while, and kitchen decorations are no exception. Saving our planet and preserving natural resources as much as possible are among the biggest concerns of our generation and something we need to do in order to make this world a better place for our children. When it comes to designing an environmentally aware kitchen, things are quite simple – all you need to do is use natural materials, insert some greenery and find a way to cut back on using too much water and electricity.

Plates on a kitchen shelfFirst of all, use second-hand materials for your countertops and cabinets and recycled wood for your floors. After that, pick only eco-friendly wall paints that will give your kitchen a dose of elegance, but also help us save Mother Earth at the same time. Also, get some plants and flowers that will turn your kitchen into a green paradise and start researching water purification – you won’t believe what a reliable UV home water treatment can do for your water consumption and health! 

coffee pot and cupIn the end, focus on finding new eco-friendly appliances. There is a huge selection of Energy Star products on the market, so you need to get ones that will save you energy and water on a daily basis – keep in mind that green fridges, ovens and dishwashers use about 25% less energy than regular models.

modern kitchen cabinets with lightingIlluminate Your Food

Cooking outdoors is probably among the most enjoyable activities in the world – with the sounds of nature everywhere around you, and lively colors of trees, grass and the sky surrounding you, there’s no way your food can be anything less than remarkable! However, while this is always an option for people living in houses with big backyards, those occupying small apartments in residential buildings can never experience this freedom. Luckily, there’s one thing they can do – fill their kitchen with natural light and fresh air. 

Cream colored luxury kitchen with granite counter topThe most effective way to incorporate nature into your kitchen is by installing extra-large windows and keeping them open as often as possible. This way, you’ll not only make your entire home full of fresh air, which is important for your health, but also turn your kitchen into a brighter place. Fresh air and natural light will inspire you and make you a better cook, which is something every single member of your family will definitely appreciate.

A modern apartment kitchen with dark and light colored cabinetsOther Ideas

Some of the other kitchen renovation trends you should look into this year include energy-efficient LED lights, touch-activated faucets, microwave drawers, bold and vivid wall colors, high ceilings, rustic decorations, as well as smart kitchen gadgets that bring the Internet of Things right between your oven and your sink. 

Loft Ideas and Attic Conversions


Loft Ideas and Attic Conversions

Making Use Of Vacant Roof Space With Innovative Loft Ideas And Attic Conversions

Loft conversions and attic areas are popular right now and not only add much more ‘often needed space’ to a home, but they can also often add thousands of dollars in value to your home.

Lofts are often a forgotten space in many homes, used as a storage area for old furniture, suitcases or sentimental items.

It can be difficult to picture your dusty, old loft as being anything more than it is.

However, a simple web browse of “loft conversions” will bring up so many imaginative ideas that you’ll wonder why you have neglected this space for so long.

Read on to discover the many ways you can turn this forgotten space into a functional part of your home.

Loft IdeasBedroom/Guestroom

Bedrooms are a popular idea for loft conversions, especially for families.

It will help to accommodate a growing number of children.

This can also be useful as siblings grow older and need separate rooms. 

Bedroom in an atticEnsure you take note of the ceiling slope, as this can be incorporated into the design of the bedroom.

The part of the room where the ceiling is the lowest is the ideal place to put the headboard of your bed.

This allows you to make better use of the rest of your space without having the bed dominate.

Inject some color into your home decor andmaximizee your loft by using pastel paint colors and adding in a skylight or velux window.

Mirrors are also an excellent trick to make a room look bigger. For a dramatic appeal, create a mirrored wall.

Attic ConversionsLofts can also make a great functional guest room.

Generally, they are a smaller yet large enough to fit all the guest room essentials.

All you need is a bed, a table with storage and a few key decor pieces to create a welcoming space for your guests to enjoy.

You could also opt for a flexible sofa-bed so that the room can double as a lounge. 

Bathrooms or Ensuites

Having an extra bathroom or ensuite off the main bedroom is always beneficial for families.

A loft bathroom can also be a tranquil and private escape after a long day.

Imagine creating a quaint, secluded little bathroom where you can lie in the bath and relax away from all the stresses of work or home life.

Loft bathrooms do require a lot of thought because lofts are often unconventional spaces.

Depending on your space, you may have to make certain compromises to get the most out of your loft bathroom.

Sacrificing a bath, for example, means that you could have a bigger shower. 

A wet bathroom is also an option. You would have to make sure you have waterproofed the whole room and that the floor is at a slight gradient so that drainage is sufficient.

Bath and shower combos are a viable alternative because they give you the best of both worlds.

attic home officeOffice Or Study Areas

For those dreaming of a nice office space to organize their paperwork and work from home peacefully, look no further.

Your loft area can serve as a perfect space for this purpose, as it is tucked away and secluded from the rest of the house. 

