4 Essential Things to Consider Before a Adding a Sunroom to Your Home

It is helpful not to be too impulsive when adding a sunroom to your house. It is safe and wise to fully consider and understand some important things about sunrooms before going into this type of home improvement. It is necessary to take into consideration the following: concept of a sunroom; misconceptions about sunrooms; two types of sunrooms; and, cost to add a sunroom.

A sunroom is a general term that refers to a solarium, a patio, a greenhouse, and an atrium. It is an additional room that provides enough sunlight at the same time protection from wind and rain. It is a dream home improvement for many. Yet, before jumping into a project such as this, it is helpful to consider the following things first:

Concept of a sunroom

A sunroom addition would generally do not have a central heating and cooling. It has a lower cost per square footage as compared to other additional rooms in the house. Its primary purpose is to provide ample light for reading and for plants too.

Misconceptions about sunrooms

The following are the three common misconceptions about adding a sunroom:

• Does not need a building permit - it isn't true. You need to secure a building permit when making such addition.


• Cost less compared to a stick-built addition - not always the case. Sometimes, sunrooms could cost more due to a lot of extras and add-ons.


• Does not need a foundation - building a foundation for your sunroom is basically needed, although, the type of requirements for foundations might vary depending on what your localities impose.

Two types of sunrooms

A sunroom is classified into two types:

• Prefabricated sunroom - is also known as greenhouse type. This constitutes mainly aluminum and glass materials. The sunroom is being fabricated in another place and then shipped to your place. You can assemble it yourself or you can ask your supplier to install it for you instead.


• Stick-built - also known as site-built sunroom. This type would require you to a hire a contractor to construct the sunroom as you would have built any regular addition room. The whole job is done on-site such as the laying of foundation, framing of walls and building of roof.

Cost to add a sunroom

A sunroom would vary in its cost. There is sunroom manufacturer that charges $ about 19,000 with about $ 900 for shipping. This is the cost for a large size sunroom, which is about 24 x 15 feet. A medium size, which is 9 x 15 feet, would cost about $ 11,000 and a shipping rate roughly at $ 700.

Unless one is able to give utmost attention to every detail that relates to sunrooms, he won't definitely have a full appreciation of it. In fact, in order to have the best sunroom addition, it is necessary to fully understand the concept of such project.

Honeycomb Lamp

The Honeycomb Lamp is another hit from Kyouei Design. Constructed of a single piece of accordioned paper wrapped into a ring design, its gentle light diffracts into hundreds of glowing diamonds as you get closer. A collaboration with designer Okumoto Hikari-ichi, the lamp's classic silhouette and innovative construction add a hip, fashion-forward aesthetic to any space.

Using Era-Specific Themes to Update Your Space

 

 

 

 

I love the colors at play in the photo above.  In addition to the furniture being light wood, and all in the white and pine color scheme it’s really and light and fresh design.  

What’s old tend to come back around as the latest styles.  It seems that it’s a natural ebb and flow- even with home design and furnishings.  While most probably shouldn’t try and create a 1920’s speak easy style, or even a 1950’s era diner- you can still have some fun with retro and vintage style.

To make the style work, try to incorporate designs from specific eras, and avoid mixing them too much.  You don’t have to redo your entire room (as mentioned above) you can easily incorporate a few select pieces to tie it all together.

While those select pieces can be anything from wall art to furniture, it depends on the look and room you are looking to improve.

The trick is to search out key pieces that will tie your room together, and think in relation to space and overall desired look.  If space is limited opt for smaller pieces that offer the look you are going for. 

Wall art can quickly update your space to make it all pop more.  It’s also a fabulous option for those who don’t want to spend too much money.  You can search online for prints and posters of era specific advertisements and paintings and frame them up on your wall.  A very fun look is finding a few that use the same general main colors and mix them with some complimentary colors.

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BuildDirect Launches New Range of Slate Tile Flooring

BuildDirect expands their range of slate tile flooring by launching 'French pattern' slate tile for the first time. Consumers can expect the slip-resistance and unique color ranges of slate, now with the appealing layout possibilities of French pattern. French pattern is a new offering in slate tile, more commonly offered with a marble product

BuildDirect offers six brand new selections of Cabot slate tile which can be installed indoors as well as some outdoor locations. The offering is further expanded by a choice in large or 'mini' pattern dimensions in a new 'French pattern' layout style.

French pattern tile has been a common style offering connected with travertine and marble tile. But, it is a relatively new format for slate that BuildDirect is proud to be able to extend to homeowners and builders alike.

BuildDirect offers French Pattern slate tile has launched Cabot slate tile in pallet quantities (358.92 sq.ft.), shipping from multiple locations in the US, including both the Eastern and Western U.S coasts.

Press

Online Life-Enhancing Feng Shui Training Announces DIY Life Transformations

Internationally renowned master, best-selling Feng Shui author, and seasoned interior designer announce do-it-yourself Feng Shui classes on the web.

Feng Shui guide on about.com, raves, "The Feng Shui home-study program is an outstanding course for the novice or beginner to learn the power of Feng Shui and how to easily apply the principles. Jami Lin has created an excellent nine week online course that is affordable and convenient."

