For the people in need of fabricated or modified accessibility in their homes, here is an idea. Apparently some folks over in London commissioned some designers to provide a better access point over the old ladder. The product was a permanent staircase that carries a modern design pitch.

The designers made use of welded and painted steel, a steel post and toughened glass to come up with the Loft Access London. Some minor modifications had to be done of course but in the end, the result was a more ideal finish, carrying modern interior designing looks that we see in common day made homes or living spaces.

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The Loft Access London Staircase

We here at Bedzine support Green living wholeheartedly and hence absolutely love the Gaon Street Light Concept concept. The idea is to make use of the city garbage cans to light up streets! The lamppost has been designed by Haneum Lee in such a way that it composts trash  so that the methane byproduct can be used a fuel to juice up the lamps! Not a bad idea at all but unfortunately it may just remain a concept for a long long time.

Via Yanko Design

The Gaon Street Light Concept

Before the Wii and the PS3, there was Pac Man and those from my generation will vouch how addictive it was. Hence I love the Pacman pouf which can be made at home by following the directions here.

Material list:
- 15 mm MDF, depending on the size, you will need at least the C-shape to be created from one piece.
- 9 mm multiplex (plywood)
- 32mm*40mm timber (count number needed * height for total length needed)
- larger ones (for example 40mm*40mm) for the corners and block
- upholstery. I used sky to get that leather-look, but it is not so flexible. Mine had already some sliding-stuff on the inside, so it can slide over the foam. If you get other stuff, inform if you need additional stuff.
- cardboard strips. I had special ones, but you can cut some yourself
- staples…. lots!

Equipment needed
- workmate / bench
- Jigsaw
- drill
- drill-bits
- countersink
- screws (about 30mm in length, 3,2*30mm would be ok)
- wood glue (read instructions!)
- needle (curved one special for this type of work) and thread (special sturdy one!)
- sewing machine [if available] (I don’t know if a regular sewing machine is able to get through the upholstery)
- foam and other filling
- a stapler! (I had a pneumatic one, but an electrical or whatever is a must… I don’t thing the manual ones will be able to enter the MDF deep enough).
- knive
- markers

DIY: Pac Man Pouf

George Clark may not be familiar to all but he is in fact the one who presents The Home Show on Channel 4. And while many people are just shaking their heads in disbelief on the low appraisal of their homes, the best that people can do right now is improve them.

When we say improve, it doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot. It is a mixture of combining vision with projection and that is precisely what Clark points out. In fact here are some bullets that most home owners would do well to follow to raise the value of living in modern homes today.

1. INSTALL AN ENSUITE BATHROOM
2. CONVERT THE LOFT
3. EXTEND THE KITCHEN
4. CONVERT THE GARAGE
5. PUT IN A SKYLIGHT
6. ADD A UTILITY ROOM
7. FIRST APPEARANCES
8. TREAD THE BOARDS
9. LANDSCAPE THE GARDEN
10. OPEN UP THE FIREPLACE

Most of these things seem general. But you can see them in detail at Times Online. As far as doing them on your own, there are some parts you can independently do but others may need the expertise of a specialist like an electrician for assistance.

(Source) Times Online

Home Improvement Tips from George Clark

At first glance, the Vogelzang Boxwood Stove looks like a page taken out of history as far as providing heat to modern homes today. Apparently these days, cold days ahead solicit the need for better heating solutions. Among the solutions given to us these days include that of going a step back in time where the primitive designs are once again taking center stage.

But don’t let the Vogelzang Boxwood Stove fool you. It looks like it can get the job done. Through the use of traditional wood, the important thing is heating your home with the least eco-friendly issues as possible.

The boxwood stove is an interesting device. It’s a small woodburning stove designed more for function than for aesthetics. The interior is only about 22 inches deep and about 9 inches wide. It has no glass window or open grate so you can watch the fire. It’s a little, rounded hunk of cast iron designed to generate the most possible heat from the smallest amount of fuel.

