Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

September 29, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest posting on the subject of the technology options that are changing the way we live in our homes.
As an Interior Designer I need to be aware of the ever changing technology options that can have an impact on the overall design and functionality of a space. With the rapid pace of change we are experiencing in this area it honestly can be a part-time job in and of itself to keep abreast of it all. That is one of the reasons S Interior Design welcomed the opportunity to learn more and share it with you! Thank you Jackie Mason for writing the article and sharing it with us.

Make sure to click on the links imbeded in the article to get the full story.

The Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

Over 40% of American households use smart technology, with an average of 3.5 smart devices used in each home. Smart technology often appeals because of the convenience and time saving it provides. A lot of smart technology also offers a way of updating your interior design easily without any major cost. The stylishness of many of today’s emerging gadgets makes it easy to see why so many people are incorporating them into the design of their homes. Here are just a few examples of the kind of smart technology that can give your interior design real style and added functionality.

The stylish and unobtrusive television screen

When it comes to home living, you can ‘go smart’ anywhere in the house. However, one of the areas of smart technology that people are drawn to most is home entertainment. Television screens are becoming more and more streamlined and multi-functional. The transparent TV is particularly worth a mention. Still in the early stages of development, the TV shows high-definition images when switched on and can blend into the background as a transparent screen when turned off. This means that you can have the sought-after high quality as well as discretion; the television doesn’t have to dominate the room. LG takes this combination one step further with its roll up and down television screen. The TV screen can be wound down when you don’t want to watch it or would rather it was out of sight when not in use. The screen size and aspect ratios can be adjusted to suit different uses – whether that be for television, computing or photograph displays.

A kitchen that aids cooking

Research shows that the kitchen is the most important room to homeowners when it comes to interior design. This has led to a rise in the number of smart kitchen gadgets entering the market – and potentially people’s homes. These include smart ovens: gone are the days where you have to slave away over a hot stove after a day’s work. Smart ovens can link up with your smartphone, registering the food that is in the oven and making recommendations on cooking methods. The technology involves means that you can monitor the cooking away from home if you want to, carrying on with other tasks in the meantime. The result is a tasty meal that was stress-free to make.

Smart lighting for the home

Lighting design has evolved with an environmental focus, with many companies using efficient LED lights. This is not at the cost of style and functionality, however. Examples of smart lighting in the home include SmartLamp, which is controlled by its own app and allows you to change the color of the light, depending on your mood. You can also choose a color to accompany music you are listening to, making SmartLamp an effective tool for entertainment and creating ambiance.

3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

July 5, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

1. LIGHT! In a small bathroom you need to leverage both natural and artificial light sources. If there is not ample natural light from an existing window you should consider installing
either a Solatube or a sky light.

You should have both ceiling mounted lighting (recessed 4″ LED can lights) and lighting at the vanity area preferably flanking the sides of your mirror if the space allows for it.

2. The materials and the color/tones of the materials used should visually flow with one another. The number of different colors and materials and the geometry of those materials should be kept to a maximum of 3 different materials in the space.

For example, if you have white-painted cabinetry you should have lighter toned counter tops and accent tiles to coordinate. The floors can be a bit darker to add contrast.

Another tip is to use the same material in different size/geometry formats. Marble (or marble look porcelain tile) can be used on the floor in a 12″ x 24″ format and then in a hexagon shaped smaller format for the shower wall accents and back splash at the vanity.

3. To maximize storage space – GO VERTICAL! You can place a cabinet on the vanity counter top that is less deep (12″-14″),or place a tall floor cabinet at the end of the vanity or wherever
space allows. You can carve out space on the walls between the studs to use as shallow storage opportunities too.

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Modernize the Look of Your Home with Stainless Steel Balustrades

December 12, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky 1 Comment

Below is a guest post from a writer in Australia about the wonderful ways a modern stair rail that incorporates stainless steel can update your home.

How to Modernize the Look of Your Home with Stainless Steel Balustrades

If you’d like to give your home a makeover but can’t afford to make too many alterations now, you’ll be surprised at the difference stainless steel balustrades can make! It can easily modernize the look of your home and make it look attractive and fresh. These also give your home a more elegant, modern twist, while carrying with them benefits such as versatility and durability. Installing these balustrades is simple, and you may choose to get the job done yourself if you’re a DIY enthusiast, or call in a professional.

