Revamp your wall with decal clocks

What if you could get the Eiffel Tower in your living room or a plant that you didn’t need to water? Decals have been on the radar for inexpensive home decor for quite some time now. However, now you can dress up your walls with decal clocks that are fun, colourful and come in different designs.

Get rid of those boring wall clocks and opt for 3D mirror clocks with Roman numerals, quaint lamp-posts, butterflies, and if you like mush, big red hearts.

These decal clocks come as DIY décor kits containing the sticker – vinyl with a matte or glossy finish – centre dial, the hour, minute and second hands and batteries. “Youngsters these days love to experiment with home décor and decal clocks let them do just that. They are colourful, functional and pocket-friendly and make for great wall accessories too.

These decals can also be customised, to add a personal touch to the designs.Many interior designers offer to customise the motifs on these decals to choose your preference. So, you can get a clock that had religious motifs of Om and Ganesha on it instead of numerals.

Tips to make your balcony into an awesome sit out

In our urban landscape every inch of space comes at a premium, so, it is no wonder that everyone is trying to squeeze out the maximum from their homes. In case you have a balcony, then why not make it into a sit out and enjoy sipping your evening cuppa.

While ideally you can plan for a sit out during the construction or moving phase by getting special tiles laid, getting the balcony floor water proof, getting electrical points fixed and if you're receiving the harsh light of the sun, perhaps even an awning. However, it is never too late to start.

Seating

Depending on the size of your balcony, choose furniture- two chairs and a table or a bench. Cane or seasoned wood is best as they can withstand the weather. If you have the luxury of space, consider a day bed or even a swing.

Plants

Plants can convert even the dreariest balcony into an appealing place. You can go with a mix of wall-mounted pots, balcony planters and pots for your foliage. Keep a mix seasonal flowers and perennials.

Accessories

With time you can add accessories to your balcony. Wind chimes, hanging plants, fairy lights, garden accessories, wall brackets etc to give the space character.

Weather proof

You can choose to weather proof your balcony by closing it with transparent glass shutters, so you enjoy the rains while you stay dry and warm on the balcony.

Privacy

If you want privacy but don't want to feel walled in, fabricate a mesh and let climbers grow on it. It can shield you from your nosey neighbour and make a pretty neat addition to your balcony.

Impact of GST on Real Estate

India’s attraction as an investment destination is surely going to grow with the implementation of GST. Touted to bring about more transparency and ease of operation in all property deals, GST will impact real estate in a big. While it is too early to predict whether GST will bring down property prices, the industrial and warehousing segment will surely benefit in the short term.

Impact on industrial and warehousing property market

This industry will most likely be the primary beneficiary of the GST since warehouses will no longer be built on the benefits of tax arbitraging but on the most efficient logistic route. Consequently, the travel time will be reduced significantly as tax checkpoints will be removed. Most logistic companies would strive to established larger warehouses on strategic transit networks, with smaller warehouses on feeder lines. Thus the cost of products would reduce and there would be one common market.

Impact on Commercial Property

The major portion of overall commercial property business is made up of commercial leasing which qualifies for service tax. After the implementation of GST, the treatment of it will remain same and leasing of commercial property will be subject to GST. The impact of GST will primarily depend on the rate.

Impact on residential property sector

In the case of residential property, it is still early days to determine whether GST will bring down residential property prices. While the sale of immovable property doesn’t seem to be impacted as they will not fall under the ambit of GST, the construction of the same will be covered, there will be some benefit only if tax credit is available for the developers for the GST paid on goods and services.

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

Decoupage to decorate your home

Practiced as early as the 12^th century, decoupage is the art of decorating any object with paper cutouts. One of the most popular do-it-yourself décor projects, decoupage is relatively easy and inexpensive and can be done on almost any surface. So here we give you the 4steps to decoupage and start decorating your home.

Step 1

Sourcing all the materials, select any object that you want to decorate, like a vase, bowl, jewelry box etc. Since this is your first time, choose something that has flatter and larger surfaces, so that you can work easily. Select the paper you want, it can be anything from old books and newspapers, to magazines, maps, gift paper etc. just make sure that the paper is not too thick.

Step 2

Cut out the papers, you can use a combination of the material and cut them in any patterns you wish. Don’t cut the edges too sharp as they might look odd.

Step 3

Prepare the base, you can use fabric or decoupage glue or opt for any white glue and mix it with equal parts water to get a thin stick mixture. Put a little of the base on the back of the cutout and stick it on the surface and then paint the base on the surface, repeat with every cutout. It doesn’t matter if your cutouts overlap; just make sure to avoid bubble and wrinkles in the paper.

