A pendant for your home

Lighting isn’t only about illuminating, it is equally about adding zing to a subtle interior. This is why the pendant lights are the new darlings of interior decorators all over the world. They light up the interior by the sheer charm of their design. Here is what you should keep in mind while selecting and installing pendant lights:

What purpose do the pendant lights solve?


Pendant lights are drop down lights, usually hung from the ceiling. They are best for areas where you require direct light, like, A dining table placed under a high ceiling.
You can add a dimmer to pendant lights to control the illumination.

Where to install the pendant lights?


Do not select pendant lights just for the sake of selection. Sight of lights hanging down from the ceiling may be a distracting one for a smaller room. They are best suited for larger rooms, that have slight open feel to them. They are great ambient lighting alternatives.

Do pendant lights suit different light requirements?


Absolutely. Like many other lights, pendant lights too have various options. Depending on your requirements, you would have a wide variety to choose from. The skull of a pendant light isn’t made of different material for nothing. It affects the amount of light it emits. A pendant light with fabric shades makes the light diffuse through the shade, thus giving a soft glow. Such lights are best for dining or entertainment areas. If you want to select a pendant light for study area you should go for glass shades. Light filters through the glass shades easily, it also lets the light reflect and refract thus creating a brighter and more concentrated effect.

How to choose the pendant light for your home?
1. If you want pendant lights just for the aesthetics, select well crafted shades with deep aesthetic value.
2. If you want pendant lighting for higher ceilings, select the ones that can be hanged a little low.
3. For too high portions, like, the middle of staircase roll, pendant lights with longer extensions may be required.
4. Whenever you hang a pendant light, make sure that it is hung at least 60-70 centimeters above the table.

(Pic for representational purpose only)

What’s so good about stainless steel modular kitchens?

Stainless steel modular kitchens are a rage these days. Here is a low down on features that make these a better (though expensive)  choice:

Why is there so much hype around the ‘stainless steel modular kitchens’?
Simple! Because they are really good (read durable). In a wooden kitchen, you might buy a very good quality wood, but there is always a chance of wear and tear, damage due to water, moisture etc. While stainless steel doesn’t rust. It has a long life.

Any other benefit?
Stainless steel finish is a perfect choice for those who are extra conscious about hygiene. Stainless steel modular kitchens have high standard hygiene finish. Plus it doesn't have problems like termites, cockroaches etc., which often arises in kitchens with wooden finish.

What are the design options?
Like any other modular kitchen, stainless steel kitchens too offer an array of great designs, cabinet options, wall units, top racks, wall tiles etc. If you do not want to go for a fully stainless steel option, you can mix and match it with different materials to get an impeccable look. Steel blends well with granite, marble and such stuff. Plus, you can always look for a budget friendly option. This mixes well with lots of finish and materials; like, you can choose designer sheets for walls instead of going for an all out stainless steel kitchen.
And yes, if you think that the natural steel color is the only color option you have, here is a good news: Thanks to color coating, modular steel kitchens have a whole new array of colors and shades. These colors can be changed later too, with the help of color coating.

What about care and cleaning?
Though there are many modular options, cleaning is something that comes really easy with a stainless steel kitchen. Usually wood finish (which is a preferred choice for modular kitchens) involves setting up cabinets right above the floor thus leaving little space for cleaning below the cabinets. There are no such problems with the stainless steel modular kitchens. Usually, this is fixed on a stand at least four inches above the floor.

What about durability?
Durability is great! It is heat resistant. The polish is such that it doesn’t get scratches easily. Even if some damage is done, it doesn’t require you to change the entire unit; it uses portable parts which can be easily dismantled.

Bedtime stories

Planning to buy a bed? Do you know what do the terms ‘Queen size’, ‘King size’ etc. mean? If not, this ignorance can lead to huge inconvenience once you bring that exquisite piece of furniture to your bedroom. Here is help:

Usually, dealers use certain terminology while they are describing a product; so with beds. You may seem to understand it, but a little comprehension mistake may lead to the wrong selection.