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO DO IT YOURSELF

If you haven’t installed a balustrade before, opt for a stainless steel handrail kit that usually includes detailed instructions on how to get the job done. Some suppliers also include technical support over call and videos so that you don’t have any trouble with the installation. Make sure that the balustrades are made from marine grade stainless steel so that you get the durability and finish that you expect.

GETTING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

Before getting professional assistance with your stainless steel balustrades, plan your budget so that you know how much you’re willing to spend, and chart out a plan for what you want to accomplish. You may choose these balustrades for your stairway or balcony, so having a proper plan in mind can help to a great extent when the actual installation is underway.

CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN

Working with these needn’t be a mammoth task. Designs are usually simple and sleek to give your home a modern touch, and most often, stainless steel alone will suffice. If you’d like to add a bit of extra ‘oomph’ to your home, complement them with glass. This helps for proper use of natural light making your home look more fresh and airy. You may also choose to pair off your steel balustrades with a wooden top if you’re using it with a wooden staircase, or if you’d like a subtle blend of contemporary and classic in your home.

INSTALLATION OPTIONS

Stainless steel gives your home a more sophisticated look and can bring out the beauty of an open balcony or bespoke stairway. Since this material is hard, durable and doesn’t get corroded easily, you can use it indoors or outdoors without worrying about rust. Even an older home can get a contemporary touch when stainless steel balustrades are used for outdoor staircases, balconies, swimming pools and terraces.

MAINTAINING YOUR STAINLESS STEEL BALUSTRADES

While stainless steel balustrades can add a modern touch to your home just with their rich, posh appearance, regular maintenance is needed if it is to last long. Be sure to clean your balustrades regularly with a mild detergent and a soft sponge. Use a window cleaning solution and a soft clean cloth to get rid of grease marks or fingerprints. While your balustrades don’t need extensive maintenance, periodic care will help to look it as good as new.

In summary, switching over to stainless steel balustrades can help you save a lot of money right now and in the long run, while modernizing the look of your home. Since it can withstand extreme weather conditions, it can be bravely used outdoors without the stress of erosion or rusting, and with minimum maintenance. You may choose to install balustrades yourself if it’s a smaller project, or call in a professional. Always choose high quality, military grade steel so that your balustrades will stand the test of time and the environment, while making your home look classy and sophisticated.

Modern Staircase-10 Reasons to Use Glass Railings/Balustrades

May 7, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky 3 Comments

Below is a guest post from an Australian writer on the subject of glass railings; balustrades as they are referred to across the pond.

Ensure the Safety of your home with the Designer Glass Balustrades/Railings

If you have started with a new home construction, or of you want to renovate your home, or else, if you are the owner of a shopping mall, spa or parlor, then you can include glass balustrading as part of your interior decoration, as these make your staircase look attractive, sleek and contemporary. There are numerous designs available in the market, and you can search from the online portals to get your glass balustrading done in the perfect manner. Balustrades that are usually made with toughened glass last long, and they are scratch and corrosion-proof:

Initially balustrades used to be manufactured of stone or wood, but now, these traditional and archaic materials are no longer in use, and glass stands for the luxury and superiority when it comes to using your balustrades for a long term purpose, or for enhancing the aesthetic and the retail value of your property.
When it comes to make a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape in your home, glass balustrades have no other alternative, as they are not heavy as marble or stone balustrades and they do not rust like the steel or the metal balustrades.

Know about the top 10 benefits of glass balustrading:

Glass balustrading looks sleek and stylish and it adds to the charm of any existing building or a new construction. If you are the owner of a corporate set-up, you can impress your clients with the décor and functionality of the glass balustrades. These also enhance the resale value of your home.
Glass balustrading does not block the entry of sunlight into your rooms, as it filters the light and lets it enter, so that the interior remains warm during winters. If you have a swimming pool, you can easily install the frameless or the semi-frameless glass balustrades to ensure that the view of the space is not blocked.
Glass balustrading involves no hassles while cleaning and maintaining these. It is very easy to clean the glass balustrades all by yourself, and you do not require any professional help for maintaining your balustrades. You can use a quality glass cleaner, or else, if there are scratches and dents over the balustrades, then you can simply use the polishing methods to bring back the balustrades into the original form.
Glass gives the illusion of a larger space. This cannot be achieved with metallic, iron or stone balustrades.
Glass is a versatile option, when it comes to choose from a large number of designs, shapes and layouts. You can customize the designs depending on your needs, or else, you can go through home design catalogues to get an idea about how to install the balustrades. You can also choose from different frames, or go for the frameless options.
Toughened glass is not brittle, but it shows an excellent durability even when you compare it to stone or metal balustrades. There is minimum aging related to glass, so if you use good quality glass balustrading, it will not chip, wear out or break off. In case you have children, aged parents or pets at home, you can install these tough balustrades without worrying about any accidents.
Glass balustrading costs less than the traditional stone or marble balustrading, and these are also quite easy to install.
Glass balustrading is strong and safe, and made of unbreakable glass, so that these can withstand huge pressure.
Glass is an eco-friendly option, when it comes to choosing the best interior layout for your home.
They are the best safety providers which do not let people fall down from stairs or balconies.