Step 4

Clean off excess glue while applying to avoid smudging of the surface. Once all the cutouts are done, let it dry completely. Apply a coat of clear varnish or decoupage finish and set it out to dry. You can apply the varnish a second time if you wish, the goal here is to create the look as if the cutout is a print on the surface and it should have a slight sheen to it. 

Innovative ways to decorate your workstation

For a whole lot of us, our office is the place where we spend most of our time. So, sprucing up your cubicle is a great idea to brighten up your day at work as well as add some personality. While a lot of people have pictures pinned up and plants on their desk, we bring you some ideas that are off the beaten track.

Stone bookends: If you have books on your work desk, here's an idea. Instead of buying bookends from the shop, take two big rocks and create an attractive frame for your books. All you have to do is to simply color them in some bright colors like neon’s, golden or silver colour. This simple DIY is sure to make your bookshelf look attractive.

Hang your favourite photos: While you have pinned up pictures at your desk, its an idea that has been done to death. Instead of simply pinning them up, take a wire and tie it across the corner of your work desk. Ensure it doesn't block your monitor view, though. Then simply clip photos using cloth pins.

Use offbeat office supply storage: You have probably bought fancy tins to store your office supplies like pins, clips, among other items. But if you want to make it look different, try offbeat storage containers. You can use your old beer mugs to store pins, or use the traditional ceramic containers that your grandmothers use to store pickles and rock salt, to store office stationery.

Paint your pen holder: Want to let your creativity out? Take an old mug or bottle and paint it. Don't use big bottles or mugs, though. Look for small-sized ones and paint them. You can use interesting patterns, and can even decoupage the bottle to make for an interesting pen holder.

Frame your posters: Instead of simply pinning up posters of your favorite quotes, frame and hang them. Considering that you spend a long time at work, one does need to gaze at some inspirational quotes to be motivated every day. You get these frames online and in stationery stores. 

How to use technology for your home.

Today, technology has overtaken every single aspect of our living from how we communicate, to how we work and how we travel; technology is everywhere. From smartphones to tablets, and even smart home appliances, we need and use gadgets in every aspect.

So we bring you some cool ways to use technology to manage and live better at your home.

Lighting

While most of us still believe white LED lights are the maximum in technology, the reality is that there are a plethora of innovations in lighting. Mood-based lighting is the new It thing, many companies have launched lamps that change color on demand, while there are others which offer you bulbs which can change color through an app on your phone.

Security

Gone are the days when a security guard was the height of securing your home. Technology offers you a wide variety of choice from security cameras that support audio communication and can be configured to your phone or laptop for the live feed to smart door locks like pin code locks, fingerprint, and Bluetooth locks.

Home automation

Home automation refers to the automatic and electronic control of household features, in-home activity, and appliances. Home automation systems generally consist of hardware, electronic interfaces, electrical devices, software and more. All of these are integrated and can then be controlled from afar.

Sound Systems

Everyone has speakers in their living room or bedroom, but having one in your showers, that will set you apart. Some companies manufacture speakers that have built-in magnet that would hold the waterproof Bluetooth speaker in place. The system consists of a rechargeable battery and pairs with your phone or tablet to play music.

Some DIY Home Deodorizers

With monsoons, comes the damp and moldy smell to your home. While you might be relying on popular air fresheners to keep your home smelling nice and fresh, studies have found that these fresheners emit toxic chemicals that raise the levels of indoor air pollution to hazardous levels.

So we bring you some DIY deodorizers that are easy and serve the purpose just as well.

Baking Soda

Besides its many other uses, baking soda is great for banishing indoor stinks as well. Sprinkle it in the bathroom or kitchen or other areas that are prone to odors. You could also make a spray by mixing a few teaspoons with water and spritzing it in the air.

Cinnamon

Love the lovely scent that wafts from a bakery? Well, you can create that yummy smell at home by boiling some cinnamon or other fragrant spices from the kitchen and allowing the vapors to waft through your house.

Potpourri

Dry fragrant flowers, herbs, and leaves till they are brittle. Add six drops of your favorite essential oil to a cup of Potpourri and a fragrance binder like orris or calamus root. Store it in an airtight container till the scent infuses the mixture. Place the potpourri wherever you need bad smells to be banished.

Essential oils

Make a diffuser by using a wine bottle or ceramic bottle with a narrow neck. Fill it 1/4th with water, and a mixture of 70 parts safflower oil and 30 parts essential oil and insert bamboo skewers that will diffuse the fragrance. You could also mix some essential oil with water and spritz through the.