Custom size bed:
This is a term you would hear too frequently. A general impression one would draw is that the bed being referred to is of custom size, i.e. all the beds of custom size (from every brand) would have same size. Ideally, this should happen; unfortunately, it does not. In practice, many dealers call the ‘custom size of their brand’  and not the custom size according to market standards, as the custom size bed. So if you saw the custom size bed of one brand and are planning to order your bed from some other brand store or a whole seller, confirm about the size before finalizing the deal. There is a possibility of slight difference in measurements.

Twin beds:
Usually, the word twin bed (or beds) is used for one single bed from a double bed set (which uses two single beds to make one double bed). This is what it is in reality. But sometimes, you would hear twin beds being used for bunker beds or beds with emergency sleeping arrangement. So, it's wise to check out this point before placing an order.

Standard size beds:
Just like custom size, the measurements of a Standard Size Bed too can vary from one brand to the other. So, if you are planning to order a standard size mattress, it’s advisable to measure the bed size in inches. This will reduce the chances of variation in size of mattress or bed.

King size bed:
Do not buy a King Size Bed on the basis of its name. There are more than one varieties of King Size Beds. While you maybe ordering a King Size Bed, the dealer may pack you the Californian King size, Eastern King Size, or some other variant. Californian King Size Bed is a huge bed, and finding a mattress its size may be a daunting task.

 

FAQ: The basics of wall painting

Painting walls isn’t only about selecting a flashy (or subtle) paint color. It is equally about durability, convenience and flawless walls. Here are answers to a few vital questions related to wall painting, and selection of the right wall paint:

Why is applying primer necessary before painting walls?
If your wall has been painted earlier, primer is not necessary. If you are applying paint for the first time, you just cannot afford to ignore it. Primer fills up little scratches or gaps on the newly constructed wall and functions as a base for paint. By skipping this important step for the sake of time or money you will only increase your inconvenience. Walls without primer absorb more paint, hence increasing your cost; they look a little rough and may how costly the paint be, the finishing would still be rough.

Can walls be saved from stains?
You can use anti-stain spray while the paint is being applied on walls. This helps protect walls against stains to an extent.

Which type of paint is suitable for spaces like bathroom or kitchen?
Walls in both of these spaces are slightly more prone to stains. Oil based paints are stain resistant (to an extent), so you can select these for such areas. Paints with semi-gloss finish are slightly easier to clean, so you can use these as well. For bathrooms, try and look for water resistant paints. This would protect its walls against moisture.

Should the exterior of the house be painted with a special wall paint?
Great if you can do so! Exterior of your house suffers harsh weather, sunlight, dust, rain, hail and what not. So the paint used on these walls tends to fade easily; it can peel off too. Thankfully, you do not need to wander looking for such paints; almost all the renowned brand are having special collection of exterior wall paints. Latex based paints are great for outer walls.

Whatever paint you choose, make sure it is easier to clean and durable. A few extra buck spent here would save you a lot of trouble later.

How good are ceramic floor tiles?

Ceramic floor tiles have been around for years. There durability makes them one of the best choices. If you are planning to install ceramic floor tiles, equip yourself with its pros and cons

Ceramic tiles give slightly porous appearance to the floor. They look great and are easy to clean. An additional advantage is that you cannot have enough of it, they come in many varieties, with interesting colors to size choices suiting different needs.

What is so good about ceramic tiles?



There are lots of pros of installing ceramic tiles:

1. They look good: When it comes to looks, they are just irresistible. These are glazed tiles and look of a blemish less ceramic tile floor is delighting.

2. They are easy to clean: Ceramic tiles do not get stubborn stains or scratches, hence, your floor appears neat and clean. Yes, grouts can be a problem, but then that is the case with many other tiles as well. Just a little grout cleaning makes the floor look new.