So now, you can call to the glass balustrading companies and get a quote from them and install the best glass balustrades in your home.

Tips to Optimize Your Office Space

March 28, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest post on the subject of how to optimize your office space to enhance productivity and the overall feeling in the office for employees. Choices and flexibility are two key words to keep in mind. Gone are the days of endless closed off cubicles and poor lighting. Spaces designed to encourage collaboration and social interaction are important elements to include. More and more time is spent at work and the environment needs to support this reality.

Design tips to keep workers engaged and get the most out of your office space

The office space is one of the most important parts of your workplace, designing it correctly is instrumental to maximizing productivity and ensures your staff is happy. The better the environment for your staff the higher the rate of loyalty and the less likely there will be any issues regarding staff turnover. The following design tips will ensure your employees are well motivated and fully engaged:

Wiring

The first step to a productive office is to get the wires out of sight. Wires everywhere can make a room look cluttered and this can be distracting when you are trying to focus on a job in hand. There are also risks concerning trips and spills when cables are left exposed. There are many desks designed with specific areas to hide cables in or electrical trunking can be used.

Outdoors

The outside can be brought inside by adding a few plants and reclaimed wood walls or even artworks. These items will help to make the office feel more natural and user friendly as opposed to a work station. This has been shown to improve productivity and your employees will be a lot happier and satisfied.

Workspace

Offices are changing; there are no longer dedicated seats and computers. The portable computer has made it possible for anyone to work anywhere. This has led to offices which have benches and seating areas which can be used for working at, taking breaks or even multimedia presentations.

Flexible working arrangements and height adjustable desks are encouraging staff to make the most of their space, it can also ensure that people do not feel chained to a desk or seating position; they say change is as good as a rest!

Lounges

It is important to take regular breaks and relax in order to get the most out of your time at your workstation. To encourage this it is essential to have a place where people can relax, or talk business in a more informal atmosphere. This can make it a more enjoyable working experience.

Custom furniture

Customized furniture pieces make offices seem look original and modern. If your company loves a nicely-decorated open-space work environment, then you should invest in glass tables to welcome more light and add fluidity into the office. Glass is sleek type of material that comes in a wealth of types and models. Use it for coffee table as well, chairs, or desks, and your employees will become extremely fond of your unique sense of style.

Having a place to escape to can be essential to allow all staff the opportunity to distress and refocus their thoughts. It can also be an excellent spot for brainstorming as a more relaxed atmosphere can free the mind to make the most of the options available.

Color

Color is an essential way of both stimulating and soothing your employees. Pale colors have been associated with soothing, relaxing atmospheres whilst brighter, bolder colors are stimulating. You do not need to completely repaint the walls! Colors can be introduced through chairs and office accessories to give the office a funky, trendy feel. It has been suggested that the brighter the intensity of the color the more effect it will have on your employees, whether it is designed to stimulate or sooth.

Community tables

The community table gives all employees the chance to collaborate on ideas and to share work as well as providing a break from their regular working area. It will encourage team work in the workplace and a feeling of satisfaction which will encourage both productivity and loyalty.

Textures

Using different textures in the workplace can create a more comfortable, homely feel. This will help people to feel comfortable at work whilst they are stimulated and can even feel that they have a personal space; a home from home.

Offices are no longer set up and contained. Every item of furniture can be seen to have a variety of different uses and this can help to create a fun, exciting workplace for all employees. The more stimulating the workplace is the easier it is for people to feel productive and be willing to collaborate on projects.

By Charles Goodwin and TomFaulkner.co.uk!