Interior Design and Decorating Floor Finishes – Carpet

How Carpet is constructed

It is important to understand the two main methods of carpet construction as it is a large financial outlay for the client and they will have endless questions on why one costs more than another? Why one has a looser look, firmer feel, multicolored etc?

Today most carpets are produced by the tufting method of manufacture. It consists of hundreds of needles, which thread the yarn through the backing (jute or polypropylene), which forms loops or tufts to the required length.

The option then depending on the type of machine is to cut the loops to form a cut pile tufted carpet or leave the loops to form a looped pile tufted carpet.

The backing is then given a layer of adhesive coating to fix the tufts in position; another layer of backing is then fixed for added strength.

Axminster carpet

Traditionally carpets were woven on a loom. Many still are and are named from the type of loom that they are manufactured from. Axminster, for example, different colored tufts are inserted into the weave from above so that they make up the pile but do not run in the back. By this method, many colors can be used and most Axminster's are patterned. Wilton is another example, it is woven in continuous strands and only a small number of colors can be used on the loom. The pile yarn is woven so that the colors not showing on the surface lie on the back. It is a cut, looped or cut and looped pile. Patterned Wiltons are possible but at the high end of the quality and price range.

All woven carpets have the backing threads and pile woven at the same time, which means that the tufts are fixed in place. Weaving is a well-known method for producing patterns. Woven carpets are generally slower to make than tufted. You can generally distinguish between the two by viewing the back sides.

Both methods of construction are of a high quality and your choice will come down to the look that you require.

Carpets can be made by other methods, bonding and knitting. Bonded carpets are constructed by gluing tufts of pile directly onto a backing. Knitted carpets have a more complex construction method than Axminsters or Wiltons. Knitting the pile yarn and backing together achieve this type of method.

The combination of research and development in yarn and machinery married with specialist textile designers and the demand from the consumer is creating a burgeoning new wave of innovative and creative textures, styles, color combinations and patterns.

Just when you think you've seen everything - a new range is released and it opens up new doors for selecting schemes and creating wonderful new environments. The hardest job is keeping up with the choices! Overall the basics still apply and what you will learn here is a good grounding for appreciating the new product to come.

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Interior Design and Decorating Floor Finishes - Types of Natural Stone Flooring

Types of Natural Stone Flooring

Slate

• Slate is another form of metamorphic rock that consists of silica alumina and iron oxide.

• It is easily split into layers that provide a rugged rustic look.

• It has good abrasion resistance and high durability if it has been correctly cut.

• It is impervious to water, cold hard and noisy under foot and can be slippery.

• A non-slip variety is available.

• It is difficult to lay as the product is quite brittle and heavy.

• It is usually laid into a bed of cement over concrete.

Limestone and Sandstone

• These are derived from sedimentary rocks; deposits of sediment being laid down under water or air formed these.

• Sandstone comes from deposited sand grains i.e. quartz, pressed and held together by silica, calcium carbonate or other cements.

• Limestone comes from deposited organic origin materials i.e. bones shells and consists mainly of calcium carbonate.

• Limestone is rarely used for floors today as it becomes slippery when it is worn and not all products are hardwearing.

• It is grey or beige in color.

• Sandstone - is used more in outdoor paving than indoor, but looks great in an area that flows to the outdoors such as a conservatory.

• Its irregular natural pattern is its best feature and can range from a grainy timber look to stripes and speckles.

• It is beige, brown, reddish brown, in color and some stones are hardwearing.

Granite

• Granite is a form of Igneous Rock, created by the cooling of molten magma.

• It is made up of feldspar quartz and mica.

• This is a luxury floor covering and one that needs careful consideration before specification, as it is an expensive product.

• The floor structure needs consideration, as it is very heavy.

• Once laid, it will last for a very long time, as it is hardwearing and resistant to chemicals.

• It has a timeless look.

• If highly polished it is slippery, but a honed finish provides a more manageable finish.

• It comes in limited colors - black, red, green, grey, blue, pink.

• It is supplied in a slab form and is cold and noisy underfoot. But it looks great!

Granite used for steps to a commercial building entry.

Marble

• This is a form of metamorphic rock, a combination of igneous and sedimentary rocks undergoing a major change due to extreme influences of heat or pressure.

• It is made up of calcium carbonate; it comes in numerous colors, white, grey, green, ochre, beige and is usually veined.

• It is a hardwearing beautiful product, expensive to purchase and lay as it is heavy and comes in slab form.

• It is cold and noisy underfoot.

• From a designers point of view like granite it has a timeless quality.