Jami Lin describes, "Every person has natal talents and shortcomings as does every home. A good singer with clumsy feet can improve both voice and grace. Every room has both favorable and unfavorable aspects that can be enhanced with little or no cost."

Looking to increase wealth? Position a few existing items in the office for success and opportunity and rid it of severed fate and bankruptcy to build up the bank account and strengthen a financial future!

Domino: The Book of Decorating

The editors of Domino magazine here show how amateurs can achieve a young, sophisticated look in their homes. A brief review of important preliminary considerations—budget, defining one's own style, the room's function—is followed by advice for decorating every room of the house, including children's rooms and offices. Different styles are shown for each in plenty of color photographs, with suggested furnishings and advice on how to mix styles. Each chapter concludes with a look at how a Domino staff member has decorated a similar room with a description of her approach to design. Recommended for large public libraries.

Domino: The Book of Decorating cracks the code to creating a beautiful home, bringing together inspiring rooms, how-to advice and insiders' secrets from today's premier tastemakers in an indispensable style manual. The editors take readers room by room, tapping the best ideas from domino magazine and culling insights from their own experiences. With an eye to making design accessible and exciting, this book demystifies the decorating process and provides the tools for making spaces that are personal, functional and fabulous.

(Source) Amazon

Cabinetparts.com Makes Granite Look for Countertops Easier

Laminate for Countertops has come a long way in the past 2 years. With the introduction of High Definition laminate, Wilsonart created a product that mimics the look and feel of real stone. A new process called Aeon Enhanced Performance "dramatically improves wear and scuff resistance on Wilsonart HD and Premium laminate designs."

Changing the look of your countertop can increase the value of your home whether you are improving to sell, or just want to enhance your space. "The large-scale granite look remains in high demand among budget-conscious homeowners remodeling their kitchens and baths, and new designs from Wilsonart Laminate fill that need in spades."

Laminate for Countertops is readily available, ships and installs easily and has literally thousands of colors and designs to choose from. "No matter what your budget or style, whether you are a design professional or consumer, we have a product to fit your needs."

Homelement.com Introduces its High-Quality Specialty Store

BedroomSetDirect offers a complete range of bedroom furniture. Their expansive inventory includes traditional and contemporary bedroom set; beds, headboards, dressers, chests, nightstands, armoires, vanities & mirrors, benches, bedroom accessories, daybeds and futons, and much more. Just some of the popular brands featured are Powell, Pulaski, American Drew, Homelegance, Hillsdale, Global Furniture USA, Home Styles, Nexera, Prepac, and Abbyson Living.

The country’s tumultuous economy has increased demand for quality, affordable furniture. BedroomSetDirect meets this demand: every item offered combines high quality and superior craftsmanship. Additionally, all items are durable, which offers long-lasting value.

BedroomSetDirect.com is committed to creating a smooth, complete—and safe—online shopping experience. To accomplish this, they offer “Furniture Shopping Made Simple.” More than a motto, this is a company mission, driving them to offer Selection, Quality, Better Savings, and Professional Service, with every transaction.

The BedroomSetDirect site is incredibly easy to use. Additional features include: bestsellers, for the site’s current top-selling items; featured items, highlighting the day’s big deals and specials; and shop by brands, an easy-to-use sortable feature allowing customers to quickly search for their favorite brand. All items for sale are viewable in clear, helpful—and authentic—photographs. BedroomSetDirect accepts all major credit cards, Google checkout, and PayPal, and provides a secure web server payment technology.

Homelement Stores, Inc., parent company of Homelement.com, is excited about the launch of BedroomSetDirect.com. “Our customers have been telling us for months that they’d like a one-stop store specializing in bedroom furniture. BedroomSetDirect resoundingly meets this demand by providing selection, price, and quality,” states Joice Tan, Operations Manager for Homelement.

Press

Archerfish Featured on 'Designing Spaces'

Cernium Corporation, the leading developer of analytics-enabled video products, announced today that Archerfish(R), the first and only mobile video intelligence (MVI) solution, will be featured on the award-winning home improvement show, Designing Spaces. The segment, which features Archerfish at work in the home of an Arlington, VA family, will air nationally on the WE network on June 5, 2009 at 7:00 am ET and TLC on June 6, 2009 at 7:00 am ET.

Archerfish gives consumers an innovative, convenient way to keep an eye on their businesses and homes, no matter where they are physically located. Using a combination of video cameras, intelligent software and a custom web portal, Archerfish 'watches' businesses and homes for events users define as important, such as children coming home from school or an unwelcome intruder. Unlike other monitoring products, Archerfish does all the hard work for users by watching video 24x7 and pushing critical, visual information as events of interest occur. If and only when a defined event occurs, Archerfish notifies users with event text and video to their mobile device, email, or custom web portal.

"We are thrilled that Archerfish has been included on Designing Spaces. The segment gives viewers a realistic look at the benefits of Archerfish to both residential and business owners," said Helen Shepro, vice president, strategy and marketing, Cernium Corporation. "Designing Spaces has done a terrific job of highlighting how Archerfish provides timely, relevant, visual information about the people and places that matter most to consumers, no matter where they may be."

