Bamboo Window Blinds - For Style, Elegance and Ease

Window blinds made of bamboo were traditionally in use for centuries in Japan and other parts of Asia. Now days, these bamboo window binds have seen a revival and have become increasingly popular in rest of the world too.

The inspiration behind these classical bamboo window blinds is the desire to make our houses look more natural.

Bamboo window blinds are fast becoming a trend because bamboo is environment friendly, grows fast and is ready for use in a short duration of five to six years.

Bamboo window blinds come in a number of styles. They are colorful, natural and full of texture. Raw materials used in making bamboo window blinds are bamboo, grasses and reeds.

Bamboo window blinds are made from the fibrous part of the bamboo wood. This makes it much more easier to derive wood for the blinds without causing any harm to the bamboo plant.

Why Bamboo Window Blinds?

* Bamboo window blinds are natural, beautiful, easy and flexible to design.
* Are conventional, stylish and elegant.
* Bamboo window blinds are easy to maintain.
* Bamboo window blinds can easily be adjusted to let the  amount of light that you want.
* Bamboo window blinds are very good at keeping light out.
* Bamboo window blinds are easy to clean.
* Bamboo window blinds are durable and dense.
* Bamboo window blinds are environment friendly.
* Bamboo window blinds contract and expand comparatively less than blinds made of hardwood.
* Bamboo window blinds offer good ventilation.
* Bamboo window blinds have a knotty pattern.
* Bamboo window blinds are easy to blend with any decor.
* Bamboo window blinds offer diversity in appearance.
* Bamboo window blinds offer high quality at a comparatively lower cost.
* Bamboo window blinds are easy to install.
* Bamboo window blinds require low maintenance as compared to other blinds.
* Bamboo window blinds are a good insulator.

Versatile, graceful and durable bamboo window blind

Bamboo window blinds are simply fun to use because of their versatility. They have a flair and grace of their own and come with different lifting abilities.

Do not go by the appearance of these bamboo blinds. They may look delicate but on the contrary are very resistant and durable. When treated with chemicals, bamboo window blinds become moisture and insect proof.

Elegant and stylish as they are, these bamboo window blinds come in different colors and styles. A number of bamboo window treatments available in the market, further help in giving blinds a distinct style and effect. They can be used in any room and setting with the same remarkable effect.

With proper lighting, bamboo window blinds have a glow and aura of their own. They are very good for exclusive and artistic upholstery decoration. They can be custom made to suit individual requirements. Infact bamboo window blinds are the flavor these days. They are being used with impunity for decoration in hotels, resorts, offices and homes alike.

10 Important Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen

Kitchen design is very subjective, there are few hard and fast rules. A feature or layout that is perfect for one person is far from perfect for another. These are 10 things you have to take in consideration before you start your new kitchen design project…

Here are 10 important guidelines for your kitchen design project.

1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26’ or less with no single side longer than 9’, or less than 4’.

2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13’ of base cabinets, 12’ of wall cabinets, and 11’ of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16’ of base cabinets, 15 1/2’ of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2’ of countertop.

3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42” wide for one cook, and at least 48” wide in multi-cook kitchens.

4. Specify a minimum of 24” of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18” on the other.

5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15” of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it’s a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48” away.

6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36” of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21” of standing room next to it.

7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 “ of counter space nearby, at least 16” deep.

8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.

9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36” off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46” for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).

10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24” for a fireproof surface, 30” for an unprotected surface.

Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.

“Designing Future”

One month ago, at Goethe Haus Jakarta, Indonesia, was held an architecture exhibition with the theme “ Designing Future”.   That exhibition displays Sobek creation, a result of Werner Sobek GmbH & Co building design.

The important goal from this exhibition was provide inspiration and showing to the Indonesian public especially student, civil engineering and architect, that there are another material for making a building beside steel and concrete.

Werner Sobek has been continuing the work of his preceding, Frei Otto and Joerg Schlaich, in developing the innovative way for designing concept, which is called as Triple Zero.  Triple Zero Concept is a future mission, his commitment in Green Construction movement, that to design an environmentally friendly and sustainable building.  Triple Zero it self takes 3 messages, namely :

• Zero Energy Building

The building requires no (ZERO) energy. The energy generated from regenerative sources on and in the building or the immediate piece of property upon which the building stands is at least equal to the entire primary energy requirements of the building for heating, cooling, hot water, auxiliary power and power for all typical domestic applications.