Marble used of floor and walls of a hotel bathroom, very stylish.

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Curtain Poles, Rods and Finials

A pole or rod is a rail or track which a curtain or valance is hung.

Poles or rods are available in many different materials – timber, brass, wrought iron, bamboo, powder coated steel, and painted timber.

They usually have coordinating rings that fix to the hooks on the heading of the curtains. Curtain Rods or Poles are a simple and effective way to add decoration to your windows.

They are easy to install and you can coordinate the finials with hold backs, and other pieces of hardware providing a fluid designer look.

Finials are the decorative fixing at the end of the poles. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, some simple, some complex, from the traditional fleur de lys, and arrowhead to the fruity pomegranate and pineapple, and back to nature with acorns, scallop shells, along with the simple colonial turned wood balls.

Tab Top Curtains* on a decorative rod and Finial.

A more contemporary type of pole system is the tensioned steel wire, which doesn’t impose on the windows. This is used with a grommet top** style of curtain.

A simpler style of rod is a tension rod which gets positioned between the window frame, and is held there by a spring tension system. This is frequently used for shower curtains.

Rod and finial used here for casual scarf drapery***.

Add On:

* Asian Influenced Tab Top Curtain on a Rod with a Finial

Tab top curtains are a modern casual style of window treatment. This example of a curtain shows just how simple this form of window treatment is.

A standard rod and a spiral finial provide the form for hanging the curtain. The curtain is made like a large sheet but with a hem at the base and the head and has about an inch wide tabs fixed toto the head.

Is threaded through the tab and this is how the curtain hangs. The fabric used here is contemporary with an Asian influence of mirrors and beading to form the decoration. The color is bold and intense and the wallpaper in the background has a washed or aged look with gold motifs.

This type of curtain I class as casual as it hangs randomly depending on how it is drawn, also because they generally don't have much fullness and are seldom lined.

They don’t have a very long life if they are drawn frequently as the fabric rubs directly on the rod and causes wear on the tab.

They are a very good choice for a decorative curtain that frames a window of if used in a translucent or sheer fabric.


** Grommet Top Curtains

These are similar to tab top curtains but have metal grommets (eyelets) fixed onto the head of the curtain at regular intervals.

They can then be threaded through a rod, pole or the more contemporary look, tension wire.

They are often used with tension rods as shower curtains.

To create a nautical look in a holiday home, use stainless steel grommets with canvas, cotton duck, or drill, and use stainless steel tension wire.

They also work well when used on a supported rail around a bed, for example in a hospital, or rest home.

For a more traditional look, attach decorative hooks through the grommet, and use a rod and ring system.


*** Subtle Scarf Drapery over Rods in a Stylish Sunroom

This sunroom is light and breezy. The view is framed well by the double hung sash windows.

The furniture placement is formal and symmetrical. The rattan chairs are typical in a sunroom and the side table creates the central focal point.

The window treatment used softens the vertical lines of the windows.

A simple black rod is used with a decorative finial. A soft translucent sheer is draped in a swag and tail format over the rod which creates a formal softness to the room and adds an air of romanticism.

This window treatment works well in this room, it is subtle and doesn’t over whelm the room like traditional swags and tails can, this is due to is informal use over a rod and the choice of a light weight translucent fabric.

If a curtain track had been used with pencil pleated curtains for example they would have enclosed the room, blocked out the beautiful view and been too formal for the use of the room.

This room is used mostly in daylight hours so the choice of curtains is solely for decoration and this solution is well suited.

Other options could have been blinds on the windows, these works well for sunrooms as they can be used to direct sunlight when it is too intense, but they do take up space on the window. Nets or voiles could have been used in this situation; however they do permanently diffuse the view whilst reducing the glare form the sunlight.

To conclude this sunroom is a well balanced space with well considered window treatments.

Source: http://architectaria.com/curtain-poles-rods-and-finials.html

Custom Contemporary Kitchen - Systematic Modular Kitchen

Finally, a modular kitchen that will change with you - the kitchen is a custom systematic contemporary cuisine with a crucial difference. Unlike other islands in the kitchen, these islands are in fact designed to be moved! The kitchen is completely systematic contemporary modular, customizable, and the superb elements can be combined and modified to suit the changing your needs as your family members… and lifestyle evolves. Warm natural cherry breathes life, and is supported by the aluminum structure, plus a gas piston that makes it easier and more solid fence. The linear aspect of this modern kitchen is beautifully balanced by race, recessed stove and sinks. Bring harmony and adaptability of your kitchen with this Systematic Modular Kitchen

Source : http://architectaria.com/custom-contemporary-kitchen-systematic-modular-kitchen.html

Green building for a healthier living and working conditions environmentally friendly alternatives through

‘Green building’ is the process by which all normal materials, techniques and products used to build a house are exchanged for safe alternatives environmentally friendly. The initiative aims not only to protect the environment and conserve resources like water and energy, but also offer a place safer for humans to live when you decide to build a house environmentally friendly, you must form a team who are certified experts in the field of green buildings, and can ensure that every aspect of your structure is green.

