Design Tips & Ideas
Studies show that our choice of bedding directly affects the quality of our sleep, our mood, and in some cases our health. Luckily, our choices today are endless when it comes to dressing our beds, but it has not always been so. The employment of high style textile design for the home has converted what was formerly a luxury feature into a commodity. And the recent advent of the master suite as a coveted private retreat has prodded this evolution of textile design, bringing us limitless choices in color and patterns for bedding.
When we check into a hotel room, the number one benchmark by which we gauge the room is the bed, and wise hoteliers know this. Beds signify comfort and relaxation. Our lives today are such that we work hard, we play hard, and we want to rest gently and in comfort. And though not everyone can afford an expensive place of respite with expensive furnishings, we all can certainly create places where we can enjoy the serenity of sleep in a chic and imaginative environment that makes us feel good. And stylish new linens can help achieve that with very little cost and effort.
Thread Count
In addition to extensive color and design choices for bed linens, there is a wide variety of materials, weaves and finishes from which to choose. While everyone has heard of thread count, a common myth states the higher the thread count, the higher quality the sheet. However, there are many factors that contribute to a sheet’s quality and thread count is but one. Thread count is merely the count of threads in a 1” x 1” fabric square. Today some factories twist multiple strands of very short threads together to amplify the thread count. This twisting technique really doesn’t harm the quality of the sheet, but it does present an inaccurate picture of thread count. So don’t get caught up in thread count when selecting your sheets.
Choices of Material
Cotton, bamboo, silk and synthetics are the sheeting materials most commonly obtainable today. Cotton remains a perennial favorite for sheets in most hotels and homes. Everyone loves cotton for its soft feel and the fact that cotton sheets breathe, providing a better sleeping experience. If there is a downside to cotton, it’s the fact that it takes excessive amounts of water to grow and process, and it is often subjected to pesticides.
Silk sheets are the most expensive, require the most care, and don’t last as long as other sheets, but they are said to minimize wrinkles and benefit your skin via essential amino acids found organically in the silk. If silk sheets are not an option financially, buying a set of silk pillowcases is a great way to actually experience the benefits associated with silk.
Meanwhile, bamboo products of all types have recently stormed the marketplace, and bamboo sheets are a part of that movement. Their benefits are that they are soft, anti-microbial, odor resistant and durable. And actually, bamboo sheets are biodegradable and eco-friendly, and thus, very popular with environmentally savvy university students, who often put them on their college essentials lists for mothers to fulfill.
But, the most popular sheets are made from synthetics and blends. They are inexpensive and for many, that seems to be their chief redeeming quality. They do hold color longer, but because they’re man made, they don’t breathe, making it difficult to maintain a steady body temperature. Satin sheets are a popular synthetic option and are known for their slippery, sensuous feel. And as is common with synthetics, they do tend to be cold when you get under them and hot after you’ve settled in.
Choose Wisely and Sleep Warm
The need for comfort touches us all and everyone can agree that a good night’s rest is important. Comfortable, beautifully designed bed linens are a necessary component by which to make that happen. So change your sheets. Change your décor. Change your environment. And maybe even change your health in the process. And once you do, you will never again think the same way about how your bedroom is styled and adorned.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 27 April, 2012
In the first of our new feature, ‘We ask the experts’, we focus the spotlight on Corian. Corian is a solid surface and one of the most versatile material in the world of Interior Design, as this surface material can be made into any size or shape - and for any purpose. This suits the modern design world’s requirements; with customization and flexibility at the heart of creative design. Many thanks to Jon Olson, communication manager at Kitchen Associates for providing us with his expert insight, tips and opinion in this feature.
Things you need to know about Corian before you consider using it:
Corian is a nonporous material, thus very resistant to stains, odors, bacteria and germs. This makes it suitable for all types of residential and commerical use. It’s also easy to repair, should the unthinkable happen, meaning you don’t need to replace the entire surface to make good any problems that may arise.
In the case of countertops, all Corian tops should come with a cove backsplash. Not having to worry about a silicone seam on your backsplash helps with cleaning and makes for a very custom look. Getting rid of the unsightly silicone seam that comes with the installation of countertops is just one reason why you might want to consider Corian over traditional granite tops.
When making your color selection you should consider that certain dark colors may show the light scratches that occur with everyday use. I like to recommend a matte finish for Corian countertops. With everyday use your countertops will develop a very natural luster over time.
Corian sinks are affected by something known as ’thermal shock’. This means they can react adversely to temperature extremes. While it’s outside of most everyday use cases of our materials, it wouldn’t be a good idea to fill your sink with ice and then pour in boiling pasta.
