Architect or Building Designer ? Who Do You Choose?
February 13, 2008
Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you use an architect or a building designer?
Both are involved in the design of buildings ? their appearance, layout, structure, and so on. But what’s the difference?
The simplest difference is a legal one. To be called an "architect" in NSW, you have to be registered with the Board of Architects of NSW. The title "building designer" can be used by anyone designing buildings.
But that’s hardly even scratching the surface. Brian Basford is a building designer and treasurer of the Building Designers Association of NSW. He suggests that building designers are generally less expensive, and mostly involved in less flamboyant buildings. "It’s horses for courses. Most architects probably wouldn’t want to design a single bedroom extension for a pensioner, whereas I’ve done a lot of that."
Brian also stressed that there are quite often overlaps between what architects do and what building designers do. There’s no simple rule. "But no matter what the job, good building designers and good architects both produce quality work", he says.
Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub
February 12, 2008
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from Cal Spas in Minnesota. The purchase was not something we planned, just something that caught our eye when visiting the Minnesota State Fair. As a result we learned a few things that would have made our purchase smarter. In the end we’re pleased with the decision but its easy to say now that all the work is done. In this article I’ll outline the information I wish I had considered when making this purchase. I hope it helps you in your decision.
The Tub
This isn’t going to be a detailed rundown on what to look for in a good tub or who to buy it from. I’ll leave that to the other articles out on the internet. There are two points I’ll make of things I may have changed. We purchased the top of the line system, the only thing it lacked was an LCD monitor and DVD player.
So what would I change?
Refining Your Area Rug Choice
February 11, 2008
As a Managing Partner of www.exquisiterugs.com, the question I am often asked, “What determines the quality of a rug?” While the question posed seems relatively simple it is broad in scope and indeed more complex. There are a number of factors that need to be addressed to answer this question accurately.
The rug industry is inundated with an extensive variety of area rugs. Unlike the past, today, there are rugs targeted toward specific market segments. Therefore, before furnishing a definite reply, I inquire, “Are you shopping for an inexpensive rug or a high end hand knotted piece”.
If budget is the primary criteria, there are abundant choices. For the price conscious consumer, there is an array of options. Machine-woven rugs are most popular in the mid to low price level segment, with modern machinery producing rugs beautifully simulating hand-made versions at affordable prices.
One of the reputed machine made rug manufacturer, Shaw Group has a vast selection of area rugs from contemporary to traditional and floral to nautical. One strong highlight of this company is the price range, rugs retail from $49.00 - $2000.00. Most of the collections are wilton woven with polypropylene or nylon material thus controlling the price.
Preserved Flower Candles
February 10, 2008
Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look, while preserving your favorite flower.
Written by Expressive Candles
We have been asked many times, how to put flowers and other objects on the outside of a candle. So, we’ll be showing you how it is done. The most important thing to remember is to be safe. Putting anything on your candle such as paint, dried flowers, ribbon and other objects, pose a fire risk. While this is unlikely to happen with this project, we need to warn you before hand. We do not recommend burning any candle that has flammable material on it.
To start with, you will need a few supplies. First and the most important is a big pillar candle, at least 3″ in diameter. This will help keep the flame out of reach of anything you put on the candle. You will also need to have a small white votive, or the same color votive as your pillar, an old pan to melt wax in, a paint brush, dried flowers or herbs and ribbon.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
February 9, 2008
Every one lives in a house but every house is not a home. A house is a shelter made of bricks, wood or any other material. When this shelter makes your heart alive with happiness and smiles, you are home. There are big palatial buildings as well as small flats in which all types of individuals reside in. The question that arises is whether they can really call it their home. Each and every house can be turned into a real home with not much effort. Follow these steps and see the difference.
1. Approach to your house
The approach to your abode is very important. It should have easy access and not be an eye sore. The space leading to your front door should have a welcoming look and not be drab. Always keep your front door shining. It should have a doorbell or a knocker, an eyehole and your nameplate. I personally like to have a picture of God on top of my front door. This gives my house an auspicious look and cheers me up to think that God is looking after my home sweet home.
2. Clutter VS Glitter
Area Rug Buyers Guide
February 9, 2008
When you begin decorating your home there are some important factors to consider. Your floors will usually be the foundation for your design. An authentic hand made area rug can visually integrate or harmonize diverse elements in any decor or can reenergize a room.