Keeping your home healthy

While you pay attention to your fitness and health, are you sure that your home is healthy too? To keep at bay a number of ailments, keeping your home healthy and free of germs is essential.

Slouching on the couch

While it is blissful to curl up on your couch after a long day at work, spare a though for your back, bad posture strains your spinal cord and can cause neck pain, headaches etc in the long run. Sit up and place cushions under your back or a chair in front of the couch to stretch your legs, instead.

Light is an important aspect in any home

Lighting that is too harsh can cause headaches and too dim will cause unnecessary strain to your eyes. Ensure that the lighting in your home is just right. Natural lighting is also very important. Not only will it instantly light up the room, but the ventilation that comes along is an added bonus

Keep the rugs clean

While rugs and carpets add depth to your home, they are breeding grounds for germs and mites. Clean your carpets and rugs regularly.

Bean bags and armchairs might seem very welcoming

Bean bags are ultimate for lazing around; however, spending hours on them can cause back pain. Limit your time on them or at least, take regular breaks.

Air out your rooms regularly

While air conditioners are a staple in every home, it is essential to air out your rooms regularly to avoid mold and mildew. 

Revamping your home

Your home is your haven, so every now and then it needs your attention and a little bit of a revamp to keep the spark alive. With new developments in the world of interior design every season, why should you remain behind?

Here we bring you four ways to revamp your home in style.

LIVING SPACES

Maximum amount of our time and funds are spent in dressing up our living room, after all, it is the statement we make to the world. The current trend of interiors advises the less is more approach, sleek looking, less space-occupying, consumable furniture that are perfect to lounge in. Statement pieces like dramatic arts and sculptures enliven a room. Structural changes like flooring make a tremendous difference to how your room looks.

STATEMENT FURNITURE

As pointed above, statement pieces are conversation starters. There is no need for a statement piece of art; you can try for a statement piece of furniture that makes an even bolder statement. Vintage furniture and old world pieces are the in thing right now as are low height furniture. With a huge market ranging from thrift stores to ultra luxurious brands, its wide choice that you have.

DREAM KITCHENS

Kitchens have never been more crowded or more stimulating than now. In today’s world kitchen is not just meant to be functional but also aesthetic. From appliance majors to décor specialists everyone is ramping up the look of the kitchen. A lot of dual function and space saving furniture is in the market specifically for kitchens. From foldable cabinets to extendable dining tables, it is all about efficiency. Modular kitchens are here to stay. Built-in space for kitchen appliances is a great choice. For kitchen cabinets, one should opt for hydraulic doors and drawers which are easy to operate and roll out

NICHE APPLIANCES

If you have the bucks then why not the luxury. In the realm of kitchen appliances are a whole host of appliances designed for specific and niche demands. There are 3 in 1 gas oven tandoors, air fryers, electric barbeques and ceramic hot plates to make the process of making delicious food easy and stress-free. Other appliances that are making a splash in this market are cooktop and wall oven combinations, steam ovens, wine refrigerators, freezer-on-bottom refrigerators, double and smart appliances

What is GST and what is its impact?

In the biggest tax reform since the Independence, the Goods and Services Tax Bill (GST) was finally passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. In a rare show of solidarity, Congress and the Government along with all the other parties except AIADMK voted for the GST bill.

The GST will have two components, Central GST (CGST) and the State GST (SGST) in keeping with the federal structure of our country. The GST will subsume all indirect taxes currently levied, including excise duties and service tax. It will be levied on consumption rather than production.

What is GST?

The Goods and Services Tax is an all-inclusive indirect tax on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods and services throughout India, which will replace taxes levied by the Central and State governments. At present there are a multitude of taxes like luxury tax, VAT, excise duty, central sales tax, entertainment tax and lottery taxes that are levied by central and state governments, GST will replace all these taxes.

Issues with the current system

At present the state and central government levies taxes at each level of goods manufacture or service delivery. For example, a shirt manufacturer will have to pay Excise Duty to the central government at his factory, when this product finally reaches the consumer, he will end up paying Value Added Tax (VAT). In case the shirt is exported to another state, then an Export Tax will have to be paid.

What will be GST’s Effect?

