World's Best - Guest Bedroom

Right now, our spare room houses everything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen, living room, bedroom or bathroom. It has a desk and a filing cabinet, some fitted cupboards that store anything and everything, Paul’s weights bench, a sofa bed for when guests crash and the laundry basket and air er. Oh, and a half-baked attempt at a gallery wall which I’m putting on pause until we move. In our next house I would really like a guest room-come-office that’s practical and pretty… and without a weights bench or laundry basket in sight.

We’ve been a bit spoilt with our current bedroom. It’s huge and drenched in light (as the front of the house is south-facing), and as we painted it in Farrow & Ball Cornforth White when we moved in (the palest of blue/grey) it has a lovely, calming feel. Paul has stated several times in the last few weeks that we are to “have our bedroom exactly the same” in our next house, a sentiment I adore him for having but don’t entirely agree with.

See, I’m really keen to go a little bit bolder with the blue. A little bit deeper, and a little bit moodier. With lots of white to still make the room feel bright and airy, and perhaps accents of gold or copper for warmth, I think a moody blue is super chic and ever-so grown up.

We inherited a brand new bathroom when we moved in to our current home, which, although modern and perfectly nice is certainly… bijou. Aka tiny. Paul and I do a wiggle/dance round each other every night to try and reach the sink when we’re brushing our teeth. I’ve never really got massive bathrooms, but I’m certainly looking forward to having a bit more space. Enough room to store towels for example, or to be able to sit and chat when one of us is in the bath. I’ve noticed a bit of a theme in the bathrooms I’ve pinned so far- I like a very clean, white look with a free-standing bath, subway tiles and a large sash window. The last feature is a tad difficult to achieve in a 1930′s semi but something to wish for nonetheless!

World's Best - House Obsessed

house this year. In this half of the year we hope. On Saturday afternoon our starter home of three and a half years opened it’s doors to prospective buyers, which means the last couple of weeks have been spent scrubbing, painting, repairing, planting and tidying. The market is moving ever so fast, and if all goes to plan we should have an offer or two by the end of today (!). FINGER CROSSED. Selling is the easy part right now; buying, it appears, is the b***h. (Anyone else on Rightmove every day at the moment?) Our house on open day.

Whereas our current two-up two-down has served us well, we’re on the hunt for our ‘family home’. Not our forever home I hasten to add. We have long term plans to move deeper in to Kent or Essex for that, but our aim for this home is to see us though our thirties, through babies and primary schools and family Christmases and a growing business (me) and a doberman called Steve (Paul). Ahem.

As such, we have grand dreams for our next home. Perhaps too grand, for our modest budget and a housing market that is rising so fast it’s threatening to price us out. Nevertheless, we will continue to dream and search, and I will continue devouring house magazines, watching Kirstie and Phil, and pinning to my Ideal Home board like my life depends on it.

So what’s on our wish list? Well, a 1930′s 3-bed semi is what we’re really after, and thankfully our local area is rife with them, being in the ‘burbs. A driveway and a reasonably-sized garden are musts as we have neither at the moment and Paul has a fancy car he likes to look lovingly at and wash regularly. (Tantrums have been thrown when I’ve dared show him houses without driveways.)

Inside is where it gets a bit more specific. I want a project, i.e. a house to do up and make our own, but a liveable project. Neither of us wants somewhere we can’t move in to straight away, although I love the idea of completely gutting a house and starting from scratch at some point in our lives. For now though, we have a busy year ahead and we really would like to be able to move straight in if we can. And now for the actual wish-list… (because the liklihood of getting *all* of these things is looking pretty slim)

Automate House, Reap The Benefits - Latest Technology

A lot has been written about the benefits of home automation system. But this is such an important and vast topic that there is always something new to discuss. Home automation is a great aspect of modern technology and it makes our homes more relaxing and stress free. As a fact of matter, most of the residences across Europe and North America are automated directly or indirectly. Following lines explain some of the most important benefits of home automation.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of home automation is the increased safety it offers to your house. This security system and the attached close circuit cameras are there to look after the home and protect it from thieves and burglars round the clock. Similarly, motion and light detectors installed in your house will detect any suspicious movement in your house and will inform you on your cell phone or other gadgets no matter wherever you are.

