Archive for the ‘Commentary’ Category

Is Fungus the Building Material of the Future? This Pavilion Says Yes

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

There’s a fungus amongus. It may sound crazy but yes these bricks formed of 100% organic fungi may be the next step in sustainable Construction. These brakes are affordable and durable they will be the future in developing nations. The science behind these brick shows that they simply just get stronger with time and will bring safety and shelter too many families in the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mycologists have transformed fungi into 100-percent organic and compostable bricks, and a company called Ecovative Design has mixed mycelium with agricultural waste to create a natural alternative to polystyrene and plastic packaging
  • Now, a group of Indian and Italian architects is demonstrating how mycelium can quickly fill in substrate within a wooden framework to create lightweight, recyclable structures perfect for short-term use as disaster shelters and temporary venues for public events.
  • Indian architecture studio Beetles 3.3 has collaborated with Yassin Arredia Design to create “Shell Mycelium,” an installation in a Fort Kochi courtyard in the Indian state of Kerala

“A company called Ecovative Design has mixed mycelium with agricultural waste to create a natural alternative to polystyrene and plastic packaging.”

https://dornob.com/is-fungus-the-building-material-of-the-future-this-pavilion-says-yes/

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Woven Wood Edge Banding

Saturday, June 24th, 2017

Woven wood edge bandings are the latest talk in home decor. Explore the differences between traditional shadings and the more robust woven bandings. In addition to their durability, learn about the hidden benefits and bold look that provide a new, fresh touch to your interior design.

Key Takeaways:

  • Not only will edge banding transform the look of your shade but it adds functional value as well.
  • Adding edge binding to woven wood shades will prevent the shades from stretching out as much.
  • Edge binding covers the edges of the shade to make them hang straight and and protect them from rubbing against the edge of the window and fraying.

“If your shade material is highly textured, choose a solid to keep your windows from looking too busy. Contrasting colors like dark edge banding against a light woven shade look gorgeous.”

https://www.blinds.com/blog/3-things-didnt-know-woven-wood-edge-banding/

When the Gospel of Minimalism Collides With Daily Life

Friday, June 23rd, 2017

In theory, minimalists have more time and money to amass something that researchers have found to provide far more satisfaction than material items: memories. Experiential purchases, psychologists assure us, offer deeper emotional sustenance than any new gadget or piece of furniture. Studies suggest that even the perfect Danish modern chair fades into the background after daily exposure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minimalists focus not on material goods and consumerasim but on making and preserving memories through other ways that physical items
  • After adopting the minimalist way of life, people increasingly found it difficult to get the great joy that previously brought that joy, such as designer websites and blogs.
  • The “minimalist mom” got her name after losing her job and adopting a minimal lifestyle which was accompanied by her drop off of consumerism

“Studies suggest that even the perfect Danish modern chair fades into the background after daily exposure. Yet our brains never quite get over the thrill of, say, hiking Bryce Canyon, which yields more psychological bang for the buck.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/29/style/when-the-gospel-of-minimalism-collides-with-daily-life.html?_r=0

You Can Live in a Giant Cowboy Boot for $1,200 a Month — House of the Day

Friday, June 23rd, 2017

Nearly twenty photos, both inside and outside, showcase the unique aspects of this home… shaped like a cowboy (or cowgirl) boot. Constructed with recycled and salvaged items included, the small home has many shabby-chic features that will make anyone feel right at home. Galvanized steel walls, wood walls, and modern appliances, all tucked inside an appropriately boot shaped frame make this a one of a kind, whimsical home.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cowboy-boot inspired houses are available for rent in Texas
  • Footwear-inspired homes like these have quite a few special touches, namely the terrazzo floors.
  • THese homes are inspiring other clothing-inspired style homes, like cowboy hat homes.

“They say everything is bigger in Texas, even—nay especially—the boots. Case in point: There’s a cowboy boot so large you can live in it.”

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/you-can-live-in-a-giant-cowboy-boot-for-1-200-a-month-244686

Wood Deck Resurfacing Ideas

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

Trying to resurface your wooded deck, but have no idea what to do with it, well it may seem like a difficult job, but that does not mean there is nothing to do. It is possible and there is many different options depending on what your deck is made of. So read up, grab those materials and make that deck beautiful again.

Key Takeaways:

  • The exotic hardwoods are some of the hardest to install because many of them are so hard and dense, you have to pre-drill all the fastener holes.
  • Treated wood currently is the least expensive material to use, but it can’t resist the punishing effects of the ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun.
  • Composite decking is a blend of wood fiber and plastic. The top wear surface and the edges are capped with a virgin vinyl that has coloration to simulate real wood graining.