Multifunctional furniture is a must for loft rooms.

A desk that doubles as an inbuilt storage unit will maximize your space and allow you to incorporate other pieces into your room.

A home office in a converted loftKeep in mind, if you are planning to use this area as a study, you will want to include as much light as possible so that you are not straining your eyes while reading or typing.

Make use of natural light and strategically place a window or skylight to keep your loft light and open. 

For many, office spaces can become a chaotic, disorderly area in their home which they prefer to keep out of sight.

Loft offices are easy to conceal, so you won’t have any issues keeping this spot hidden from guests on those messy days.

Beautiful attic lounge roomLounge and Living Spaces

A massive entertainment space might not work, but a cozy little room with a couple of beanbags, trendy rug and a TV, can be a great little getaway for kids and teenagers.

Living room in attic spaceYou can even include a ledge or built-in storage space to store books or toys.

Enjoy some peace and quiet after a long day by giving your children their own chillout zone to explore. 

stairs home loft lifestyleThat being said, there’s nothing wrong with creating a cozy getaway for yourself!

You can enjoy some alone time or relax with your partner while watching a movie in your own private lounge area.

Rumpus room in an atticRenovating lofts on top floor units can also feature a spectacular view which can raise your property’s market value significantly.

The entertainment and recreation possibilities are truly endless! 

Personal Gyms or Exercise Rooms

A small loft area is a perfect space to install a mini home gym.

You will be able to fit in cardio essentials such as a treadmill or exercise bike.

Add a yoga mat and some dumbbells for those floor exercises and you’re in business! Incorporating a skylight is essential to liven up the area, giving you a fresh and motivational place to do your daily workout.

Personal gyms are a great idea for people who are constantly on the go.

Everyone knows what an ordeal it can be to prepare your gym gear and get yourself to your overcrowded venue.

Not to mention the costly membership fees! Avoid all of this by bringing the gym to you.

Home gym setup in basement of luxury home

This could also be highly useful for personal trainers and small business owners who operate in the fitness industry – doubling as a professional and convenient office. 

A loft conversion is a timely commitment but well worthwhile for you and your home.

Making the most of each space in your home is important because it can open up a number of possibilities for you to expand on your designer home.

Don’t let your loft become a dusty storage area! Turn it into a valuable space that you and your family can enjoy for the years to come.

Author Bio

As Managing Director of Mazzei Homes, a leading custom home builder Melbourne wide, Daniel has a strong ambition to innovate the building experience for those looking to design quality homes.

 

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Private House Transformation in West London by Coupdeville Architects

Street Elevation, Private House, West London

Here we have a private house transformation in West London by Coupdeville Architects who have transformed a dated bungalow into an elegant contemporary family home. 

Staircase-_Coupdeville_Private-houseStaircase Coupdeville Private house

Coupdeville Architects have created a stylish contemporary family home on a site in West London formerly occupied by an unremarkable bungalow. This substantial, environmentally efficient family home responds to the client’s brief, providing 5,000 sq ft of accommodation arranged over three storeys and a basement. Similar in scale to its immediate neighbours, the scheme was awarded early planning approval.

View of street-facing elevation, Private House, West London

The design is a series of stepped, framed boxes which allows both an interaction of the forms and provides a series of terraces and overhangs. The clerestories between the ground and first floors animate the space and allow daylight to penetrate deeper into the home. From the street this series of set-backs culminates in a second floor master suite configured as a distinct pavilion.

View of the garden elevation, Private House, West London

The client says; ‘‘With our growing family, the small bungalow on the site was no longer viable. Coupdeville have designed a spacious, warm and inviting family home filled with light. Their expertise and time spent on close consultations with the council ensured planning permission for our sensitive location was granted first time.”

View from entrance hallway into living area, Private House, West London

The double-height entrance foyer features a glass walkway over supporting beams which provides dynamic views of the building’s structure beneath. Internally the building makes the most of the views to the rear garden and brings light into the basement spaces through imaginative use of voids and light wells. 

View of kitchen, Private House, West London

Timber louvres set into the frames provide shade and privacy whilst mediating the transition between the solid walls and the floor to ceiling glazing. Coupdeville has also designed the softly contoured landscaping scheme which provides a subtle foil to the contemporary aesthetic of the house.

View of play area, Private House, West London

Project Team
Client: Private
Contractor: TLC
Basement and frame contractor: Firm Stand Structural engineer: QED Structures Interior design: Yam Studios
Lighting: John Cullen Lighting. 

Bathroom Coupdeville Private houseSolar technology and heating: r-eco Audio visual: Another Planet AV Landscape: Natural Stone Landscapes Garden design: We Love Plants Green wall: Scotscape
Concrete bench: Set Workshop Photographer: Jack Hobhouse. 

