Going Green At Home
Going Green At Home
You’ve probably noticed that green is everywhere these days–in the news, politics, fashion, and even technology. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed, it’s also simple to begin making a positive impact. Start going green by simply making small changes at home!
Think energy-efficient
When you are shopping around for new appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens look for those that are the most energy efficient. These products have the Energy Star logo right on them and will give you all the information you need. Many of these large appliances, especially the upscale refrigerators, generate a lot of electricity. For many people these high-end appliances are not only cost prohibitive initially, but they will end up costing a great deal more to run as well.
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http://bravebelle.com/8-essential-oils-you-should-always-keep-in-handy/
Remove Odors Naturally
Use Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Stick a bowl of it in your fridge to eliminate odor, sprinkle it in work boots, add it to your hot soapy water while cleaning the trash can, soak items in hot water with baking soda or sprinkle it on the carpet for an hour or so before vacuuming (you can even put it down after vacuuming since it won’t hurt the carpet).
Choose Natural Fragrances: When you would like to bring in some pleasant smells, choose quality essential oils (not to be confused with fragrance oils, which aren’t 100% natural) or incense. Create your own air freshner by adding several drops of your favorite oils to a bottle of water and spraying throughout your home. You can also use a diffuser for the oil or even try dropping a single drop on the lightbulb. Many purifying essential oils have actually been found to remove odors and cleanse the air. Another option is to hang dried herbs from the garden throughout your home, tucking sachets of them into drawers, closets, shoes, etc.
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Switch all your lightbulbs to CFLs/ LED
CFLs are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. They screw into standard lamp sockets, and give off light that looks similar to the common incandescent bulbs
LEDs are small, very efficient solid bulbs. New LED bulbs are grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses which have broadened the applications for LED use in the home.
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Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot
Washing in hot water is a practice that’s as costly as it is environmentally unfriendly. What’s more, it doesn’t make our clothes appreciably cleaner. Doing laundry in cold water will save you upwards of $80 per year or more.
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Pay your bills online
Not only is it greener, it’s a sanity saver.
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Swap Household Cleaners
Switching to green cleaners reduces air pollution both indoors and out, minimizing exposure to both asthma and allergy triggers as well as chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Look for plant-based products from companies that have a complete list of ingredients on their labels.
Avoid materials that have VOCs.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released as gases from a variety of products. They are released at room temperature and are very detrimental to your health. Choose paints that have low VOCs.
http://howtofurnish.com/indoor-plants/
Plants that purify the air around you naturally
Bringing potted plants into a living space to liven it up is a trick that’s been used by interior designers for years, but did you know that our leafy friends are also powerful filters that purify the air around us? In fact, several studies have been conducted showing that certain plants can rid a room of up to 89 percent of harmful VOCs like formaldehyde and xylene. If you think about the prices of some of those fancy air filtration systems out there, it’s a bit surprising that more of us don’t just purchase some plants instead.
http://tangiblefx.com/glass-containers-with-lids-for-food-storage/
Microwave Glass, Never Plastic
Heating plastics can cause leaching into food and many contain hormone-disrupting compounds (not just the much maligned versions made with bisphenol-A or BPA). Plastics that are labeled “microwave-safe” can simply withstand a higher temperature before losing their shape. So when popping anything in the microwave, opt for glass or microwave-safe ceramics.
]]>In love with marble? Why not add them to your home decoration?
In love with marble? Why not add them to your home decoration?
Marble is a timeless pattern that won’t age. There’s no colour, tone or texture that won’t work beside this luxurious stone. Marbled home decor is a great addition in any room, and shines both as a statement piece and as subtle accents.
Coaster
Whether you’re drinking a beverage yourself or have a few guests over, coasters are just one of the tiny details that can tie your decor together. Add splashes of marble to your living room while still keeping moisture off your nice furniture by using rustic marble coasters.
http://www.dezeen.com/2016/05/01/moss-lam-w1-tables-marbled-traditional-craft-process/
Coffee Table
Polished white marble sits atop four gold hairpin-shaped legs. air brushed gold over stainless steel base. With an open base, the impressive tabletop seems to float in mid-air, adding an intriguing element to the already engaging artwork. The distinctive design is simultaneously airy and substantial.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-furniture-dining/37943081.jsp#/
Side table
Crafted with an iron base and marble tabletop, its polished flair makes it a classic. Every spot can benefit from a glimmer of glamour, and this compact side table provides just that, thanks to its gleaming gold-finish iron frame.
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Bathroom Accessories
Carve out a neat spot in the bath. Honed smooth, marble soap pump rocks a spa vibe in soft white with naturally occurring swirls of grey. Bath accessories balance timeless natural beauty with clean contemporary style.
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Clock
A marble clock is the chicest way to be decorative and always be on time. Known for its sculptural beauty, the grey veining running through the classic white marble is pure quality. Without numbers, the copper hands are perfectly minimal. Together they create a look of luxury for your home. It’s the stylish way to tell the time.
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Pillow
If you’re looking to make a big impact, try marble pattern sheets. These pillows bring a chic and sophisticated splash of color and personality to your space. The unique pattern brings fun to an ordinary room with effortless originality.
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Table Lamp
Placing marble lamps on either side of your bed will instantly add symmetry and create a finished, polished look. The table lamp features brushed brass plated metal, which frames a thick slab of white marble. Its size and scale are perfect for a desk or side table. These create a very dynamic, modern feel.
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Credit : http://www.lifelivingroom.me/front-room-with-chinese-fantastic-wood-furniture-kirbylittle-com/
1. Go for traditional wood furniture with elaborate carvings for an elegant oriental ambience. Kick it up a notch with intricate antiques to complete the look.