This means that the architect who is designing your home to the interior designer who is adding the finishing touches to your home, everyone must be on the same page on the appearance of green buildings. Such a project must include these features very important to make it green, it must promote sustainability in every sense, and it must conserve energy and water in the construction process as well as in the conception of reality. It will need to protect the environment, and it must provide a healthy living environment, free of toxins and chemical compounds that are found in many paints, varnishes, sealants and even carpets.

Your architect must ensure that the design of the house retains as much energy as possible with the use of many windows to allow a lot of light, including solar panels or other interesting features in the design. Green building starts with the planning and then moves on the construction. The company you use must understand how to build a green building, and they must conserve water during the process, eliminate waste as much as possible to go to the landfill by reusing old wood chips or cement other features such as a fountain, Closure or lawn chairs. For green building all products that are used must be safe and environmentally friendly, even insect poison. You can use boride natural insect repellent, and there are natural products that can be used for waterproofing and insulation of your house. Insulation is very important because it prevents you from needing too many heaters in the winter and air conditioning in summer, thereby saving energy. The building is also on the sustainability and you can get wood only places that are certified for the sustainable use of forest trees.

For the interior, using paints which are toxins that are free or low volatile compounds (VOC) in them. This applies to all surface finishes, as well as rugs, carpets, tiles and accessories you use. For accessories, you can reduce the time of Energy (transport) costs dramatically just by buying space for your project green building.

Source : Internet
Pict : Architectaria Collections

Water Features and Lighting on Patio

Patio Water Features

Water features such as water garden ponds and garden fountains are pleasant additions to the design of a landscape, because it provides diversion scenes simply plants. Nothing can transform a landscape quite like water. It relieves the monotony of the garden and provides functionality accent that makes the garden or landscape interesting.

Whether it is a spectacular waterfall or a quiet pond, water works its magic on any garden, providing a focal point and a region that soothes the soul. Movement of water provides delightful background music and masks traffic noise. The soothing sounds of water can mask the noise, making even a patio urban restful retirement.

Patio Lights

Patio lighting can provide the drama in your garden. It not only allows you to spend more time outside at night, but it also gives wonderful illumination of the best part of your garden. Patio lights can really create wonderful effects and make your patio nocturnal experience even more enjoyable. Just as important, patio lighting can make your garden patio and a safer place to be at night.

Lights can be placed in the following areas, choose from among the popular these days:

• Deck Lighting - Your deck lighting can be a very good tool to highlight and uphold the changes in elevations, drop-off, or deck edges. Doing so will not only create a dramatic effect, but a bridge safer as well. You can hide the lighting under safeguards, under the benches, or on vertical posts.

• Stage (Step) Lighting - This type of lighting patio allow both you and guests to navigate to your steps through your yard and in security. Place not under the lighting, the vertical posts, or along the steps.

• Fountain Lighting - Fountain in the patio can still decorate your garden, even at night, thanks to the illumination of modern ideas. There are many types of large patio lights that make your fountain even more beautiful at night. You may be under the lights that really give a dramatic appeal to your fountain. You may also consider colored lights for even more fun. It is also possible to create a mirror effect on the water if you turn the area behind the reflecting surface of the water.

• Shadow Lighting - Use this technique to highlight interesting forms and you may have in your garden, including tree structure, sculptures, etc. Put your light fixture in front of the plant or point you want shade, and the goal so that the Point will cast its shadow on a surface such as the wall of your house. More light is on the item you want to shadow, the shadow will be over.

• Silhouette Lighting - Silhouetting is a type of lighting patio really stresses that the shape of an object. To create the silhouette effect, put a light behind the subject, and it shine onto a vertical surface, such as the wall of your home.

These are only a few types of lighting you choose patio came, however, to decide what type of use at home, think about specific issues that you want to highlight. Think of topics that will look better as a silhouette or a shadow. Next, consider also areas that need to be enlightened.

