Versatile Faz Daybed Equipped With Built-in Speakers and LED Lighting [Video]

Inspired by the polygonal shape of minerals found in nature, Spanish architect Ramon Esteve has designed the Faz daybed for VONDOM. The resulting outdoor furniture piece mixes an elegant design with a practical ability to protect its user from harmful sun rays. Moreover, the lounge chair is equipped with wheels, making it easy to move from one place to another and create a versatile relaxation platform for sunbathing. Just switch the daybed around in order to get an optimum amount of sunlight!

The project also makes use of a hydraulic system, allowing its users to open and close it when not in use. A light top translucent fabric acts as a large protective umbrella. By connecting smartphone and bluetooth technology to the built-in speakers, you can play your favorite music by the pool. For a general idea on how the daybed works, have a look at the video placed at the end of the post!

Via: Versatile Faz Daybed Equipped With Built-in Speakers and LED Lighting [Video]

10 Online Resources for Affordable Curtains

Window panels can make (or break) a room. Without, a space can feel bare, but with, a space can surely make a statement. The finishing touches like curtains, accessories, pillows, are so important to give a space character, pop, and completeness. Without the layers, a room simply looks blah and boring.

Window treatments, specifically curtains (or as I call them drapery panels), are tricky for some. All the choices length, width, fabric style, color, privacy, blackout, room darkening (and the list goes on) gets people caught up, resulting in bare, blah walls, the wrong style, and/or not positioning them best on the wall (which you can learn more here). When it comes to curtains, I feel where you buy them and the specific fabric is less important than how they are actually hung on the wall, which totally makes a room.

Thankfully with the internet, there are many stylish AND affordable window treatment options for any style space. And heres something you might not know, many retailers that sell curtains have an even larger selection and range of lengths on their website (like Target), so a little searching is well worth the time.

Upon a friend asking me for curtain direction for her home and a recent trip to Target where I saw some new and very beautiful curtain designs, I decided to share my Top Ten Online Resources for Affordable Curtains.

These are the places I shop most

1. Target: 1- Threshold Paisley Panel / 2- Threshold Fretwork Border Panel / 3- Mudhut Suzani Panel
2. World Market: 1- Gemma Floral Curtain / 2- Bird & Botanical Burnout Panel / 3- Whippoorwill Curtain
3. Pier One: 1- Vintage Vine Panel / 2- Natures Floral Panel / 3- Papaya Tile Panel
4. West Elm: 1- Woodland Canvas Panel /2- Ironwork Flocked Panel / 3- Desert Marigold Panel
5. Etsy: 1- Window Panels by Melissa / 2- 20 Daisy Street / 3- Rocky Top Design
6. Overstock: 1- Madison Park Aramo Panel / 2- Madison Park Emerson Arabesque / 3- Lush Prima Panel
7. Ikea: 1- Malin Figur Curtain / 2- Vivan Curtains / 3- Kajsamia Curtains
8. Urban Outfitters: 1- Vine Flourish Curtain / 2- Papercut Medallion Curtain / 3- Magical Silk Sari Curtains
9. Wayfair: 1- Elisabeth Michael Chevron Panel / 2- Amelie Window Panel / 3- Isabella Damask Curtain
10. ZGallerie: 1- Montecito Panels / 2- Geo Panels-Steel / 3- Mimosa Panel

When shopping for window treatments, take your decor style into account to see what drapery treatment (grommet, pinch pleat, etc) works best. Some are more traditional, while others more modern or transitional.

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As for the bottom of the cu rtains

Many stores carry only the 84 length curtains where if you go online, they offer longer lengths like 96 and 118. I always prefer the 96 length curtains for 8 or 9 tall ceilings so they just touch or break the floor. When the 84 length curtains are hung above the window, at the best height, theyre usually not long enough. Fabric can easily be cut/sewn to be shorter, but extra length cant be added.

Heres a helpful diagram of the differing lengths and looks

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Option are endless. Online and in-person, youll find a variety of different window treatments. Before moving forward, evaluate your space & window condition, then look at your design style. Have fun on your search for ne w stylish AND affordable curtains!

And if you cant find something you like, you can always make them (Ive done that before here, here, and here).

Via: 10 Online Resources for Affordable Curtains

Backlit Bathroom Mirrors With Holographic Effect by Elia Felices

Elia Felices Interior Design has developed a new concept for the decoration of commercial areas, hotels, spas, bathrooms and homes with a strongly contemporary style. A combination of creativity and technology has been necessary to define a new category of decorative elements made of glass with holographic effects. Different designs are traced using a marker which takes advantage of the technical properties of LEDs to produce them with the utmost precision. Patterns are built up by sequences of micro-dotting with different formats to give the sensation of depth and relief associated with holograms.