2. Lacquered and decorated wood panels are aesthetically pleasing and can also function as room dividers.
3. Modern chinese interiors strike a fine balance by combining contemporary and traditional elements. The dark wood furniture and Buddha wall frame creates the perfect harmony of colours and textures against the modern sofa.
4. Enliven the space by utilising vivacious hues as accents in the otherwise calm and neutral setting of the Chinese themed interior.
Credit: http://decor.966v.com/pic/36895-691366.html
Credit: http://www.decoist.com/2014-11-20/grasscloth-wallpaper-living-rooms/
5. Chinese interior designs emphasize on the use of natural materials in furnishing such as wooden beams, bamboo blinds and paper lanterns.
6. Chinese interior designs are largely inspired by nature. Select curtains, drapes and screens that mimic scenic landscapes to bring out the classic oriental vibes.
Credit: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513762269965359405/
Credit: http://fractalartgallery.com/designing-modern-livingroom/
7. Chinese-themed interiors generally evoke images of soothing tranquillity and peace. Plants perfectly fit into the Chinese themed interiors and are an important element of the decor –blossom, bamboo and bonsai trees would be ideal choices.
8. Opt for rosewood or varying shades of brown furniture with dark finishes.
9. For a lovely contrast with the dark furniture, walls should be painted in light colors such as white, sand or beige. It is best to complement it with wooden flooring.
10. Chinese interior homes are incomplete without wall decorations. Choose from a variety of exquisite calligraphy, paintings and framed art that reflect your style.
]]>In this second article of our 3 part guide, we look into the different aspects of vintage and modern interior designs and find out more about the personalities of their homeowners.
VINTAGE
Vintage interior designs appeal to a unique lot who may find their penchant for old eclectic pieces unappreciated by others. Well-designed vintage homes have idiosyncratic charms that bring their guests on a walk through history as they embrace (or attempt to embrace) the coarse wrinkled leather and chipped edges of well-worn furniture with minimal refurbishment or touching up.
Cosy with an air of elegance, vintage interior design style homes exhibit an alluring and distinctive old school chic atmosphere.
MODERN
Modern interior designs are often confused with contemporary styles. Although they have overlapping characteristics, modern designs refer to an era-specific (1920s-1950s) design style, often termed mid-century modern. On the other hand, contemporary designs are dynamic and constantly change with the current trends.
Modern styles stem from the idea to build for function with sleek and spacious interiors. Clutter is frowned upon with modern furniture focused on clean lines,polished curves and smooth surfaces.
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WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY?
If vintage is what catches your eye, you are a unique individual with your own personal quirks and preferences. A highly determined and motivated person, you are not afraid of challenges, willing to experiment and take risks.
Common adjectives to describe Vintage design home owners are: sophisticated, creative, driven and decisive.
With little tolerance for clutter and ornate decorative trinkets, you’re a modern home design lover. You enjoy your independence and on the spur entertaining- when you feel like having your friends over. Otherwise, to take a breather from your hectic professional work life, you prefer to indulge in some ‘me time’ over the weekend.
Common adjectives to describe Modern design home owners are: perfectionist, meticulous, individualistic and boisterous.
To find out more about other interior design styles and interesting tips on home décor, Like and Follow our page today!
Follow and Like us to learn more about other popular interior design styles and discover the one that best matches your personality!
]]>In this article, we drill down the basics of industrial and minimalist interior designs and reveal the personality traits that best matches these homes.
INDUSTRIAL
Amidst the glaring contrast with industrial design, one can easily identify the similarity between the two- the expansive open plan living that breathes freedom into the space. Apart from that, what other styles take great pains to hide, industrial design homes put them boldly on display, featuring the interplay of wood and metal surfaces and often extending to brick walls and polished concrete floors to finish the raw edgy look. Exposed pipes, bare beams and visible ducts are signature statements of industrial designs.
MINIMALIST
A minimalist design emphasizes on simplicity in form and function. Characterized by spare and streamlined architecture, minimalist homes are an embodiment of clean and open spaces with uncluttered and straightforward layouts. The home should be filled with natural light, reflected from wall, ceiling and floor surfaces to balance ambience and function. Attention to shape, colour and texture is a key element in this design style.
WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY?
An industrial home design owner is a unique individual with a bold attitude and is willing to take risks in life.
Although you may seem confident to the outside world, you hide your fears of the unknown and subconsciously withdraws to protect yourself. Because of this insecurity weighing you down, you generally prefers to take a back seat and avoid conflicts with others even if you hold opposing views. This mental tug of war often leaves you feeling drained and tired at the end of the day.
Common adjectives to describe Industrial design home owners are: complex, mysterious, adventurous and amicable.
A minimalist design home is perfect for the well organised and highly efficient individual who has a careful and systematic approach to life. You may go out of the way to make sure things go according to plan and get bogged down by tiny details that seem to fall out of place.
Strong-willed and sometimes unyielding, you are an individual with passion and desire to achieve your goals in life. Though comfortable with small groups of people, you may appear aloof at times and prefer to have your own space.
Common adjectives to describe Minimalist design home owners are: perfectionist, methodical, tenacious and introverted.
Does any of the above relate to you? If so, you may have discovered an interior design style that could become an extension of your unique personality. That said, there are no hard-and-fast rules when decorating your own home! It could be the mix of styles that resonates the most with you. The only point to keep in mind is that it should become an inviting and warm sanctuary for you and your loved ones.
Follow and Like us to learn more about other popular interior design styles and discover the one that best matches your personality!
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