Source: http://architectaria.com/water-features-and-lighting-on-patio.html

Modern Minimalist Kitchen - Recyclable Yellow Kitchen

I bring sunshine on a cloudy day: Introducing Modern recyclable Yellow Kitchen. With a reflection in a practical way, as well as the environment, the main materials used in the modern kitchen Yellow of wood, stainless steel, aluminum and glass - all completely recyclable. The doors are constructed using the glass on a frame of aluminum - light and versatile. The work plan is also made of solid glass. A snack bar wood brings a practical and attractive feature, equally suitable for entertaining guests while cooking or provide breakfast to children.

Source : http://architectaria.com/modern-minimalist-kitchen-recyclable-yellow-kitchen.html

Luxury Bathroom Vanity - Deco Bathroom Vanities

Although Deco vanities of luxurious bathrooms are part of the "crimes" of the range, gives them a classic elegance with modern sustainable. Indeed, the stately Deco vanity will outlast trends to become a favorite bath fixture for many years to come. Charming, curved, wooden legs turned add interest to the vanity, which comes in a variety of different interpretations. A large, a drawer at hand for all your needs can be located directly under the high, or if you prefer, a cute two drawer’s freestanding unit can be added below. Available in white or black classical, there is also an arrest olive green option for those who dare to be different.

The deco vanities bathroom facilities are full of individual character - just like you.

Source : http://architectaria.com/luxury-bathroom-vanity-deco-bathroom-vanities.html

Contemporary Kitchen - Great Cuisine kitchen

The Great Cuisine kitchen is contemporary cuisine that represents the best of Italian cuisine today. The combination of style and functionality makes this kitchen synonymous with good taste. The Great Cuisine modern kitchen, geometric appeal based on rectangular units with integrated chip handles. The ingenious combinations of materials and textures… are also strengths of the large and high-brightness storage cabinet’s contrast with the dull island with its very linear construction. The unique three-dimensional look of the island is typical of the attention to detail in this kitchen. Gliding, silence drawers (which can support all your pots heavy - up to 50 kg) complete the practical side of careful scrutiny operating throughout this design.

Source : http://architectaria.com/contemporary-kitchen-great-cuisine-kitchen.html

Luxury and Elegance Bathrooms Furniture

The bathroom offers Elegance range scintillating wild Furniture luxurious bathrooms. An intriguing mix of qualities savagery and refinement, Savage has a strong impact look that will certainly be the focal point of your bathroom. Visual pleasure and sensuality of touch combine with the exotic and surprisingly touching only use zebra and crocodile affect surfaces. With a solid piece of wood, this luxurious bathroom furniture is built to last. The Savage boasts rich, contemporary colors and inspires you to express your personality. For a luxury bathroom that suits your lifestyle, look no further than the collection of architectaria bathrooms elegance.

Source : http://architectaria.com/luxury-and-elegance-bathrooms-furniture.html

Bathroom Vanities – Art Deco Bathroom Collection

The vanity of Art Deco bathroom has a unique form undulating. The unfussy, but dynamic art deco vanities in the collection have a technical point of view the grace of their own. Decorating 1 vanity comes in a shiny metallic silver: a striking contrast to the smooth and wavy lines of furniture. This combination of attention to detail with nostalgic futuristic shades and colors gives the collection Art Deco vanity contemporary sculptures appeal. Similarly, Art Deco vanity 2 catches the eye because it gleams in metallic bronze. Art Deco 3, in contrast, made a bold statement in glossy black. Topped with magnificent oval sink, or a molded sink built into the counter, these vanities bathroom will transcend trends.

Do you want to make the bathroom Deco collection exciting part of your family?

Source : Architectaria - Architect and Planner

Luxury High-End TV Stand, Art Deco & Baroque Centers

Modern Entertainment - Luxury High-End TV Stand

Becoming the main focal point of the room, your entertainment center will receive the attention it deserves. You will appreciate the unified look smart to have all your entertainment systems are clearly displayed and easy to access. The use of chocolate brown snakes’ sassy style emphasizes the finishing luxury, high-end appearance of modern television, this stand. In contrast with the deep red background and brilliant retailer, the overall appearance is truly memorable.

TV Media Center in a frame - Art Deco & Baroque Centers

Select your preferred area in the house with the letter framing it - the Art Deco and Baroque frame TV Media Centers will do just that! Of course, your existing home entertainment… the art and should therefore be treated accordingly. These interpretations of the use of a large, ornate frame go beyond the practice in a field of the imagination. Dazzling shades of metallic silver and gold adding a touch of indulgence. In coordination framed mirrors, frame-style CD and DVD storage and wall lights, you can not go wrong.

Source from: Architectaria - Architect and Planner