Archive for July, 2010

July 12, 2010
How to Avoid the Seven Sins: Take note to the tips below on what to avoid when working on design elements for your home. Whether you are working on your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or main living area, the basic principles of what to avoid do not waiver.
High art: We’re not talking about art that is unusually thought-provoking. We mean art that’s literally floating out in that void somewhere high above the sofa. Art should relate to the furniture below it. A rule of interior design is to separate artwork and furniture by no more than 10 inches.
Matchy-matchy décor: When everything matches, the room becomes so safe that it’s boring. Buying a suite of furniture of the same design went out decades ago. And although many fabric and wallpaper manufacturers offer coordinated patterns to simplify design for the do-it-yourselfer, use those coordinates as a background for something old, something personal, something that makes the room your own.
Armchair covers: Armchair covers are dinosaurs — they’re akin to leaving cellophane on lampshades. Today, fabrics can be treated for durability and stain resistance. Whip the covers off and take them along to remind you of the color and pattern when shopping for other fabrics and accessories for the room. And don’t dare put them back when you’re done.
Wimpy houseplants: Sure it’s fine to show off your green thumb inside the house. Just don’t scatter too many small houseplants around the room. They’ll have much more effect if you bank three to five small plants together, or buy one large-scale plant that makes a bold statement (and doesn’t have to be watered as often).
Silk flowers: Silk flowers can surely be beautiful, but they may also become dust traps. And if the arrangement never changes, eventually you reach the point where you don’t even see it anymore. Either update your silk designs regularly, or make your own simple arrangements with inexpensive fresh flowers or greenery from the backyard.
Unedited accessories: We are all natural-born collectors. The trick is realizing that every object, gift, or family treasure need not be displayed at once. Take care of Aunt Martha’s cranberry compote, but tuck it away until the next family gathering. Organize accessories by grouping collections together on a table or shelf. Use similar objects and colors together, and remember that using odd numbers of items looks better to the eye.
Family portraits in the living room: We may be treading on hallowed ground here, but the point is this: Contemporary paintings of the family can lend an imposing, elitist air to the room where you most often receive guests. Save portraits for the bedroom or spaces that are reserved for family.
The blog post was provided by your Online Interior Designers at Platinum eDesign of Hickory, NC.
July 9, 2010

Guide To Green HVAC

Environment has been constantly the victim right from the time innovation came into existence trading annihilation of ecological objects for our personal gain and survival. So the question remains as to how to salvage of what remains?

So What is Considered a Green HVAC?

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning trade has seen a steady growth now for years improvising the ecological augmentation with innovative technologies and materials. Green HVAC is promoted by LEED (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by way of conserving energy, saving water, and materials consumed or wasted. Reduction of toxic by products still remains a concern particularly with systems circulating air throughout buildings. The Energy Star Heating and Cooling Device satisfies the criteria set by the American standards making it ideal for installation in average homes and small buildings.

But Then Why Green HVAC?

Green HVAC a relatively novel business endeavor is growing steadily with new buildings in an effort to save energy and cost cutting purposes. Not to mention benefitting from tax exemptions upon installation.

A Quick Look Into the Options and Benefits

The options are aplenty for the adventurous industrialist with the industry growing rapidly, particularly for people in real estate. Few examples would blue roofs that harvest rainwater for cooling, energy and recreation. Installation of carbon dioxide sensors can sustain optimum ventilation in a building. Solar panels a well established know-how is anticipated to supply around 200,000 homes in Australia with electricity on completion.

Installation of energy-efficient HVAC arrangement is being endorsed by building owners open to rebooting their existing HVAC systems. The chiller boiler is a good example and acts like gingerbread house gears for Green HVAC. These systems act efficiently by using water as opposed to air in modulating temperature and be installed as a pre-engineered and mechanic-friendly pack.

Risks Versus Benefits

New equipments are prone to having blips, but experienced organizations are very much up-to-date and familiar with green technology. After all our old friends, elbow grease and duct tape know exactly how to fix these kinks.

Blog Post provided by:  HVAC Service Marietta GA

July 9, 2010

All You Need To Know About HVAC

Innovative architecture adopts practical and convenient ideology, designs and applications creating intellectual buildings by way of energy and light being conserved via meticulously planned wiring, electronics, furniture, and gears. A contemporary office premise or home is economically and suitably heated, ventilated and air-conditioned creating its own climate in accordance with its inhabitants’ comfort. This insight in design is made possible by systematic brainstorming and execution of HVAC – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ideology.

As a home owner one of the huge purchases that you would indulge in is the heating and cooling system. Save a few dollar bills by researching for available discounts on the Energy Star certified heating and cooling equipment. This is believed to strictly meet the energy competent strategies set by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) offering sizeable long–lasting energy savings. HVAC contractors will guide you through the savings calculation for Energy Star heating and cooling system.

On planning a new construction, it would be ideal to have a licensed HVAC contractor appraise the blueprint prior to beginning the construction. This enables him to execute his ideas from the start rendering huge savings in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning expense. Then again, brining him post construction would be limited by the mansion’s structure.

Desiring a modification in the HVAC system may work out costly, but then it becomes necessary particularly in restoring buildings like museums that nestles priceless work of art. Maintaining temperature is imperative in perpetuating sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts. Hiring a special HVAC team with expertise in art conservation would yield best results.

A well certified HVAC contractor would always be preferred, while making a choice albeit being expensive to hire them, but you may rest assured in terms of quality and competent HVAC systems. Where there is convenience and comfort involved in the long run, it is ideal to invest right from the start. Nevertheless, it turns out truly rewarding in terms of repair bills and conserving energy.

Blog Post provided by:  Alpharetta HVAC Service