"Archerfish is the next evolution in place-shifting technology, enabling better lifestyle management, enhanced security and greater peace of mind," said Debbie Shuey, product manager, Archerfish. "Designing Spaces gave us the opportunity to show how Archerfish can help consumers juggle their increasingly complex home and work lives and provide information that is critical to managing important events."

Press

'Nation's Next Top Model Home' Interior Design Competition to Premiere June 15th

The beginning of a new genre of reality competitions emerged today with the announcement of the 2009 "Nation's Next Top Model Home" competition.

In this unique web-based challenge, seven lucky interior designers will be chosen to decorate the primary living areas of seven new model homes within a single new home community. Designers will ultimately be competing for a $25,000 cash prize.

Starting June 15th, "Nation's Next Top Model Home" will broadcast weekly online webisodes, spotlighting designers and their work through in-depth interviews, personal video blogs, and journals. The public can follow each designer as they begin their 28-day quest to turn a blank canvas into a beautifully staged living space. Fans of the show will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite designers, as well as their favorite interior design elements used in the competition.

The winning designer will ultimately be chosen by the public during the show's Grand Reveal weekend, where the actual model homes will be open for viewing for a period of 30 days. Visitors will be able to tour each designer's entry home and cast their votes for the winning design.

"This competition combines all the positive characteristics of reality shows and social media," said Kelly Burnette, one of the competition's founders. "It's the perfect opportunity to create a fun and dynamic following on the web, as well as provide terrific exposure for the participating designers and the host community."

The 2009 host community for this year's competition will be Compass Pointe. Located minutes outside historic Wilmington, North Carolina, the area is famous for beaches, warm breezes and southern hospitality. Known as a thriving new community, Compass Pointe is the ideal location to launch the competition's inaugural year.

Applications are currently being accepted through June 15th from regional designers interested in participating in the competition. Entry information can be found on the competition's website at www.nationsnexttopmodelhome.com.

Press

Tips For Making Your Home Feel Like New

Feldco Factory Direct, LLC brings a new element to people looking for a new home. By replacing windows, siding and doors, Feldco brings a fresh feel to an existing home. Products allow customers to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living atmosphere. With windows, siding and doors being their specialty, they are the go-to for home improvement projects.

A Chicago tradition for over 30 years, Feldco offers free in-home estimates for their services along with a quick installation period, allowing the customer to have their home complete in mere days, a quicker and cheaper way of building a new feel to your existing home.

With this new concept in freshening homes, Feldco does not compromise on quality. "Throughout Feldco's history, we have been lauded as a company committed to fair and ethical business practices. We were the first home improvement company to join the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, and have remained a member in good standing for over thirty years, as well as an A+ grade," said Doug Cook, President.

Feldco products are Energy Star rated and qualify for the new $1,500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency. All Feldco Windows, Siding and Door products are manufactured in the U.S.A.

Kitchen Enhancing Ideas from the 2008 Design Lab Competitions

Electrolux has long been known as among the leaders in appliance solutions for the home and at the 2008 Design Lab Competition which showcased some fancy designs from undergraduate and graduate students in industrial design that can be future home kitchen appliances that are sure to hit the market.

Here are some of the Finalists:

1. The Flatshare Fridge from Austria by Stefan Buchberger

2. The Drawer Kitchen from Korea by Nojae Park

3. Sook from USA by Adam Brodowski

4. The IBasket from China by Guopeng Liang

5. Stratosphere from Hungary by Atilla Safrany

6. Vesta Cooktop from Germany by Matthias Pinkert

7. The Coox from France by Antoine Lebrun

8. The Scan Toaster from South Korea by Sung Bae Chang

9. The E-bag from Hungary by Apor Pupsoki


(Source) InventorSpot

Leather Up your Old Furniture

One thing about old furniture, modern designs these days come in class if they are in leather. Most of us may have a couple of sofas or even lazyboys around and one thing you will notice is that it is hard to maintain them. Leather is not easily washable and if you are not careful on upkeep, chances are they will easily dilapidate in quality.

But thanks to new ideas and concepts, you can always turn to leather covers to liven them up again. For the normal leather furniture, this is a good option. On the other hand, if you have been using that traditional cloth linen to protect your sofa or couch, why not upgrade it to these leather covers? Not only are you spicing up your furnishings but you are also upgrading to the modern design concepts that everyone is gearing to.

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Future Condo Designs From James Bond

Each time we see a James Bond movie, there is something bound to astound us as far as gadgets and places are concerned. Being an action flick, we do not normally see a home where 007 would stay in. But the funny thing is that at some point of the film, especially the love scenes with his leading ladies, we see futuristic room designs that can really push a person to think of his pad.

Check out these photos from Pierre Cardin’s place which is sure to bring you back memory lane. These designs are certainly familiar “The Spy Who Loved Me” which had Roger Moore playing James Bond. A great concept for studio owners who want to design their pad in style.




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