Design Tips

Designing your own patio is both fun and time consuming - you have lots of factors to consider, lots of materials to prepare, and lots of things to be done. But no matter how big or small your soon-to-be patio is; everything starts with a good Design plan.

So, before you start digging and buying materials for your patio, get a paper, sit down and draw a patio Design plan.

Where to begin?

Most people encounter trouble in creating a plan they like mainly because they lack the necessary skill and artistry. If you are one of them, start by getting some ideas online or from your neighbor's backyard. You can also find useful ideas on home improvement magazines and books. Most of them contain illustration, step-by-step procedure, and the list of materials needed to create the exact plan. This makes it easier for you to complete the project in case you decide to adapt a specific plan.

What are the elements that must be present to the plan?

Focal point. Focal point ranges from garden pieces such as trellises, birdbaths fountains, artificial lakes, little pool, and statues to colorful flowers and plants depending on the available space for your patio. Choose your focal point in line with the overall theme you want to achieve.

Lights. The simple yet effective way to enhance the mood and at the same time, make it livable and safe during nighttime is by installing lights around your patio. Places to install your lights are ceilings, trees, and patio covers, steps, walkways, plant bed, and at the focal point. Also install lights at strategic areas where it can cast shadows for more dramatic effect.

Cover. There are different options to cover your patio. Some covers are better for rain while some are better for shade. Other patio covers protect you from both rain and direct sunlight. Choose one depending on your necessity.

Furniture. Select the furniture for your patio depending on the available space and the how the space will be used. Your patio Design plan should include where the furniture will be placed on the area.

Now that you know how to make your own plan, you can already begin your project. Good luck!

For patio Design ideas, visit Designs101.com/">http://www.patioDesigns101.com

// posted by gng @ 4:25 PM 0 comments

Location of facilities

Unless you are planning a huge bathroom renovation, most often you are limited to the current placement of the bath, shower, sinks and toilets; although with careful planning certain items can be re-arranged. Also consider the placement of clothes hampers, towel rods, and other easy-to-move items. Are they in the most suitable place for their use? Or do you have to make three or more steps from the point where you will most likely to use them in order to reach them. Making a few quick changes can improve the functionality of a bathroom a great deal.

Colour

Many older bathrooms have interesting wall paper usage or paint effects from previous owners that are nothing short of an eyesore. Like the bedroom, the bathroom serves as a sanctuary for its owners when they want to relax in a bath so colour is just as important here. Pick a light, airy colour that wont overwhelm and seem to suffocate its users. Additionally, older bathtubs were often moulded in interesting colours such as green or aubergine. Modern bathtub moulds can often be slipped directly over existing bathtubs to get rid of the old color without making a major renovation.

Storage

Just like any other part of the house, the bathroom requires adequate storage, especially for unmentionable items. There are varying types of cabinets available from home improvement retailers that will accommodate almost any need and many include more than enough space for even the most devoted of pack-rats. These usually install with just a few screws in the wall, but if you need help, dont be afraid to ask a professional.

Light

A well Designed bathroom always centres on proper light, but many bathrooms do not come with windows. To make up for this Design flaw of the house, consider white, natural light-mimicking bulbs and careful placement of mirrors on the wall. This tactic can also help tremendously in making smaller bathrooms appear larger and much less cramped.

Accessories

Keep accessories and knick-knacks to a minimum. Sure that dressy shower curtain looks great with those rugs, but when paired with the toilet seat cover and the matching drapes, your bathroom can quickly seem claustrophobic with all the matching colors, especially if you are limited on size. Two or three dressings are all you probably need to make the accent that you want without going overboard.

Vision House Software develops specialist 3D CAD Visualisation and Illustration software tools for Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom planning. The software's popularity has grown enormously since the first version was developed in 1999 and it is now widely recognized within the KBB, CAD development and interior Design industry.

// posted by gng @ 8:00 AM 0 comments