Below are various factors to consider for purchasing & decorating with an oriental rug:
1. Size of the Rug - Area to be covered
Size up the room and the area you want to cover.
The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 and 6-by-9 feet. They work well under a coffee table.
An 8-by-10-foot area rug or larger can cover an entire room.
Smaller area and scatter rugs can be ideal for adorning smaller spaces-a hearth! , a bedside, the area in front of a kitchen sink-with a splash of colo r and warmth.
2. In the Home
Living Room
In a living room the area rug would most likely be placed in front of the sofa and under the coffee table
To place a room-sized area rug on a hardwood floor, choose an area rug which allows eight inches (twenty centimeters) of wood to be exposed around the rug’s perimeter.
Chairs, Rocking Chairs and Other Comfortable Places To Park It!
February 8, 2008
A chair is one of the best inventions ever made. If you’ve been standing a long time what can appeal more to the eye than a comfortable chair. Chairs are an essential part of any room. One of the first things a person looks for when entering a room is a chair to sit down on. Chairs, bean bag chairs, rocking chairs, kitchen chairs?they’re all part of the essential furniture in any home. Who wants to sit on the floor when visiting your home? Modern civilization means that today we have comfortable, stylish chairs to sit on and enjoy what were doing.
Chairs should be comfortable and stylish. The chairs you choose should fit in with the overall decorative theme of your home. Whether it’s sleek leather chairs or some extra folding chairs for guests, the furniture in your home reflects who you are. Hard backed firm chairs are favored in the dinning room. Ergonomically correct chairs should be used at work stations, especially if you spend many hours there.
There are thousands and thousands of chairs, sofas, sectional sofas and other home furnishings to choose from over the internet. When making your selection keep these important points in mind:
Getting The Most From Your Candles
February 7, 2008
I love burning candles and have them all around the house. Long ones, short ones, fat ones, thin ones, in a plethora of colours. I burn them in the evening when I’m relaxing; I burn them at mealtimes; and I burn them in the bathroom when I’m pampering myself. Any excuse to light a candle really.
But candles don’t always fit the holder, and sometimes they burn down too far and the wax gets stuck! It’s at times like this that candles aren’t quite as much fun!
Here are some candle burning tips I’ve picked up through the years:
1. Cold candles will burn more slowly. Wrap them in foil or cling-film to prevent the wicks from absorbing moisture then pop them in the fridge for an hour.
2. When burning pillar candles, let them burn long enough each time to create a pool of wax that almost covers the diameter of the candle. This will ensure that the candle burns evenly each time you light it. If it doesn’t create a large enough pool you’ll end up with a tunnel through the candle and eventually it will either melt through one side or you’ll simply not be able to get down far enough to light it. And even if you did, it would give off very little light.
This Is Why People Should Consider Granite Countertops
February 6, 2008
Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.
Of course there are other options beyond granite countertops. Other choices include anything from concrete countertops to corian countertops to laminate counter tops. Whatever choice you make for your solid surface countertops, take some time to research your options. Many of these choices are expensive investments in your kitchen. Learning some about your options will benefit you in the long run.
Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination.
The Right Bathroom Accessories Will Make Your Bathroom Unforgetable
February 5, 2008
Bathrooms aren’t just about the basics but are about the bathroom accessories! Bathrooms have become places to relax and unwind. They are not just for doing your business and leaving. People have spent time in designing a place to find peace and quiet! And the bathroom accessories that you have in there will help accomplish this!
Yes, bathrooms have toilets and bathroom sinks. Yes, there are reasons that we need these spaces in our homes beyond for the point of relaxing, but these rooms can be stylish and elegant or fun and relaxing just the same. Some might think, a toilet is a toilet. Go into any home improvement store and find the aisle of toilets. Yes, there are many to choose from. Its not just about which works the best. No, its about how the look and feel. There are lots of different options even for toilets!
Now consider the other bathroom accessories that you can customize to your liking to create the bathroom of your dreams. For instance, bathroom lighting fixtures. Bathroom light fixtures come in many options. Some may be bright and seem simple while others may be funky and fun. In different colors, shapes, styles these can add an added touch of sophistication or style. Or, maybe adding lighting that is dim and smooth as opposed to bright. This can create a great atmosphere for relaxing.
