Home inspiration with natural and artisan touch.

International Lux Magazine share an interesting article related to the home design that is a great inspiration for many people with a preference for the modern minimalist style mixed with a touch of nature and artisan elements such as special sculptures.

For more info about this theme make click HERE.

Article shared by Carlos Eduardo Feijoo.

Founder, CEO and Editor of International Lux Magazine.

For request of preparation and publication of Special Articles for recognized or emergent personalities of the fashion, art, architecture, interior design, jewelry, etc click HERE for more information.

3 healthy home projects to improve indoor environmental quality.

(BPT) - How healthy is your house? After spending more time at home due to quarantine and social distancing, many homeowners are asking themselves this question.

This has inspired an increase in home improvements that go beyond aesthetic enhancements. Homeowners want eco-friendly upgrades that improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which means improvements that support the health and wellness of the people who live in the home.

If you're curious how to improve your home's IEQ, here are three key projects to consider:

1. Hydronic radiant heating systems

Conventional forced-air systems push heated air through ductwork in the walls and ceilings. There are many drawbacks to this type of system. First, they are inefficient because hot air blows out vents and rises rather than staying lower to keep people comfortable. Second, it circulates dust, allergens and pollutants that lower the indoor air quality. Third, they can be noisy, turning on and off all day.

For a healthier home, consider hydronic radiant heating. This technology works by warming water at a heat source and circulating it through piping made of a special polymer called PEX that is installed beneath the floor. Uponor has been providing these systems in the United States longer than any other company. In fact, Uponor offers several innovative methods for installing radiant systems efficiently and effectively in any area of a home - from basements to bathrooms or even garages. For example, Uponor Fast Trak® is a simple-to-install, knobbed-mat system that adheres to a concrete slab for quick radiant tubing installation. Learn more about this unique solution at www.uponor-usa.com/radiant.

A hydronic radiant system can dramatically improve a home's IEQ. There is no fan to circulate dust, pollen and odors, so you can breathe easier. Because it's in the floor, it keeps the heat low - where you and your family actually live - without hot and cold spots. You can easily heat in zones to save money, plus, because the system is near-silent, you'll enjoy a more peaceful home.

2. Natural light and daylighting

Beautiful sun shining through a window is a welcome sight on any day. Natural light increases the comfort of a home and can have a positive psychological impact on the people who spend time there. That's why, when choosing home-improvement projects, use daylighting strategies to improve IEQ.

Daylighting is a method you can use to welcome more natural light into your home. There are many improvements that support daylighting. Adding windows strategically to brighten spaces throughout the day is a smart first step. Adding skylights to bring in light where traditional windows are not possible or logical, such as in a bathroom, also supports daylighting.

Daylighting can be controlled for comfort and privacy with shades, blinds and plants. In spaces where windows and skylights are not possible, adding reflective surfaces to the room design can provide internal lighting by maximizing the sunlight. For example, glossy tile or mirrors throughout a room can help brighten the space and align with daylighting goals.

3. Clean air and proper ventilation

Airflow is an important part of any healthy home, helping to remove contaminants and bring in fresh air. Proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew growth, removes common pollutants from appliances and other household items, improves indoor air quality and boosts IEQ.

To improve your home's ventilation, always open windows and skylights when weather and conditions allow to let in fresh air. Remember to turn on ventilation fans when bathing or showering to remove excess humidity. In addition, use fans in the kitchen to remove smoke and heat while cooking. Finally, maintain filters on items such as air purifiers, humidifiers and your HVAC system.

If you have a radiant heat system, continue to use it, as it helps to eliminate the circulation of microscopic particles that can spread germs and trigger allergy symptoms. Considering Americans spend on average 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, prioritizing indoor air quality is essential.

IEQ is getting increased attention, as people look to improve their homes and make them healthy for their families, while also boosting their bottom line at resale. These three key areas will help you create a space centered on health and well-being. For more information, visit www.uponor-usa.com.

Article shared from the website of the original publication : Brandpoint.(https://www.brandpointcontent.com)

How to keep your house warm - even in freezing temperatures.

How to keep your house warm - even in extremely cold temperatures.

(BPT) - With the early arrival of winter, the grip of cold temperatures and snowfall that landed along with it, now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and cozy all season long.

This winter, consider the strategies below to keep your house warm, even during the most frigid days of the year.

1. Help your HVAC system work more efficiently

No matter what kind of heating system you have, you can take steps to keep it working at its best.

* Schedule annual heating tune-ups

* Change the furnace filter frequently

* Make sure ductwork dampers are open

* Check air vents - are they open? Are any blocked by furniture?