The method produces a very interesting effect in which the light transmits different sensations to the observer depending on the point of view.
The base material is glass, so the image is as clear as possible. The dotting technique also creates variations according to the distance of the observer. The whole is best viewed from a distance where it resembles lacework. The three-dimensional quality gradually emerges as one approaches closer and closer, and the dotted pattern gives way to a sense of weighlessness. This is the concept of the holograph, a technique which produces the optical effect of a three-dimensional image. When the microdots are turned on, the peripheral ambient lighting they provide creates a distinctive environment.

The collection is available in two colour schemes, white or blue. The drawing is equally visible when the light is turned off. The light is stronger where the dots are overlayered, so these points can create constellations of lights. The first collection uses geometric figures. “These elements provide us with the technical and decorative means to satisfy the need for establishing identity within this space.” [Photos and information received via e-mail by Elia Felices Interior Design]

Via: Backlit Bathroom Mirrors With Holographic Effect by Elia Felices

How-To Make a GIANT Inspiration Board

Pinterest is a favorite for many (including me) who want to organize and keep their online inspiration in one place.

As a visual person though, I feel there is nothing like seeing and holding a picture in hand. I still buy and subscribe to magazines. I still tear out pictures and reference them when looking for inspiration.

Until recently, I didnt have a place, a specific go-to spot, for all my collected loves.

I needed something! Thus the creation of my mega, giant, humongous, and amazing inspiration board

I am in heaven. This newly created inspiration board is not only functional, but the pictures that are displayed are gorgeous and make the space colorful and fu n.

Heres how I made it.

I started with these supplies:

1. I started off making sure the MDF board was the right size for the wall. The size was perfect, 3-9 X 4-6, and didnt need to be cut. If youre using this tutorial as inspiration, you can create any size inspiration board that fits your space.

One of the biggest obstacles with making this GIANT Inspiration Board was the difficulty of hanging it.

No doubt, this size board is HEAVY! Drilling through the board was out of the question because it is covered in fabric and hanging it from wire wouldnt make the back flush with the wall, w hich is the look that I desired.

SOoooo Onto a different solution. The basic idea that I came up with was to drill 3 holes into the back of the board that would hang on to 3 screws in the wall.

Lets take a look at the step by step

2. After determining and marking the height at which I wanted the board to hang, I layed the board face down so the back was exposed. I took a piece of painters tape and added it to the back of the board making sure it was completely level with the top of the board. The tape does not have to go from edge-to-edge, but I made sure each end was within 12 of the side.

With a permanent marker, I marked three places on the tape they do not have to be evenly spaced.

3. Using a drill, I carefully drilled about 3/4 of the way through the MDF back (I DID NOT go through to the front).

4. Once the 3 holes were drilled, I removed the piece of tape and put it on the wall at the height I had determined before. Also I made sure to hang the tape so it was placed horizontally correct my board is centered on the wall, but that might not be the case for your creation. Be sure to hang it vertically (up and down) and horizontally (left and right) correct.

Something to watch out for

A laser helps with this part, but if you dont have one, measure down from the ceiling so that all 3 marks are at the same height.

Also, when the board was laying down, the marks went 1,2,3. Now the marks will be 3,2,1 because of how the board will fit onto the wall. It will make more sense once youre in the midst of it.

5. Once the wall was marked with the three locations, I drilled the holes. Then added plastic toggle drywall anchors (which hold mega weight) and then the screws. These are like my all-time favorite anchors and screws!!

6. Once the screws were secure, it was time to put on the board. It takes alittle time figuring where the holes meet the screws, but if you measure right and take your time (which thankfully we did), it should work perfectly and be level!

Unfortunately I dont have a picture of us hanging the board since it was a 2-man job and the kiddos were already asleep (they are my backup photographers), but heres the result (and part of the next step)

Its hanging + straight YES!

Before hanging this bad-boy on the wall, I covered it in fabric. I chose a loose natural linen-like cotton. Because of the width of the board, I needed to piece the fabric together to make one large piece. I ended up cutting and sewing 4 pieces of equal sized fabric. The result was fairly good, but my lines were slightly wavey. Toss it up to DIY, right?!

Anyway, to jazz up the board (and distract the eye from my wavy lines), I decided to use decorative nail head trim and follow the lines of the seams horizontally and vertically.

7. To start off, I used painters tape and made a level line from top to bottom and then from left to right following the seam.

8. On that edge of the tape, I hammered in the nails with a mallet (a hammer will do but sometimes the metal on metal ruins the nailheads), then removed the tape.

And now was the point of happiness!

I could finally fill up my inspiration board with all the things I love

MDF board is not exactly like cork (obviously). Pushpins arent as easy to push in, but with a bit of muscle and oomph, it works fine. As an idea, a layer of cork could have been added to the front surface of the MDF before the fabric was wrapped around, to make it more cushiony and pinnable. For me though, it works fine.

