Architecture & Web Art

Author Archive

Ever heard the phrase “work triangle?” Automaker Henry Ford actually originated the idea, organizing his factories so that workers performance a set of actions in as small a space as possible. This facilitated the mass production that helped Ford create automobiles cheaply and efficiently.

The sample principle was adapted by architects and incorporated into the most labor-intensive room in the house, the kitchen. The concept of a kitchen work triangle sets ideal spaces between the refrigerator, the food preparation area (including the sink) and the stove.

For instance, it’s not surprising that the refrigerator is the most used appliance in the home kitchen. Everyone goes there, often several times a day. Consequently most work triangles start with the right placement of the refrigerator in the kitchen. What’s more, placing the refrigerator next to the food cupboard congregates storage, which makes food preparation more efficient.

Oh, those kitchen gallery photos! Picture after picture of sparkling granite or polished ceramics tempts a homeowner into sinking big portions of the kitchen remodeling budget into one of those gorgeous styles. Trouble is, yielding to that kind of temptation may not only be expensive, but may not provide the function that the kitchen really needs.

Today modern manufacturing techniques have come up with dozens of fabulous options in worktops suitable for the kitchen space. There are still classic materials such as granite, natural stone and ceramic, but there are also new kinds of laminates, glass, stainless steel and even concrete.

Laminate:

This type of countertop is made of a base of composite fiberboard or chipboard topped with a melamine layer. Laminates are the least expensive type of worktops, both in terms of cost-per-foot and installation. Many homeowners experienced in kitchen projects can install laminate, provided they remember to use a template tool to properly install sections for the corners. Laminates resist impacts and require little maintenance; wiping with a damp cloth is often sufficient. The major drawback to laminates is its susceptibility to heat.

Purchasing the 55-year-old home that was lovingly designed by your mother and in which you spent your entire childhood sounds romantic. Having done just that, I would say look before you leap. The home decorating and remodeling aspect is not nearly as romantic as one might think.

Old houses are just that — old. There is no way around it. They are built well, but they are still old. Therefore, there is always something in the structure that gets so old, it wears out and needs replacing. Unfortunately, those expenses are usually things like the toilet or the roof which must be done but don’t necessarily equate with home decorating.

To me, home remodeling or decorating should be something that makes the house look good and the owner feel good. Plumbing and roofing are, of course, necessary but not fun like reinventing the look and feel of your home. And, they always seem to need to be done immediately and with a big punch to the pocketbook.

Are you tired of having to pick up all of your work because the table has to be set for dinner? Is accommodating art projects and homework affecting your productivity? Maybe now is the time to get serious with your business and set up your official home office.

When you start a home office project, you first need to choose a location. Find something that you can isolate from the traffic – behind a door is best, but even a side alcove of your living room cut off by furniture and defined by strategic placement of area rugs works. By defining the area, you may even also be able to write it off of your taxes in some cases, so be very deliberate with this step.

Whether you live in a warm climate where the sun shines for most of the year or your enjoyment of the outdoors is seasonal, your backyard can be an important area for entertaining guests or relaxing and spending time with the family. Where spending time outside depends on the season, a few easily stored items are all that are needed to achieve the desired look and purpose, but in those areas that enjoy long summers and mild winters, living space can be extended to include the areas outside your back door.

Home décor for the outside of the home has become increasingly popular and choices range from the standard patio sets, lounges, porch swings, picnic tables, and grills, to couches, televisions, wall hangings, and outdoor kitchens. Fountains, sculptures, plants and flowers placed in just the right spots lend an artistic flair and can reflect almost any theme you might imagine.