• Zero Emission Building

The building produces no (ZERO) CO2 emissions. The reference value is the total primary energy demand, which is then converted to CO2 emissions. No burning processes are permitted in the building or on the property.

• Zero Waste Building

No waste (ZERO) is produced when the building is being converted or deconstructed. At the end of their life cycle all building elements can be fully recycled without any components needing to be burnt or sent to a disposal site. The plot of land can be returned to nature without any fear of contamination or residual waste.

Some of the major works of Werner Scratch were the design of high building, museum, stadium and home :
Bremen University.  The central foyer of Bremen University has been roofed with a filigree-like steel/glass structure. All four elevations and the entire roof area of the entrance hall are glazed.

Rothenbaum Center Court.  The roof of the Rothenbaum Center Court in Hamburg/Germany covers spectators´ stands and playing arena in a free span of c. 102 metres. The roof structure, which is based on the spoked wheel, comprises a permanently covered outer area as well as a convertible inner area of approximately 63 m diameter, which represents an opening roof area of 3000 square metres. The inner roof can be opened or closed within a few minutes without interfering with the match in progress.

Residential 128. R 128 is the name given to building design Werner Sobek also used as a private home. He actually apply the concept of Triple Zero that convey the message as the environmentally friendly and sustainable building .  R 128 is a 4-storey building that all walls made from glass.

source: kompas,www.wernersobek.de

Start an Art Collectible Hobby and Beautify Your Home

Collecting is a fun hobby, and one of the most interesting things to collect are art collectibles.  Many different items can be painted with artwork and become an art collectible.  Hobby enthusiasts collect such things as saw blades, and wooden eggs which have had artwork painted on.  People even collect designer rugs as art.  Another art collectible hobby is collecting limited edition plates, thimbles, Christmas ornaments, and figurines produced by such companies as Bradford Exchange.  And of course, many people collect fine art paintings.

The person with an art collectible hobby will probably find his or her own favorite artists whose works they appreciate.  They can choose to focus on one particular artist, either past or present, or they can choose from the works of many artists.  On the other hand, they may collect art and art objects around a theme they enjoy, such as cigars, wild animals, or piano music.

One may think of an art collector as a rich person who has the money to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an original Van Gogh.  A person of more modest means can collect art too, however.  Post cards are a good place to start.  Most art museum gift shops offer high quality, glossy postcards printed with some of their more notable acquisitions.  By buying those cards one really appreciates, anyone can have an art collection.

One nice thing about art collectibles is that artists can be found in every part of the world.  The art collector should scout the local art shows, museums, and artist’s hangouts to find out just what sort of talent can be had less expensively and close to home.  Because of the local flavor of some artwork, art collectibles make good travel souvenirs.  For instance, the artist Linda Barnicott specializes in paintings of scenes, buildings, and landmarks found around  Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.  Similarly, collectors can find local artist almost everywhere.

An art collectible hobby will keep you interested in life and give you a home filled with art masterpieces as well.  If you enjoy pretty and interesting things around you, consider starting an art collectible hobby today.

Attractive Arrangement of your Furniture Enhances your Room’s Décor

Arranging the furniture in the right manner ensures that the room area is efficiently used.  A clever furniture arrangement can also highlight a favorite piece of furniture.  However, figuring out the best way to utilize space and create a comfortable atmosphere can be a difficult chore.  But with some planning and creativity, it can be accomplished easier than you think. Read more

Advertisement Photography

Advertisement photography is by far one of the most competitive forms of photography. This is mainly due to the fact that you can earn far more money than in any other aspect of photographic industry.  Every day companies pay millions of dollars on advertisement; with one goal - to sell their product. Companies want to tell the reader that their product is best - so you must be able to match this.
Read more

Comic Book Art

With the variety of comic books on the market today no wonder so many young people have decided to enter the comic book art market.  There are never ending opportunities in this field and you do not have to be a natural to make it happen.