(Source) BC Culture

Heating Up with the Vogelzang Boxwood Stove

Most people are busy putting away the Christmas ornaments and doing some home cleaning. Others would even be moving furniture here and there, much of which were displaced to make way for the usual Christmas decorations from the past holidays. Once you are finished putting away the decors, you may notice that some other things like an old chair or a magazine rack would be better off stocked. In short, the new year can signal a whole new design trend as far as new home decorations are concerned.

Evaluate your place and look for that sweet spot in you that typifies a comfortable living environment. Along the year, you are bound to put in new stuff like ornaments or maybe antiques. People buy them while others may get them as gifts. In short, weigh out your space and see what approach pulls you away from being cramped. It is the best way to enjoy your home and you can just place some back if you feel that you still want to see them around the place.

January is the perfect time to rethink your living space. After you’ve put away all the holiday decorations, says interior designer Janine Carendi, “you can look at the same space with a new perspective, which is what the new year is all about.”

(Source) The Canadian Press

New Space, New Items and New Decors

However, while this does address the conservative method of addressing your home furniture needs be sure you make a careful check and evaluate the stature of these furnishings. The last thing you would want is to purchase a defective piece of home furnishing so avoid being impulsive and check them out as careful as you can. Besides, they are not going anywhere so make sure you get the real value for your money when you buy them to comprise a manageable home to live in.

Buying used, from a thrift store, antique shop, or flea market is one great way to keep it green. You’re giving old products a new life, avoiding production of new products, and getting some cool unique finds to boot.

(Source) RiverWired

Color it Green with Used Furniture

There are homes these days that were built way back in the 1970’s. A lot of them are bound to be due for maintenance and repairs. A common suggestion you would get from interior designers and architects would be to get a facelift. But aside from budget issues, why bother if you want to preserve the home in the way that it was before?

You can compromise. You can employ some renovations on some parts like perhaps kitchen counters or tables. But as far as structural design, why go through the trouble of having to reconstruct an area if you can make use of them. The key then is how to balance and make both ends meet.

The Firestones made some adjustments in the modification of their home. You can pick up an idea or two for compromised and cost-cutting measures to renovate your home without going out of bounds.

Instead of attempting to reproduce history, they chose a contemporary Bulthaup system that they believe the home’s original architect, Elroy Webber, would have loved: It brings together the best of contemporary design, but doesn’t skimp on sophisticated technological elements.

(Source) Boston.com

Balance Renovation of Old Homes

Some have space issues and while the door openings may not be all that big, you barely have to make any necessary modifications as far as construction is concerned. In fact, if you have kids or elderly people who have a hard time moving from one room to another, pocket doors can make it all the more easier for them to transfer.

When opening a swinging door which swings in toward you, you must grab the knob and step backward. This may cause someone who is weak and not steady on her feet to lose her balance. A pocket door is just slid to the side into the wall cavity and is totally out of the way.

(Source) Freep.com

Pocket Doors for Easy Access

One good alternative is consider a paint job. A lot of people are doing it to rekindle old home sparks that have been diminishing over time. When you repaint, it takes time and a lot of preparation. But considering the fact that you have nothing more to do to save for a costly renovation, why complain?

“Painting is becoming the great alternative to buying a new house or doing major renovations,” says Carl Minchew, painting guru at Benjamin Moore. “It’s the economical, efficient way to get a new look.”

(Source) Sentinel Source

Paint Home Interiors over Renovation

The unique and stunning jetted shower panel is constructed out of a beautiful emerald green granite stone that is sure to upgrade any bathroom. With a four position water control diverter, this irresistible shower column is easy to install. It also comes with a very functional 4 inch hand shower and accessory shelf, that will keep your shower enclosure area organized and help you create a stress-free showering experience everyday.

So if you want to improve your bathroom/s check this out. It is something that brings class and efficiency put altogether.

(Source) PR Web

The Shower Column with Emerald Green Granite Body

People looking for good furniture stores that can provide them alternative indoor furniture solutions and interiors may just find what they are looking for when they visit Habitation, a contemporary home furnishings specialty store which has opened initially at Summit Plaza Drive and has announced expansion plans by next year.

Ranging from bamboo floors, paints with no volatile organic compounds, recycled lighting and tiles made from recycled tires, the petty home owner can find the right stuff to use and purchase by a simple visit to this specialty store. So if you want to know what things you can do to go green, this is an ideal store you should look into.