3. You don’t have to spend a lot on their maintenance: Ceramic tiles are glazed tiles and do not require waxing etc., thus saving a lot of your time and effort.

4. They are durable: Ceramic tiles are durable unless exposed to a very high footfall zone. If installed properly, it can be years before you see first sign of cracks appearing on it.

5. They can be installed in number of patterns: Their look and size options enables their installing in number of patterns. You can get ceramic tiles in large sizes as well; people who want to avoid the grout problem often prefer larger size. These tiles can be laid down in square or rectangular patterns. You can even choose more than one color for tiles to create a distinct pattern on floor.

What is not so good about ceramic tiles?



Like many other things, there are a few not-so-convenient features of ceramic tiles which must be noted before buying these:

1. Installing these is not the easiest of the tasks: It's not as if their installation requires knowledge of rocket science. Installation process is the same; but you need to use really good quality grout and an experienced labourer to get it done. If ceramic tiles aren’t sealed properly, grout turns black sooner and they are more vulnerable to cracks.

2. They might not be the best choice for bathroom or kitchen: Ceramic tiles maybe a little slippery for places like bathrooms. The best thing is to choose tiles with texture, which are usually not so slippery. Secondly, if you are using these tiles in bathroom, you have to make sure that you wipe off water when you are done.

3. They are not the best choice for high footfall zones: Ceramic tiles are durable, but they are not a right choice for high footfall areas like lobby. Though, this does not mean that they are delicate, but still why take chances.

Cleaning tips

 In case of stain a little detergent and a soft scrub is enough to clean ceramic tiles. You just need to rub the tiles a little and then wash them off with the help of water.

Trend Watch: Wall colors that are here to stay

If you are in the process of finalizing colors for your walls and are worried about making an out of trend choice; here we are with a list of hottest color trends of this decade…

Selecting a color for your walls may not be as daunting, as confusing it is. The biggest fear is to pick a color that has been long buried in décor guides. Once you know about the best color trends, you can pick a shade that suites your preference (i.e. soothing light shades or bold tones of the same color).

1. Neutral tones:

From fashion world to interior zone all the style trends are breathing neutral tones. While nude is a big time hit in fashion, neutral tones with champagne, silver or mahogany are rocking the interior décor scene. These colors are just perfect for small spaces as they give them more spacious look. If you have a spacious home, you can mix these with brighter tones to accentuate your walls.

When to select neutral tones for walls: These colors work great if you want to display your collection of wall hangings or paintings. These subtle tones do not interfere with visual effects of such decorative pieces and help highlight them.

2. Nature inspired colors:

This is again one huge trend this year (and for many more years to come). Nature inspired color palette may include tones of sunset orange or clear blue sky, or purple with a hint of red. If you want to color all the walls with a single color the best idea would be to choose a subtle shade, but if you want to highlight different colors on your walls, this palette is just for you. Apple red, burnt red, bright natural hues can be aesthetically combined with sober shades are one of the most sought after wall color combos this time.

When to select nature inspired colors for walls: If you want a balance of zing and subtlety on your walls. These are great for multicolored décor. If you are planning to display bright color upholstery, this color palette would provide the perfect base without going over the top.

3. Tribal hues:

Nowadays, interior trends, to a lot extent are more about celebrating the hidden beauty of our surroundings. Tribal hues are bright, vibrant shades that made an entry in 2012, from furniture to décor item, you can spot this trend shaping up almost everywhere. If you are a fan of the rustic charm, you would surely like to have a look at this color palette. The colors to look for are the likes of tangerine, peacock blue, fiery pink, bright yellow, fire red etc.

When to use these colors: These are bright, fiery shades and usually look good on areas that require highlighting. These are great for kids’ room, well decorated lobby areas or as accents for drawing room.

Now that you know about the color trends, the only bit you gotta excel at is mixing and matching these colors skillfully so as to create an amazing overall look. Remember, no shade looks good in itself if the entire décor or theme isn’t telling the same story.