Process Description
Once an order is placed for a countertop, Corian schedules the making of a template. Many of the more advanced Corian resellers use a process called electronic templating. They basically take a series of pictures of the layout with a special camera. This allows for a precise fit every time. You also have the advantage of not having to rip out your old countertop until the day of installation.
The tops are cut out of sheets of Corian 1/2″x30″x145″. Special glue that matches the Corian surface material is used so you achieve inconspicuous seams. (The seams are almost impossible to see, but from a technical perspective it’s better to say inconspicuous, instead of invisible). Depending on the size of the countertops they may have to be brought in pieces and ’seamed’ on site. A good quality installation team will use tools that hincorporate the use of dust extraction systems, for a dust-free installation.
Lead times vary. Kitchen retailers and fabrication shops are usually 12-14 days. Box stores can be up to 21 days.
Budgetary considerations before using Corian
A Corian top costs about the same as a high-grade granite top. It’s like buying a car. The more you add, the higher the cost.
Real-world applications
Furniture
Sinks
Countertops
Tips
Avoid cutting directly on or putting hot pots and pans directly down on a Corian surface. Ask your Corian reseller to supply cutting boards to use.
When using something such as a scotch brite pad to remove a blemish you shouldn’t just apply it to a single area. It is recommended that you use the scotch brite on the entire surface area to maintain an even sheen.
We recommend Softscrub with bleach when cleaning our surfaces. In fact it’s okay to use the scotch brite pad when cleaning with Softscrub.
Ask the fabricator fulfilling your order to sand your countertop up to 220 grit or 60 micron. Poor sanding finishes can mean small scratches are left and these can obviously fill with dirt and spoil the look of the countertop. This would apply to a Corian sink, so be sure to have the sink finished in the same way as the countertop.
Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes you can avoid when working with Corian surface materials. These include:
- Not leaving enough room for expansion and contraction.
- Improper supports on overhangs of over 12 inches.
- Not using cleats on seams from the underside.
- Failure to use a Corian certified fabricator.
Additionally, the best value and prices for Corian products can be found at Kitchen retailers. Box stores are not cheaper. Because box stores have to sell in large volume, quality is often sacrificed.
Trends
I’m seeing a trend in Four different areas.
- Cove backsplash and tile cove backsplash
- Corian cabinet doors
- Corian custom sinks
- Corian thermoforming (see video below)
Until recently, Thermoforming was not typically used in kitchen designs but more recently designers are looking outside of the traditional materials and understanding the flexibility it can provide in terms of their designs. I like to say “Corian is the only surface with unlimited design potential” mostly because its the only surface that can be thermoformed to meet specific design requirements.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 23 April, 2012
If you lack some space and you’ve got some guests coming, the easiest way for you to accommodate them is to transform any room into a bedroom by placing good quality sofa beds there. Sofa beds in its literal definition are the most versatile piece of furniture that you could own. As opposed to the ‘known’ description that sofa beds are uncomfortable, they are actually comfortable pieces of furniture comparable to a regular bed.
When you shop for furniture, it is important that you remember its primary function. Therefore, it only makes sense that you look for features of a good sofa. Other design and style preferences should follow next. Since you’re looking for a regular seating that can be converted to a bed, you should look for top quality and comfortable mattress and user-friendly mechanism like the ones offered at Shop 4 Furniture so be sure to visit them and check out their products.
Below are some tips you could follow when you shop for sofa beds –
Purchase Hardwood Frame
Look for sofa beds that have durable frames especially those that are made from kiln-dried hardwood.
Good Quality Open/Close Mechanism
The open and close mechanism for the bed is the most important feature that you should consider. Users of the sofa bed should be able to open and close the sofa bed in one smooth motion without the unacceptable squeaking or sticking. There are sofa beds with lock-down bar that properly close the sofa bed without sacrificing the movement for opening.
Smooth Edges on Inner Mechanism
This is also an important feature of sofa beds that you need to consider unless you want your bed sheets and blankets to catch and rip in them. The inner mechanism of the sofa bed should have smooth edges even though it is encouraged that you remove the sheets and blankets before you close it.
Overall Quality
A good way to shop for sofa beds is to check its overall quality including the mattress. Unless you want your guests to experience an insomnia nightmare, you should buy sofa beds that feature comfortable support for the body and by body – it means the entire body particularly the shoulders, hips and lower back. It doesn’t matter how thick and thin your mattress is as long as the sofa bed has been constructed for better support. Also, make sure you test the sofa bed before you purchase one. Check its open and close mechanism and see whether you can operate it in one smooth movement.
