Misc
Add shade The roof slabs are made of concrete, which is a very dense material – it retains heat for a very long time and then transfers it to the indoors. The temperatures can be controlled by creating shade on the rooftop because shaded areas are cooler than the surroundings. Go for high walls or trellises along the perimeter of the roof, like in the photo here; this is an interesting way to shade the roof. Introduce design features, such as pergolas with creepers, to create shade.
Wall . Location: India Firm: S A K Designs An intriguing mix of textures come together here. The grey panelling behind the smooth blue sofa is made in MDF and has been given a special rustic coat of paint. The wooden ceiling and the rope lights all complement the rustic feel and create an arresting space
Studio Curtain Rod Corner Connector - USD 11 To navigate corners with your curtain rods, install rod connectors like these for an uninterrupted flow of curtains.
Another version of coloured concrete is the Indian Patent Stone (IPS). This flooring is laid by pouring concrete in similar-sized panels that are divided by glass or metal strips. This minimises the chance of the slabs developing cracks after hardening. Here, too, colouring agents are mixed with the topmost layer of cement. Finally, it is trowelled and polished to acquire the desired texture.
Yellow sandstone Yellow sandstone is another attractive material from Rajasthan. This naturally lustrous stone is smooth textured and hard, with high tensile strength. It is durable, resistant to weather fluctuations and does not require special maintenance. In this Bengaluru home, Khosla Associates juxtaposes the stone slabs with concrete and wooden surfaces in a single frame. The punch of yellow adds a traditional Indian touch to the contemporary setup.
Find the ideal place Sometimes there’s a perfect spot meant only for a tapestry. This floor-to-ceiling ombré wool tapestry seems to have been made for this narrow double-height wall. It looks like a painting but is much more – the dye design, complemented by the manner of its suspension (with three bamboo rods, much chicer than using metal for this particular piece), is visually stunning. The door and the bench, picking up on the orange tones, add warmth to this nearly all-white foyer.
Dress up an outdoor space Fabric wall hangings can be taken outdoors, too. A piece of Indian patchwork textile like this one is perfect for a sit-out. Everything in this patio – the wicker furniture, the Balinese-style coffee table and the orange cushions – work together to tie in the look along with the colourful Indian patchwork tapestry.
Metal tiles Burnished embossed metal tiles transform this ceiling into an expanse of scintillating light and take up much less vertical space than a false ceiling would. The subtle subdued design gives a textural lift to the room and a matching cornice serves to soften sharp edges and light shadowy corners.
Polycarbonate Polycarbonate panels framed with metal give this boundary wall gate a clean, sleek and smart look. Since polycarbonate sheets are translucent, they allow natural light to filter through but prevent passersby from seeing inside. Tip: Polycarbonate panels can be made for distinctive design applications, including being cut into different shapes, moulded into corrugated or textured forms, or printed with various colours.
Vinyl Vinyl is a type of plastic made from ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in salt). It can be moulded to any pattern, and the designs available in it are aplenty. Also, since it is both tough and a bit flexible, it is a good choice for windy, stormy regions. Vinyl is able to withstand a lot of heat, too.
Headboard : A trifold room screen – minus one panel – set on its side and painted. Voilà.
Pool shape
Winner (living room): Fabien Charuau Photography This grey-brown living room has a tranquil, soothing quality – ideal for relaxed socials and individual time.
Windows
How can we divert rainwater into the underground water table? The rainwater can be diverted into the groundwater table through recharge trenches or recharge pits. These pits filter the rainwater and are deep enough to allow the collected rainwater to reach the porous layer of soil, after which it can percolate into the underground water table. Note: The costs of installing a rainwater harvesting system within a home is less if the system is incorporated during the construction phase of the building.
Consider rain chains instead of the conventional PVC pipes for diverting water from the roof into the rain barrel or underground water tank. A rain chain is made up of a chain of rings or links strung together and some cups placed at equal intervals, like in this image. They play the role of a connector between the roof and the ground to guide the rain water. Rain chains look aesthetically pleasing and transform into an elegant water feature.