* If you have a home with radiators, make sure they aren't blocked

* Avoid wild temperature swings - set your thermostat for reasonable highs and lows at night and during the day, since extremely low temps could result in freezing pipes, and your system has to work extra hard to aim for higher temps than it can handle

2. Consider upgrading your HVAC system

If you have an older system that just can't keep up or you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, consider upgrading to a new high-efficiency heating system. It may save you money and energy in the long run, while increasing your comfort level.

Thanks to advances in technology, today's HVAC equipment can provide more consistent air flow and better maintain a constant temperature in every room. In the middle of winter, all of that adds up to a more comfortable and cozy home without the enormous utility bill.

For the latest and greatest in comfort technology for your winter upgrade, consider a duct-free split system equipped with LG's newest heating technology, the compact and powerful LGRED° (Reliable to Extreme Degrees), designed for even the coldest of climates. With continuous heating capabilities down to -13° Fahrenheit, LGRED° technology provides superior heating performance that will keep you warm all winter long. This increased performance not only delivers heat when traditional HVAC systems are unable, but operates with top notch efficiency, cutting energy costs and increasing savings.

Pair this technology with sleek indoor units, like the LG Art CoolTM lineup, for comfort without sacrificing style. An added plus is that LG systems can make one or many rooms perfectly toasty without tearing up walls or altering the home's appearance.

3. Block the leaks

If you have drafts or leaks in your home, you're losing valuable heated air and letting in the cold. Start by checking doors and windows for any drafts.

* Improve your doors' weather stripping and use a draft blocker to further keep cold air out

* For windows, an insulation kit and heavy drapes can help you prevent leaks

* If you have an unused fireplace, install a fireplace plug to keep warm air from heading up the chimney

* Cover up mail slots or pet door flaps that may be leaking air, especially at night

* Close vents and shut doors to rooms that are seldom used, so more warm air can be redirected to rooms in use

* Schedule an energy audit from your energy company to identify areas for improvement

* Attic insulation is also recommended, since heat rises

4. Reverse ceiling fans

As heat does rise, ceiling fans set on low and adjusted to turn clockwise will help pull up cold air and draw down and circulate warm air that's hanging out near the ceiling.

5. Warm your floors

When heat rises, don't leave your floors out in the cold.

* If you're interested in remodeling, radiant floor heating can help warm up a room, and has become especially popular for bathrooms

* Invest in thick, plush rugs to help rooms feel warmer to your feet

Following just a few of these tips will make a big difference in helping your house feel cozy and warm, even during the most extreme cold temperatures of winter. To learn more about ways to easily improve your home's warmth this winter, visit LGHVAC.com.



Article shared from the website of the original publication : Brandpoint.(https://www.brandpointcontent.com)

Room redesign? Start with the floor.

5 trusty tips for a room redesign (Hint: Start with the floors).

(BPT) - To change the look of any room, start with the floor. A beautifully finished hardwood floor adds warmth and charm — and the range of options available for hardwood floors today can truly transform a room. With choices from soft natural to cool gray to dark charcoal you can find the perfect shade for your renovation. The floor sets the tone for the room's overall appearance.
Don't know where to start? Here are a few tips to inspire a stunning redesign.

Choose an overall look

To help with your design choices, consider the overall feel of the room. Every design element — the floor stain, finish, wall color, furnishings and accents — should work together to enhance the mood and aesthetic. Do you want a soft and floral look? Sleek and modern? Cool and airy? The color palette and sheen of your hardwood finish will become the foundation for the feeling you're trying to evoke.

Get inspired

There's no shortage of resources to inspire your room design. From art galleries and Pinterest to nature itself, look for key colors, textures or items to inspire the new room design.
Next, get inspired by flooring options. Consider the collection of five customized style options crafted with a full range of stains, sealers, treatments and finishes from Bona.

For example, the Nordic Shimmer collection combines soft, natural tones that work well with whites and blues for a peaceful, comforting environment. This look complements furnishings with simple, clean lines. The New Modern collection offers rich, vivid tones to create a sense of urban luxury, in colors from white or walnut to charcoal. This style goes well with dramatic textures like glass, stone or shiny metal, and complements colors like green, rich gray or dark plum.

Other design collections include Garden Atmosphere, Malibu Dreams and Touch of Grace. Each option provides a suggested color palette and recommendations for furnishings.