• GST will ensure that annual GDP growth goes up by 2 percentage points.
• Tax collection in the current scenario is jumbled and confusing, which poses as a big hurdle for businesses. With GST, the regime would become simpler and more convenient.
• Consumers end up paying “tax on tax” in case of goods exported to different states. With GST, no such taxation will happen.
• Tax will be collected at the point of consumption, hence all state and central taxes will be included in the final price. This transparency will ensure that government will not be able to raise taxes indiscriminately without public awareness and reaction 

Don’t let your house be gloomy this monsoon

The monsoon is here and how. .  So everywhere it is damp, cold and gloomy. So to avoid the gloominess of the monsoon, we have the following tips for you. Read on and ramp up the look of your home.

Use sheer curtains

Since the sun is making intermittent appearances, try and get as much of it as possible in your home through sheer curtains. Heavy curtains will keep light away and make your home look dark; what’s more they collect more dust and mold. On the other hand sheer curtains let in light and are easy to maintain

Bring in nature

Many plants in your garden will be at risk of dying because of excessive water, so save them and in the process brighten up your home will lots of greenery.

Use bright colors to kill the monotony

 To reduce the dullness and darkness in your home, infuse a bit of color through cushion covers, throws, vases or artwork. Try some bold, neon shades to bring the oomph into your home.

Oil diffusers and scented candles

Get rid of the musty dank smell in your home with an array of scented candles and oil diffusers. You can try different fragrances or stick to the tried and tested lemongrass, lavender and vanilla.

 Get rugs and dhurries

As we covered in our previous post, big heavy carpets in this season are more trouble than worth. So, rather than struggling with your precious wool carpets opt for lightweight cotton and nylon rugs or dhurries in bright colors to brighten up your home.

Get musical with wind chimes

Enjoy the cold breeze with a musical note. Hang a beautiful wind chime at your window or balcony and enjoy the serene sounds.

Tips to care for your carpet this monsoon

It is essential to keep your carpets clean in the monsoon as musty and damp carpets will attract bugs and bacteria in your home. We list down some methods on how to get this done.

Vacuum away the dirt

It is very vital to keep your carpet clean and free from dampness in the monsoon. Vacuuming frequently as much as twice a week, is necessary to clean dirt, mold or any other residue from the carpet.

Use doormats and rugs

Place doormats and indoor rugs strategically to ensure that visitors do not bring their muddy shoes straight to your floor carpet from the door. This will reduce the amount of mud that your carpet is exposed to. Doormats are easier to clean and dry faster as well. Use them as an alternative to protect your carpets from dust and dirt.

Pick lightweight rugs and carpet

Heavy carpets in the monsoons are not a great idea. The heavier the carpet, the harder it is to keep it clean. For monsoons, opt for lightweight carpets, which are easy to clean fuss-free. Fabrics like cottons and jute work the best for the season. You can buy carpets specifically for monsoons and roll away your heavy carpets and rugs during the monsoon.

Dry it in the sun

In case of any accidental spillage or dampness on the rug, to get rid of foul odor and moisture, it is advisable to spread the carpet in the sun to dry.

Bold new ideas for your home

Are you feeling bored with the décor of your home but don’t know what to change. Forget playing safe and try some bold new moves to change the look of your home.

Explore bold colours

Paint your living room in an unusual color. Charcoal, scarlet, burnt orange or even black is an option. However, make sure it is a color you are willing to live with. Don’t choose some dramatic color that becomes an eyesore to you as soon as it dries also make sure that the accessories and furnishings are restful and complement the bold colour.

Play with artwork

You don’t always have to hang artwork at eye level. Try some new arrangement with your art and see how your room comes alive. Place a large frame against the wall, set one on the end table, put up smaller pieces on the bookshelf and hang a piece you love on the back of the door.

Paint the floor

Forget a new rug. Just pain the floor. Stencil a design you like or use tape to section off areas and get creative. Paint with porch paint and top with a couple of coats of polyurethane to seal it. If this seems too dramatic, consider getting a piece of plain PVC flooring and painting that.

Bring home some fur

Fur spells glam, opt for a décor element and see the magic. You don’t have to go big things like a pouf, a runner for the sofa or a rug — can add a touch of classic Hollywood touch to the simplest of rooms.

Opt for high-gloss lacquer paint

Paint an old item like an end table or a sideboard in high gloss lacquer paint. The paint will add instant shimmer and shine and make piece sing.

Add memories to cabinets

Print out old family and other photographs on thick glossy photo paper and make collages on the cabinets in the kitchen. These add an inexpensive and nostalgic touch to your kitchen.

Redo the refrigerator

You can’t buy a new fridge every season, but you definitely can do it up. Nowadays you get a lot of material like magnets, variety of fabric and washi tape which you can use to create your own DIY accents for your fridge. The internet has thousand of ideas on how to dress up your refrigerator, from DIY fridge magnets to coverlets etc.