View of bedroom, Private House, West London

Coupdeville are passionate about creating intelligent and creative buildings. As a practice they encourage dialogue from an early stage in order to establish a clear design strategy. They use drawings, CGIs and models to articulate their clients aspirations and inform the wider project team.

View of dining area, Private House, West London

The studio in London offers a flexible team who are experienced in delivering thoughtful, resourceful and timely design solutions.

Rear exterior private house by Coupdeville

Bermondsey Wall Duplex Penthouse

Bermondsey Wall Duplex PenthouseTerrace at dusk © Bruce Hemming

FORMstudio has dramatically reconfigured this 240 m2 Bermondsey Wall Duplex Penthouse, creating a spectacular open-plan living space on the upper floor. The practice’s radical design approach cleverly rationalises the available space and celebrates the apartment’s spectacular views out over the Thames.

Living space © Bruce Hemming

From the entrance, a view of the river draws the visitor forward into a double height space, from which an elegantly detailed stairway leads upward, revealing the impressively spacious open-plan dining and living area above.

Wider View of Living space © Bruce Hemming

The penthouse is arranged over the top two floors of a prominent high-rise residential development, originally designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands – a Design and Build project with an internal layout that divided both the entry and upper levels into a labyrinth of cellular spaces. 

Hallway © Bruce Hemming

The former arrangement ignored the spatial potential offered by the distinctive, soaring wing roof and the spectacular wrap-around views over the river and to the City beyond.

Staircase © Bruce Hemming

FORMstudio’s fundamental reconfiguration was made possible by specifying a fire- engineered solution to Means of Escape, making use of full-height doors held open on electro-magnetic holds and concealed in wall linings. 

On the lower level, a spectacular river-facing master bedroom suite, includes a floor-to ceiling glazed oriel window cantilevered out over the water and equipped with a rotating Citterio-designed circular sofa, to exploit the Canaletto-like panoramic view. Two further bedroom suites accessed off the linear entrance route complete the rational spatial arrangement of the lower floor.

View of living space © Bruce Hemming

The generous upper floor space features subtle changes in floor level, creating an interior landscape that defines areas for sitting, dining/cooking and working without the need for dividing walls. The raised level of the principle living area has dramatically improved sight-lines to the river view from a sitting position and created on-level access to the terrace doors.

Office area © Bruce Hemming

An integrated 5.3m-long under-lit sofa and 5m-long white acrylic kitchen island with suspended steel hood further articulate and define the interior landscape, emphasising the dramatic scale and visual coherence of the space. 

Bathroom © Bruce Hemming

From mobile phones, to cars, to hotels, the level of sophistication expected by the consumer has soared at an exponential rate over the last twenty years. This has prompted a fundamental rethinking of the required specification for high-end apartments.

Bathroom © Bruce Hemming

This one-off project, for a developer more usually involved in building 10+ unit new-build apartment schemes, clearly demonstrates that sophistication commands an enhanced price tag, adding considerable value for the developer client in the process.

Kitchen & dining area © Bruce Hemming

FORMstudio has successfully identified the significant development value in the differential between a flat with a 1990s ‘high end’ specification and a bespoke architecturally designed apartment – this impressive penthouse responds perfectly to the exacting standards expected at the top end of today’s market. 

About FORMstudio

FORMstudio aims to create places that can be inhabited and experienced by people in a natural and instinctive way. Enjoyable places with a tranquil sense of simplicity, which create a supportive and uplifting backdrop for life.

Master bedroom © Bruce Hemming

Individual solutions are developed for our clients which are an intelligent, inventive and sustainable response to the complex matrix of issues that shapes each project. Solutions with a lucidity and apparent simplicity which belie their underlying complexity.

Second bedroom © Bruce Hemming

Listening, analysis, discussion and clarification are at the heart of an inclusive approach that recognises the fact that some of the best ideas are generated in the space between people rather than by individuals.

Third bedroom © Bruce Hemming

Studying together, and later teaching, at The Bartlett (UCL), directors Malcolm Crayton & Jeremy Lingard first recognised the strengths of combining their shared enthusiasms and complementary skill sets in a collaborative design approach driven and tested by discussion. An approach that has been honed over the years and is at the heart of the practice’s working method today. 

Terrace © Bruce Hemming

Supported by talented staff including three Associates, who have added further core technical, energy use and design expertise to the practice, the directors maintain a direct involvement in the development and evolution of every project. Investing in people and celebrating diversity, FORMstudio aims to engage with and draw out the particular individual strengths of its staff, developing experience and knowledge base through practice and ideas sharing

View of exterior © Bruce Hemming

Exterior © Bruce Hemming

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