“If you don’t seal treated lumber with some coating, the UV light will destroy the natural color pigments and the lignin that bonds the wood fibers together.”

http://www.askthebuilder.com/wood-deck-resurfacing-ideas/

9 Ways to Make Your Home More Photogenic

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

Want to be able to make your home look fit for viewing in photographs? Want it to look beautiful when showing it off? This doesn’t have to be an outlandish idea. It is obtainable, and here you can read about nine different forms that can make your own home look more photogenic

Key Takeaways:

  • Whether you are selling your apartment or listing it on Airbnb, a camera-ready home is a must in order to capture people’s attention and draw them in
  • Wash your windows, open the curtains and pull up the blinds to let in natural light. Also be sure to declutter and clean for more appealing photos.
  • Add a pop of color in the way of flowers or throw pillows. Instead of a fussy bouquet, a vase filled with one type of flower, or greens, is best

“Whether you are selling your apartment or listing it on Airbnb, a camera-ready home is a must.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/realestate/9-ways-to-make-your-home-more-photogenic.html?_r=0

Pantone Evolution – Infographic

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

The Pantone Evolution is coming to businesses and is hoping to better help information with the color guides that they give for their infographs. This graph focuses on trying to take given information and display it in a highly understandable graph for viewers, businesses, and any consumer that feels they would like to use this company.

Key Takeaways:

  • the Pantone Color of the Year has emerged as a force for both reflecting and shaping global consumer culture
  • The color or colors for upcoming years could possibly be predicted by examining previous five year trends
  • While patterns do emerge in the five year trend it is not without flaws due to the many influences on the color of the year

“For anyone hoping to unleash the power of Pantone in their home, business or even branding, Pantone graciously shares all of their color codes in multiple formats.”

http://www.bellacor.com/blog/pantone-evolution-infographic/

In Tight Quarters? Look Up

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

“Ceilings are one of the most unused surfaces in apartments, and it’s pretty valuable real estate.” One day, having taken note of his unusually high ceilings and the empty hallway between his kitchen and bedroom, he went to a hardware store and built a rack for two bikes, then attached it to his ceiling and painted it over. NYCeiling, based in the financial district, specializes in creating custom looks. The company has transformed a bedroom ceiling into a starry sky embedded with LED lights and Swarovski crystals. He gave them a glossy, polished look, and installed LED lights.

Key Takeaways:

  • She installed a hanging chair in the children’s bedroom to add a place for them to play. “It looks like a bean bag,” she said. It’s a floating thing that won’t take up the floor space.
  • Ms. Deen has some clients who hang pots and pans from the kitchen ceilings, even large baskets for food storage and other necessities.
  • Other New Yorkers are adorning their ceilings, as a way to enhance the ambience or décor of their homes.

“Across the city, New Yorkers are finding practical and decorative ways to use their ceilings, either for storage or to enhance aesthetics.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/12/realestate/new-york-apartment-ceilings-decorate.html

Fun DIY Picture Wall Ideas

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

Art is a great way to make your home feel like a welcoming place. With budget needs and pent up creativity it’s no wonder that DIY art projects are becoming a popular way to show your personality and have a great looking home. Read about these tips to making something new in your home.

Key Takeaways:

  • A picture wall doesn’t have to be something you agonize over or shell out a bunch of money for. It can be a simple, fun DIY project to tackle one weekend!
  • The eye is immediately drawn to the bright pink of the painting, since it pops easily against the monochrome of the rest of the wall. It provides a great focal point.
  • If you have a picture that’s near and dear to your heart, consider picture wall ideas like this one.

“A picture wall doesn’t have to be something you agonize over or shell out a bunch of money for. It can be a simple, fun DIY project to tackle one weekend!”

http://www.epichomeideas.com/diy-picture-wall-ideas/

5 Simple White Bedroom Decor Ideas To Use In Your Home

Friday, February 17th, 2017

Decorating your bedroom in white is a great way to create a peaceful and calming space that you can feel relaxed and at home in. No matter how you add it, white works with everything. So whether it’s a white rug, dresser, or pillow, it’s sure to go with the rest of the decor already in your room. Here’s a list of 5 easy ways you can bring white into your bedroom.

Key Takeaways:

  • Decorating your bedroom in white is a great way to create a peaceful and calming space that you can feel relaxed and at home in.
  • There’s something about getting into soft white bed sheets at the end of a long day that just makes all the bad in the day just fade away.
  • White flowing curtains draped around your window adds an elegant look to your bedroom and helps filter the natural light coming through your window.

“Decorating your bedroom in white is a great way to create a peaceful and calming space that you can feel relaxed and at home in. No matter how you add it, white works with everything. So whether it’s a white rug, dresser, or pillow, it’s sure to go with the rest of the decor already in your room.”

http://www.contemporist.com/5-simple-white-bedroom-decor-ideas-to-use-in-your-home/