Outdoor barrel for rain water harvesting
Sliding door hinges
A traditional wood-and-glass door gets a dose of privacy with translucent glass. The beanstalk motif enlivens the space and gives just the right mix of seclusion and light.
Lacquered bifold doors ensure privacy in this bathroom and minimise the space taken up as compared to a regular full-swing door. The near-opaque glass is available in many colours and is also moisture-resistant and highly durable.
Textured glass doors like these are a clever way to distort views and create visual interest. The patterned glass obscures the view inside but lets in diffused light. I love how the texture was embossed on the molten glass and the panes framed by dark wooden panels to give a warm, fuzzy vibe.
Corner window
Plump for reflective wallcoverings If you’re opting for wallpaper for your room and want the transformed space to be light, choosing a design with a pale background will do the job. You can increase the brightening effect even more by picking a metallic finish that will make the wall shine and reflect the light.
Steel door
Use reflective surfaces Additionally, sturdy wall surfaces also make for a perfect spot for mounting reflective surfaces such as mirrors, which give a small space the illusion of depth. You can make good use of all that wall area to create an endless fluidity in the garden space.
Brights with whites
Tile the ceiling Two things that stand out in India’s design legacy are elaborate patterns and the boundless vibrancy of colour. This eye-catching living room presents just that: the brilliant colours are in the seating, but its most prominent feature is the intricately tiled ceiling tray. With a unique medallion-like pattern hosted in each tile, the overhead frame forms the room’s centrepiece.
More subdued, but just as effective, is this jali shutter that seeks to provide privacy to the living room. Delicate and dainty, it plays to the boldness of the solid wooden rafters overhead.
Tuck it into an alcove A smart choice would be to convert an alcove into your own built-in makeup station. An area close to a window maximises the use of natural daylight. A small bench or seat that can be tucked in under the vanity table will help conserve a lot of space. Since the positioning of the mirror to the source of light can affect the way you put on your makeup, invest in a small concave mirror that aids with the finishing touches.
Grill design
Chesterfield Sofa online shopping 6. Gulmohar Lane, Jaipur Who doesn’t love shopping online? This is why this brand is a great go-to solution for doing up your house while just sitting at home. Their leather furniture, beds, chairs, tables, lighting, decor accessories aside, another service that’s noteworthy is the bespoke fabric service they provide, where you can customise your chosen sofa by sending them your preferred fabric.
Pathway
Ceiling
Ceiling
Concrete Stark, dark and bold – you would love this if you find splendour in the rugged. But sure enough, concrete floors are usually polished with glossy sealers that give it a rather slick look.
4. Easy and effective decorating In this Brooklyn, US, bedroom, a dark grey wall is livened up with cut mirrors that reflect the geometric terrariums hanging from the ceiling. Talk about affordable art that doesn’t dominate.
Hide the air conditioning Another home in Victoria with a smart disguise. This time, it’s all about diverting attention away from the bulky air conditioning unit by sticking a custom-printed adhesive tree decal over the wall.
ake sure your brick stays stunning, you’ll want to seal and protect the surface to reduce the risk of disintegration over time. To keep a space feeling bright, a slight gloss finish can help your brick look lustrous, which is perfect for a slim entry or hallway space. Otherwise, a matte sealant won’t change the look of the brick but will help keep out mites and dust to help it stay beautiful longer.
Concrete also looks nice with actual stone veneer walls. It accentuates their rustic appeal
Concrete can be an economical and crafty choice in lieu of salvaged wood flooring. Stamping wet concrete with plank-like wood-grain imprints creates a lovely effect.
Use of mosaic
Roof Go for heat-resistant flooring Go for flooring materials such as wooden deck tiles or terracotta tiles that do not absorb or transfer as much heat to the lower floors and are comfortable to walk on even during the peak summers. Brands like Johnson Endura have introduced cool roof tiles that reflect most of the solar heat. These tiles work as an insulator that prevents heat from entering the top floor rooms.
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