Understand the process

Research the best tools and products for refinishing your hardwood floor. The process can be seamless and pleasant, or you can be left with a dusty, smelly mess. The first stage in refinishing a hardwood floor is sanding off the old finish with very light abrasion to reveal the natural wood underneath. This requires just the right grit level of abrasive, and typically takes more than one pass, using increasingly finer grit. It’s important that the wood is not over-sanded, to avoid damage. Look for a hardwood flooring professional that offers dustless sanding. Reducing the wood dust in your home not only makes clean-up a breeze, it's also healthier for your home.

Next comes the stain (color) and possibly sealer, depending on the look you're trying to achieve. Know that you can create custom colors, so take enough time to pick your perfect shade. The stain process may take a day or two as the stain sets and dries.

Finally, pick your finish. Today's hardwood floor finishes come in a wide range of sheens and durability levels. You can choose from a flat, natural matte finish to a shiny semi-gloss, and several sheens in between. Choose a waterborne finish to keep the home healthy.

Get creative

In addition to mixing stain colors for a custom blend, you can also get creative with how you treat the floors. Consider a wire brush technique to bring out the soft grain in the wood, or a distressed or scraped process for a more rustic charm.

Let the pros do it for you

The process of refinishing hardwood floors takes a high level of skill and experience — in many ways it's an art form. To make sure it’s done well, many homeowners choose Bona Certified Craftsmen — professionals who will help you choose from a range of products designed to protect and maintain your hardwood floors. The right professional will guide you to the best stain, finish or sealer to suit your hardwood species and create the desired look. They will also take into account the room's lighting and type of finish that is optimal for your room's level of foot traffic.

Let your floor be the guide for creating a beautiful new look for one room or your entire home. With a wide array of colors and textures, the possibilities are infinite.


Article shared from the website of the original publication : Brandpoint.(https://www.brandpointcontent.com)

5 smart ideas to refresh your deck.

(BPT) - As seasons turn, your focus begins to shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio becomes your new living room — an ideal setting for memorable moments with friends and family. If you look at these spaces and long for a refresh, the time to start planning is now. You have options, and many you can do yourself with minimal effort.

To start, if you don't have a deck or patio, research materials carefully before making an investment. One prevalent building trend involves making the smart choice toward natural, environmentally friendly materials that will never end up in landfills. As such, more homeowners are choosing Real Cedar because it is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. It's low-maintenance and easy to work with, being durable yet lightweight, laying straight and taking fasteners easily. Plus, nothing looks, feels or smells quite like cedar.

To refresh your deck with style and functionality, consider these five trending outdoor-living projects:

Planter boxes: If you want to add beauty and functionality to your deck, construct planter boxes and put them in sunny spaces. From small boxes that house herb gardens to larger boxes that allow vegetables to thrive, you can have a bounty of fresh flavors right outside your door. No need for a garden plot! Planter box designs come in a variety of sizes and can be built low to the ground or at waist height for easy tending.

Outdoor sectionals: Built-in sectionals are becoming a focal point and favorite hangout spot on the deck. Perfectly set into a corner, these multi-directional couches can be built as large or small as you desire. Use Real Cedar for your project because it is pitch- and resin-free, so accepts and holds a wide variety of finishes beautifully so you can customize the look to your tastes. Finish with cushions for that decorator touch and you'll have your new favorite cozy outdoor corner.

Water features: As homeowners look to make their decks and patios a true retreat from the stress of everyday life, they want to add elements of Zen, which is why fountains and water features are becoming so popular. New decks are often built to incorporate these features, including pathways where water provides a calm ambiance. If a pond is too significant an undertaking, fountains provide a more affordable alternative that can be used in any size space.

Pergolas: These beautiful semi-shelters can be built in a number of useful configurations depending on how much shade you require, what you wish to situate beneath it (A dining set? Outdoor couches and chairs? Grilling equipment?) and whether you want to incorporate climbing plants. For complete project plans and instructions on how to make your own pergola over a weekend, visit www.realcedar.com.

Lighting: When the sun goes down that doesn't mean the fun should stop. Add lighting to extend the functionality and enjoy special moments under the stars on your deck or patio. Stair, railing and pathway lighting add a necessary safety feature, while under-table lighting and deck-post sconces provide the perfect illumination for the space without being overwhelming. For a touch of twinkle, add a few outdoor string lights in white, or for a more festive atmosphere, go for the color of your choice.

These five outdoor living ideas are sure to enhance any size deck or patio space. Make plans today so you can enjoy many seasons of fun outdoors with loved ones.




Article shared from the website of the original publication : Brandpoint.(https://www.brandpointcontent.com)