If you know me, I LOVE COLOR, and I have a favorite article pinned on my hand made GIANT inspiration board that I ripped out a recent issue of HGTV Magazine

I adore the glittery gold disco ball.

Now I have lots and lots and lots of room to fill up. Im sure it wont always look this clean. I actually am in love with some of these other GIANT Inspiration Boards!

I hope youre inspired by my new HUMONGOUS Inspiration Board! Im loving my new home office / family room. Not only is it inspiring to work in this new space, but I really e njoy flipping through my favorite magazines and actually pinning them I.R.L.

Via: How-To Make a GIANT Inspiration Board

Inviting Bakery Design in France by Cruz, S.L.: Boulangerie Gourmande

Cruz, S.L completed a bakery design in France, in the town of Albi and sent us information about the project: The bakery itself, with a floor space of 100 m², is located right under the shop and is where all the bread (which is widely known in Albi), dry pasta, pastries, petits fours and macaroons are made from scratch. Because Albi is a small town, we have based our sales strategy on creating a close connection between the customer and the shop attendants. Therefore, the main display case is completely centered in the shop and customers are served on their side. This does not inconvenience the shop assistants in the least, as we have strategically placed work stations on all four sides of the case.

Among the shop's furnishings, the bespoke central cake display case is particularly striking and was specially designed to best meet the needs of the customer. The display case is made of fixed and sliding glass, offering complete access from any point around its perimeter. The bottom is fitted with drawers for the packaging materials needed to wrap the products sold. The material used in the general design of this bakery display case is a type of melamine in black to highlight the rest of the decor on the premises. [Photos and information received via e-mail by ]

Via: Inviting Bakery Design in France by Cruz, S.L.: Boulangerie Gourmande

Need Help In Controlling Termites In Your Home

Home is where the heart is. In your abode, you will want your family to unwind and the pets you choose to stay. However, chances are that you end up having uninvited guests in your home. No, the reference here is not to the relatives or nosy neighbors! The reference is to the wood dwellers, termites or white ants as they are sometimes called.

Termites ruin the wood in your home from ceiling to the walls to all your furniture. Before you know it, you will run into thousands of dollars into repair work! Termites usually dwell in hundreds or thousands in the form of nests or colonies. These are made at different places and they travel underground to get into your home. So getting rid of these termites is not a one day task.

Pro-active measures

Below mentioned are the most common things you can do to avoid termites.

1. Consider having a Pest control strategy in the checklist for building a home
2. While building a home, select your wood carefully treated wood would be a good option
3. Get rid of shrubs and old tree stumps
4. Make provision for good below-the-floor ventilation
5. Deal with leaking taps, cracks in your roof, pipes, gutters
6. Engage a good Pest control expert with proven experience in termite management
7. Schedule periodic inspection of your property from the Pest control expert (Yes, even if you think there are no termites )

Reactive measures

These measures include things you have to do to get rid of termites. Get a Pest control expert to assess the situation. Depending on the nature and extent of damage, the pest control group will assess the scale of termite infestation in your home. They also inspect any leaking taps or holes that are tunneling the termites into your home and then tackle these effectively.

There are different modes of tackling termites depending on the nature of infestation. If the infestation is:

Small Scale Spraying chemicals will help. But remember, that termites can be eliminated in a single spray or day. It will take a routine to first eliminate the termites existing and then to completely get rid of them

Large Scale There is a new chemical which is apparently undetec table by the pests, which are picked up by the termites and they carry this chemical to their colonies (where they breed), and pass this on to the entire colony. This chemical gets rid of them.

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Via: Need Help In Controlling Termites In Your Home

Compact And Visually Uncluttered Home in Seattle

Wood meets metal. Industrial meets authentic elements. The result? The Greenwood House developed by Malboeuf Bowie Architecture. Quite compact and extremely modern, this residential project, inspired by minimalism, reflects the need of the owner to have a neat and easy to maintain house, with a visually uncluttered design. The house is located in a tranquil neighbourhood in Seattle, on a fast arterial street, nearby a commercial centre.  The architectural studio focuses a lot on satisfying the needs of its clients. Regarding their working method, here is what the architects have to say: “In each project, we adapt our architecture to express efficient use of space, creative use of materials, and strong interior/exterior connections.”

The house, structured on two floors, makes use of green practices such as natural ventilation or recycled materials. Very luminous and with a good light penetration, this compact dwelling has plenty of windows that offer a good view over both, the garden (a small green relaxation oasis) and the street. A metallic, industrial-like staircase connects the floors. This is one of the elements that make us think of a Scandinavian loft-like design influence.

Via: Compact And Visually Uncluttered Home in Seattle