Artist’s workshops
Comic Book artist workshops are designed for anyone that would like to get into the market for comic book art.  They will have the chance to learn the secret language of chronological story telling in comics. While having the opportunity to create characters and tell stories through pictures, they can grow in a direction that will teach them about the many forms of communication.  Learning to draw from imagination or from real life experiences, you can turn these experiences into comic book stories and learn to express those ideas in the very best ways.

Online comic book art workshops
The best way to attend a workshop is online, as the workshop is completed in the comfort of your home and you will be able to find one that suits your needs. Workshops can be found by searching keywords, such as online comic workshops, workshops for artists, etc.

Offline comic book art workshops
There are also many offline workshops, offered through local universities and art schools.  The best ways to locate these are to contact those places and ask when the next comic book art workshop is available.

Teach yourself comic book art
There are also pdf courses you can download to teach yourself how to create comic books and art.  The six-lesson course is a great way to start if you do not have the funds to go take a comic book art class or workshop. This can be downloaded at http://gpn.unl.edu/guides/755.006.pdf.
By starting to learn comic book art at an earlier age you will be a pro by the time you finish high school. Comic Book writers are always a growing market and your drawing skills can take you far.

Comfortable Zero House by Scott Specht

Designed by Scott Specht, the Zero House able to generate its own electrical power by utilizing solar panels. And it also deploys a rainwater collection plane to collects its own water so doesn’t need electric pumps that consumes much energy. Other features include organic waste converter and automatic controller.

How to design a logo?

A logo concept is more than just an affinity for a specific character. Logos represent a company’s brand, and as a result, serious thought and consideration should be put into your logo. Before hand be sure to consider, how the logo will represent your organization and consider the thoughts that will be associated with specific images that you consider for your logo.

Does the logo embody traits that can or should be associated with your business? If your company is global, will the image transcend borders or will some of your customers find the image offensive and distasteful?

Carefully consider what traits you want for your corporate image to convey and select a logo that represents these those traits in a meaningful way.

In addition, it is important that the logo be able to:

Be Reproduced
When selecting a color scheme it is best to stick with pantone or web friendly colors for web based businesses. The cost of reproducing a logo with standard colors will be less than a logo that does not.

Be Sized
The logo should be easy to resize and therefore will appear attractive regardless of size. It is often best to use vector graphics so the design will not be compromised when resized. Logos are used in a variety of mediums and it is important that the logo will port to a variety of sizes to encompass all of your branding needs.

Timeless
A logo should have a long shelf-life. A logo is something that should not be changed too frequently. In fact many of the most recognizable logos are well aged.

Simplistic in Nature
Logo designs should not be overly elaborate. Keep the number of colors in the design to a minimum. This will be beneficial when the image is resized.

Varied Request a variety of formats to make it simpler for reproducing the logo in a variety of different mediums. If displaying a logo on the web, it is important the logo be in a compressed format to make the webpages load faster. Also, be sure to have a high resolution image for print media in order that it does not appear pixelated when printed.

Respect Trademarks
When designing the logo be sensitive to trademarked logos. Do not spend the time and energy building a brand that will ultimately cause consumer confusion. Avoid a design that may be similar to another company. The logo design should be different enough that market place confusion will not occur.

Logos will often be used to identify a corporate brand. Make sure the logo you choose represents your company in an appropriate manner

The Art of Palembang Songket

The songket-weaving is a traditional craft work. It has been known already since the Sriwijaya period. The materials utilized are usually gold and silk yarns. The original characteristics of Palembang songket can be detected by observing the motives on those textiles. According to the applied decorative motives and their designs, the motives reflects roses, chained stars, waves and bamboo-shoots. Several names of songket weaving are known as Songket Lepus, Songket Naga Berdaung, Songket Bunga jatuh, Songket Bunga Cina, Songket Bertabut, Songket janda berhias, etc.

Palembang songket sarongs are not used daily, but at certain ceremonial events only, e.g. at traditional (adapt), wedding, religious ceremonies. The songket weaving are available in the form of sarong, shawl and headcloth. In latest development songket weaving are produced for various outfits of divans, back and seat of chairs, table coats, bags etc.