The 5,000-square-foot showroom in The Summit outdoor mall here offers in-stock as well custom-order goods in transitional and contemporary styles, ranging from designs influenced by American Arts & Crafts to the latest European trends, the company said.

(Source) Furniture Today

Habitation Holds your Green Furniture Solutions

For any person, the perfect bedroom will entirely depend on what he wants. It doesn’t have to be because you saw it on a website or a magazine. You can pick up some ideas from them but it doesn’t have to be an exact copy.

Among the things a dreamer would consider for the ideal bedroom include:

1. The Type of bed
2. Wall color and painting
3. Lighting
4. Bedroom furniture
5. Beddings

Just remember the main essence of a personalized design is not to impress other people but to discover comfort and convenience each time you step into the bedroom for rest and sleep. Get rid of the notion of trying to impress others. It is best to impress yourself first regardless of what others think.

(Source) ABC 15

Conceptualizing Bedrooms According to You

We see a lot of flooring renovations for most homes such as the usual tile flooring all the way to the laminated flooring. But here is something innovative and eco-friendly as well. For people who have worn out and unused leather belts, then perhaps transforming them into something useful like leather belt flooring would be a good way to make use of them rather than leaving them to rot or take up space.

Within the TING HOME collection, the vintage belt flooring is a must-see. Each floor tile is made up of a number of salvaged leather belts that are trimmed and glued side by side to create a sophisticated and chic design.

(Source) Greener Home Designs

Transform Old Leather Belts to Home Flooring

Having a handyman do it for you may be expensive but did you know that with the right materials and steps, you can change window screens yourself? Here is a good video that can guide you in replacing those brittle and worn out window screens.

How to Replace Worn Out Window Screens

In these times where not even your home is safe from potential bugs and diseases carrying insects, it would be best to get good pest control services that is water-based over the standard ones that make use of harmful chemicals and can even stick to your furniture and clothes if you don’t cover them up properly.

That is perhaps why water-based pest control service is now better. Other than not being harmful to the lungs, they are safer and provide lesser worries since they are odorless.

People may not be able to smell them, but the bugs can so when you ask for a pest control service, make sure you get the water-based to keep your home bug and insect-free.

Get Water Based Pest Control from the Pros

Are you due for a change of flooring? If you are, rather than turn to any wood requirements needed to make it happen, why not check out what Eco Timber has to offer. If you want the best material to replace your floor with better design and materials, chances are you can get the best deals and ideas from Eco Timber on what hardwoods are legal and safer for your home.

Eco Timber’s Eco-Friendly Flooring Guide is a valuable source for information on sustainable hardwood flooring and a must read for any green builder.

(Source) Green Building Elements

Eco Timber Offers Better Flooring Solutions

Do you want your home to carry the modern tag? Well you can start by upgrading the locks and do away with the usual door handles and keys for security reasons and entry. Kwikset has unveiled the next generation Touchpad Electronic Deadbolt which allows home owners to gain access using assigned codes to their homes.

We see this type of technology in offices. Rarely are the usual iron keys in use for modern buildings and structures. So if the office setting can apply it, it was only a matter of time before keyless entry can be used in modern homes. Apparently that time has come.

“Customers of the original SmartCode loved the convenience of not having to worry about their keys, but expressed a desire for a more feature-rich product with a design that would better complement the style of their home,”

(Source) Market Watch

Kwikset Introduces Keyless Entries for your Home

When you consider giving your old kitchen a facelift, don’t forget the important consideration of all, go green or eco-friendly. Today, we see a lot of potential kitchen enhancing solutions and most of them thrive on resources such as bamboo. Also, consider the power consumption demon, something we don’t pay attention to at times mainly because we want kitchen peripherals complete even without checking the energy standard compliance they carry.

Going natural for countertops is recommended. Avoid the processed wood which may contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. You can consider other wood materials such as board fiber or Kirei board. Other than being recommended, they can really come in modern shapes and sizes.

So the next time you ponder on kitchen renovation, don’t forget your social responsibility commitment. It is not only for the good of helping the environment but also towards enhancing better and healthier homes to live in.