Take a quick look

For smaller spaces: Blue, aqua colors, sunset blue, sunset red, yellowish orange, lighter shades of violet, neutral tones, white, beige

For larger spaces: Mahogany, nature inspired shades of red like burnt apple, brick red etc., rosy shades, plum, rosebud etc.

As highlighters: Peacock blue, fiery pink, electric violet, melon, coral, metallic shades etc.

As base colors: Sea hues, earthy tones, whites, blue mixed green, gray, orange mixed yellow, lighter shades or violet and purple etc.

Utilize your bathroom space to the fullest

In space starved urban dwellings, a super-spacious bathroom is often a luxury beyond reach. Still, people want to pep it up to the best of its capacity. This can be done. A bathroom built over a large area may not necessarily be the best. It’s smart planning that makes it so. Find answers to a few most vital questions here:

Usually architects give a broader design of partitions and they do not provide internal detailing, not unless you have asked for it. If you are doing the layout on your own, be very cautious about what you do with the space. Know one simple rule, a bathroom looks best with sufficient open floor area.

The importance of free space


Whatever size your bathroom is, it must have a little free space to make it look good. You may want to include some fancy products in your bathroom, but this isn’t the wisest of ideas if all that it does is to make the bathroom look all crammed up!
Thanks to designers, you have size and design options to almost all sort of tools and equipment. So your goal must be to include items that make the bathroom look good besides being useful.

List down the items you want to install in your bathroom


Making a list would help you understand the real requirements and save you of unnecessary clutter. This would also give you an idea of how large a piece does your bathroom actually require.

How to make the list


Divide this list into three parts: Essentials, Desired and Optional.

List 1: Essentials: This is the most important list. Identify essential items that your bathroom must have.
Wash basin, basin mirror, toilet, toilet paper holder, geyser, laundry rack, toothbrush holder, a small vanity, towel rack, soap dish (in case you need to fix this on the wall) etc. would fall under this category.
This list will not include necessary equipment like faucets etc. which are installed during constructions.
* The size of products should be proportional to your bathroom space. An extra large mirror would not look good in a normal sized bathroom. Similarly do not go for an extra large cabinet.

List 2: Desired: This list should include items that you wish to install in your bathroom. The items included in this category may be the once that have caught your fancy. Since you are done with the first list by now, you would have a fair idea of the space left with you.
a) You can write down details of products like a fancy shower panel, bath tub, jacuzzi etc. in this list (Of course you wouldn’t go for all of it in one bathroom, select the one that may fit well within the bathroom space).
b) If you wanted to include some additional stuff like an extra cabinet for your makeup products, a linen closet, a dresser, steam showers etc., include it in this list.
c) Whatever product you finalize later, try to visualize your bathroom with all of it and see how much free area would be available. If the bathroom appears a little over-crowded, make some vital changes. For example: You can replace an extra large jacuzzi bathtub with a slick shower panel or steam shower to save some space.

List 3: Optional: As the name says, items on this list must come last, that is only after picking items from the first two lists.
If your bathroom space still permits inclusion of some other items, go ahead and include that fancy seating, LED, music system, decoration space, that you have always wanted in your bathroom.
Remember, more items you include in your bathroom, more free space it requires. So, be wary of creating a clutter.

Making the final selection


The final selection will need fair analysis of all the three lists.
1. List the items you have zeroed in on in one list according to the priority.
2. Finalize the item size keeping in view space occupied by each item on the list. You may need to reduce the size of the cabinet to create a little space, or you may need to zero in on a smaller bathtub.
3. DO NOT compromise on the essentials. Selecting a smaller washbasin or toilet to be able to place a vase in not a wise idea. This selection should entirely be based on the functionality of the products.

Note: What is essential for someone may fit in someone else’s ‘desired list’. Not everyone may find a shower panel essential. The list should be totally based on personal needs and priorities (and of course, budget)!