Measurement
The sofa bed’s measurement is as important feature as everything else because it matters that it fits appropriately within the room you are going to put it to.
It would be for your best interest if you could check out Shop4Furniture sofa beds should you decide to buy one. They offer only the best quality sofa beds that you wouldn’t dare to miss.
Posted by JackieAzuela at 18 April, 2012
There are few feelings more welcoming than the anticipation of warmth and comfort offered by your bed each and every night. Yes, when the boss is being a pain, the train is forever delayed and everything seems to be going wrong, many of us look forward to nothing more than that feeling of gentle relaxation that a cosy mattress and a snug bed can provide at the end of a hard day.
However, for millions of Britons this hope for night-time bliss is merely a dream, as statistics from the new Shattered Britain study show that up to 75% of us aren’t getting a good night’s sleep. And why is this? Sleep expert Nerina Ramlakhan says that a lot of people are going to bed ‘tired but wired’, over-stimulated by the abundance of technology and the fast-paced lifestyle that living in 2012 brings.
Her suggestion for improving the quality of your sleep is very simple: the mattress and bed that you choose has to be the absolute right one for you. We are all different, and our requirements for a restful and supportive mattress vary from person to person.
In order to help you to decide what bed and mattress will provide the best night’s sleep for you, here are offer a few handy tips to help you on your quest for a complete night’s rest:
Size Matters – Sharing a bed with your other half shouldn’t be a constant fight for the duvet! Beds come in a range of sizes, from single all the way up to super king size. Make sure your bed offers enough space for both you and your partner to enjoy a restful night.
Comfort Matters – Like in ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, finding a mattress that isn’t too hard or too soft is key to enjoying a bed that feels “just right”. A mattress that doesn’t offer the right support can cause muscle aches and interrupted sleep. It might be worth visiting a specialist bed retailer like Silentnight, where you can choose from a wider variety of mattresses that are specially designed to provide targeted support where you need it.
Style Matters – Your bedroom should be a place where you look forward to relaxing, and so a stylish, aesthetically pleasing bed design which matches the décor of your home is essential. Look for stylish headboards and frame designs that could add a unique touch to your bedroom.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 17 April, 2012
If you work from home regularly, you’ll know the importance of having a dedicated space. Sitting with a laptop on your knee just isn’t productive. It’s possible to transform even the smallest of spaces into the most functional of offices. Here are our tips on how to do just that.
External influences
Think about external influences, such as natural light, noise levels, and privacy and how you can control their impact upon your productivity. You can instantly regulate the amount of natural light coming into your room and create privacy by installing blinds. The sun in the morning might be a good motivator for creativity, but it can play havoc with glare on your computer screen. Blinds will give you superb light control, enabling you to achieve the perfect balance.
Ergonomics and aesthetics
You may want the room to look as good as it can, but functionality should be your biggest concern here. An ergonomically designed chair will do wonders for your back during those long working hours. You’ll also need to think about how the rest of the furniture works with your body. How close are you sitting to your desk? Is your keyboard and monitor at the appropriate height?
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 13 April, 2012
Storage is always been an issue living in small spaces ( like I do ) and I’m always searching for better ways to solve it. IKEA has an amazing amount of storage ideas, but sometimes things don’t always fit as they should so I checked Ikea Hackers for new cool ideas.
Posted by Michelle Lesser at 10 April, 2012
After the living room, where most of us spend our evenings or lazy Saturdays, the bedroom is probably the most important ‘chill-out’ room in the house, and when you move into a new home you should spend a bit of time getting the layout right and making sure you have all the space you need. A bedroom that feels cramped or overcrowded won’t have a calming vibe, which means won’t feel like retreating there to read a book or relax for a half an hour when you need a breather.
One of the best ways of making the most of the space you have in your bedroom is to opt for fitted bedroom furniture. You’d be amazed how much more open and relaxing the bedroom seems when wardrobes are specially made to fit against the wall. Fitted furniture is designed to work with the shape of the room and is made to measure so that even rooms with awkward angles can seem open and spacious. It makes the most of every spare inch and is a particularly good option if you have converted a loft or attic space into a bedroom.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 29 March, 2012
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 20 March, 2012
Source : Emmas Designblogg
We have collected hundreds and hundreds of images of interior design for inspiration since we started ChicTip.com. We have compiled it for you and sorted it Room by Room. Now we’d like to share them with you. Today we present to you 10 beautiful home offices.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 12 March, 2012
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 6 March, 2012