(Source) WTOP News

Add More Green to Kitchen Remodeling

Contrary to what people believe in getting better value for your money on expensive remodeling of a home, you can really do it on a budget with the right approach and resources.

A lot of it has to do on how you outsource raw materials, contractors and designers. Many people today want an all-in-one deal since they don’t have the luxury of time to spare when it comes to home improvement. However, you may be surprised at the savings on cost if you exert a little effort. Some even just around 10 minutes on the phone to do and you may save yourself a couple of hundred on the side.

For the people who want to remodel on a budget, here are some good tips you may want to consider when it comes to remodeling and what you want to prioritize:

Replace kitchen countertops.

Upgrade bathrooms to make them safe and easier for people of all ages and abilities to use.

Paint a room for an instant uplift, and perhaps add crown moldings, chair rails and other trims.

Extend your living space to the outdoors by updating your landscaping, adding a path to an outlying seating area or building a small deck or patio.

Enhance curb appeal by replacing the front door with one designed to withstand the elements. A few planters and perhaps a bench are additional welcoming touches.

Improve energy efficiency by sealing heating and cooling ducts along seams with duct mastic or metal-backed tape and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces.

Get rid of clutter and install organization systems to reduce stress and create more usable space in your home.

(Source) Ohio.com http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/34506984.html

Home Facelift Done on a Budget

If you are not the type of person who is ecstatic about remodeling, you can always turn to the people who specialize in it for help. There are a lot of good handymen around and finding them should not be a problem. Outside that of the usual self-promotions they make, a good handyman can be easily contracted on the web or even through the reliable yellow pages.

A word of caution though. Try to set up a meeting first and map out the plans of the new room design you want. Don’t go as far as committing yourself since in most cases, you don’t even know the credentials of the guy unless he comes highly recommended.

Check out his work accomplishments and ask for quotes on the actual work to be done as well as the materials to be used. This can help you decide in the end on whether he is really passionate about the whole room or home remodeling thing or plainly in it for the money.

(Source) The Daily Herald

Get a Good Handyman to Remodel your Room

Organization and storage can be a problem at times but rather than buy new cabinets or organizers, why not consider wall mount shelves which can really be a lot of help. Also, it adheres to the modern look these days, especially now that smaller living places are the talk of the town hence providing not much allowance as far as storage options in bulk furniture is concerned.

So what would you need?

1. A Small Piece of Plywood
2. Brackets
3. Screws
4. Tools
a. Electric Drill
b. Screw Driver
c. Measuring Tape

For sure you will have walls that are bare and can offer some spaces to provide these hanging shelves. Just place it in a way where you balance the portion where you will place it and also give consideration for other hanging objects you may want in the future such as wall clocks or paintings.

DIY Install Wall Mount Shelves

Not all of us have the privilege of having swimming pools but for those who have one, it goes way beyond simply filling it up with water. The maintenance of a pool is indeed tedious and for some, it may come to a point where remodeling is in order.

So while you are contemplating on remodeling your pool, add a touch of eco-friendliness while you are at it. Energy saving and the materials you may use to once again enhance that old pool will certainly work to your benefit and thanks to ideas offered by Aquavida Pool remodeling, you can upgrade and revamp your pool and make way for the next generation of “greener” pastures.

(Source) Express Press

Remodel Your Pool to Eco-friendly Considerations

Ceramic tiles are often familiar needs when you want to repair or improve your kitchen look. But while we all know that they all come from questionable materials, here is one company that places emphasis on organic starting from this trend name “Organica”.

Organica is about a pure, simple, organic, lifestyle and Tile of Spain manufacturers. It can last for a minimum of 40 years, not a bad number for tiles that we all know depreciate over time. Best of all, the materials majority of which come from nature make the home a better and healthier place to live in.

So if you are up for changing your tiles, check out these ceramic tiles based on bamboo and organic materials. You are sure to get your green’s worth!

Once installed, ceramic tile may last for a minimum of 40 years. Plus, indoor air quality, health and hygiene are a growing focus of sustainable design. Working with ceramic tile means that virtually no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are introduced into the indoor air environment.

(Source) Decorators Notebook

Live the Organica Lifestyle