Remodeling your home on a budget

Remodeling your house does not need to be expensive. And you can recreate your home in a dazzling way without expensive or 'hard' resets. Just a brush stroke here and a frill there can enliven the space. Start small but think color, nature, organic. Here are eight design alterations that can help you get started.

•  Paint the rooms in different hues to add personality to every nook and cranny. It's smart to go with blues, greens - cool colors in bedrooms to ensure a relaxed frame of mind.
• Don't abide by rules. Play with colors and styles to create an imitation of dramatic installation. Today's design mantra is to go with the heart and break rules that you've been strait jacketed into by designers and architectural books. Let your personality shine through your home.
• Use rugs and kilims, and wooden floorings where the original flooring is an eyesore. Wooden flooring is easy to install, relatively inexpensive and light to look at. It is not permanent and is an immediate facelift.
• Metallic finishes on some furniture give a luster to your space. They also last longer and look elegant. Some gold accents and accessories with a combination of matte and shiny can sparkle up a room and add a royal touch.
• Red 'pops' spell drama! The color is inherently festive and combined with a 'haldi' tinge is quintessentially Indian. Add an ottoman or a single sofa in bold red and voila, you get instant drama in your room.
• Dramatic lighting always pushes up the design ante. Japanese and Chinese paper lanterns clustered together can become show-stoppers, and they don't cost much. Lamps, floor lighting and reflected ceiling lighting features that can be moved often freshens up the look of your home. Bring your favorite big tree into your living room and dress it up with glass lanterns.

10 Fairy Tale Homes across the World

Fairy Tales usually begin in a land far far away with a beautiful castle or cottage. There is something about beautiful ,whimsical homes that add to the magic of these fairy tales. It is no wonder then. that to bring a bit of magic in our own world a few people have built homes which are truly inspired by and reflective of these fairy tale homes.

Here we bring 10 of these homes to feast your eyes on.

1.     AKEBONO KODOMO-NO-MORI PARK IN JAPAN

2.     HOBBIT HOUSE IN WALES, UK.

3.     STONE HOUSE IN PORTUGAL

4.     THE SEASHELL HOUSE IN MEXICO

5.     FOREST HOUSE IN NETHERLANDS.

6.     TEAHOUSE TETSU IN YAMANASHI, JAPAN

7.     DOME HOME IN THAILAND

8.     RUSTIC WAY WHIMSICAL HOUSE IN MINNESOTA

9.     MAISON DE SORCIÈRE AVEC CIEL D’ORAGE IN FRANCE

10. FAIRYTALE COTTAGE IN CANADA

Simple upgrades to make your home look expensive

Consider each room as a blank slate

Make note of the preexisting features in your home that you can focus on. Any architectural details like wooden beams, hardwood floors, mosaic tiles, built-in bookshelves are all worth paying attention to. Make them as prominent as possible—keep them clean, clutter free, and the focal point of the room.

Get rid of something old or unattractive

If an old piece of light fixture or furniture makes you frustrated, lose it. You don’t have to break your bank to do this- Dull walls can be painted or done up with decals, outdated fixtures can be replaced cheaply.

Stick to traditional neutral walls

If you are unsure of the paint color to use, our best advice is to stick to a neutral color. Colors like beige, gray, and yellow always look fresh and on trend. What's more, they pair well with everything. Limit bold accent colors to accessories and you'll never have to repaint an entire room because a bright color choice got to be too much.

Create DIY "built-in" structures

The key to making any piece look customized is to make it fit your home perfectly. The easiest way to do this is to extend them all the way to the ceiling. A bookshelf that spans an entire wall will almost always look more expensive than one that stands alone.

Indulge in statement pieces

Items like dining room tables, stand-out rugs, chandeliers, and sofas all have the ability to upgrade a home's sense of luxury. Identify a few key pieces that you see and use often, the ones which are visible from other rooms as well, and decide if you can splurge on it. If you decide to buy, choose colors and fabrics that are easily cleaned and not easily stained or destroyed.

Add voluminous accessories

Expensive items tend to have weight and volume to them. Avoid flimsiness at all costs: add an extra panel of curtains to your curtain rod, and look for good quality carpets and throw blankets that are great to the touch. Also, accessorize with weighty accent pieces; vases, picture frames, and ornaments should all feel like they've got something to them.

Create your own statement artwork

If your room doesn’t have a preexisting focal point, then create one using artwork. One option is to create a multi-panel piece like one picture blown up and printed onto three panels hung next to each other or a gallery-type display of frames.

Keep your home clean

Follow the rule of threes -objects look best when organized in odd numbers, especially threes and leave a liberal amount of space on your walls and surfaces. When it comes to looking luxurious, less is always more. Keep clutter out of sight, find a home for everything.

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