Another benefit of home automation system is the centralized light control. Now you can install a one control panel with keypads or dimmers in your house and control the glow or switch on or off all the lights in your home by a single click. Furthermore, many apps are also available to control your home lighting from a remote location helping you to turn lights on or off and thus saving considerably on electricity bills.
Just like the lighting, home automation also allows you to have a centralized telephone system in your abode. This setup just acts like an intercom system and allows you to communicate to people in different parts of your home especially if it is a big one. Similarly, you can also connect system to cameras to check out whom is you talking with.
You can also control each division of your home theater installed in your home with latest home automation technology. It helps you to increase the volume, vary the input or output or perform other functions with your home theater with a single button and even from other rooms of your house.
Mostly air conditioners and heating systems come with built in thermostat to control the amount of heating and cooling. A home automation system allows a home owner to go one step further by enabling him to control the heating and cooling system through local or remote control panels, smart phones, gadgets and even remote controls from any part of your house or even office.
Another great advantage of home automation is that you can control the entrance and other areas of your home through your smart phones no matter what your location is. For example, if you forgot to lock the front door while leaving your home, you can still lock it from your office. This will really protect expensive equipment in your home like costly LCDs or your favorite canvas prints from thieves and other opportunists.

Home automation is the future of every home as it provides you a peace of mind in addition with saving your time and money in the long run. This system allows you to relax back in your seat and control your home from anywhere you want without any hassle or worry.

Tips Shops - Office Remodelling

Nothing in the world is more exciting for the business owner than embarking on re-modelling or renovation project for his existing business or starting a new business venture. The amount of planning and utilization of available space is extremely important and should present the first positive introduction of the business to new clients.

The assistance offered in the design phase by Cairns builders can ensure that the final product is stylish and impressive with functional use of cabinets and clever use of light fittings to create an atmosphere that is enjoyable bur not over bearing.

The type of flooring used when doing shops and office fit outs should be able to withstand high traffic volumes and usage. The weight of certain stock or equipment can damage flooring not designed for industrial use. Using the expertise of Cairns builders to select the appropriate light fittings and the effective use of them as concealed lights in cabinets will cast low ambient light in certain areas. Attention to detail in shops and office fit outs is vital when designing or re-modelling a commercial property.

Retail or commercial re-modelling will include elements of mill work, shelving, cabinets in glass or other materials, carpentry and installation of specific fixtures. The work may also include custom designed furniture and fixtures to accommodate the business needs. The disruption, if renovation is conducted while trading, should be planned to keep noise levels down and debris as well as hazardous objects in a safe area away from the clients. Equipment used for cutting should be stored and used in a specific location
The planning should include scale drawings and even markings on the floor to create shops and office fit outs that is attractive and stylish. The main emphasis will be on functionality, easy access for clients and staff and the impression off space between displays or cabinets. Software programs available is easy to use and most of them will allow the client to design he area and move the fittings around to view the various options for space usage.

Reliability and the ability to stay within tight time constraints is of paramount importance as the cost of delays in reopening a commercial enterprise is vital to the profitability of the business. The services offered by Cairns builders should cover assistance in all aspects of business and office services required. This will include the position of data cabling and installation of computers and related equipment. Very important in most business when designing shops and office fit outs is the planning and design of security systems and access control. Security equipment includes designing the installation and position of surveillance cameras and monitors. Access control systems will include alarm systems and positioning of their components. The Cairns builders’ expert staff can design these unsightly items to blend into the overall design of the interior yet remain functional.

Restaurant owner bans gays and minorities

Patrons are boycotting a restaurant in Oklahoma after the owner refused service to gays, African Americans, Hispanics and those who are disabled. As local ABC affiliate KTRK-TV reported on Feb. 8, the restaurant owner has banned anyone he considers a “freak”.

According to the report, Gary James, owner of Gary’s Chicaros in Enid, Oklahoma, has drawn much heat after his refusal of service to anyone he dislikes, and comments he made following the reports of discrimination in which he said, “I’ve been in business 44 years, I think I can spot a freak or a f****t.”

He made it clear that he did not want “gays around” because, according to James, “any man that would compromise his own body would compromise anything.”

One has to wonder how he has stayed in business for 44 years, especially since he doesn’t hold back in discriminating against any minority group. He goes on to say, “I don’t deal with these people walking down the street with no jobs on welfare.”

James wasn’t bothered nor did he deny the allegations as more than 140 people have posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page leaving a wave of comments on James refusal to serve gays, African-Americans, Hispanics and people with disabilities. The owner said he isn’t bothered the people see him as a bigot.

“If I reached over there and slapped the sh** out of you, you should be offended. But to call someone a ‘chink’ or someone call me a bigot, that doesn’t bother me.”

Patrons are refusing to dine at the restaurant because of his treatment of those he doesn’t like and there were also claims that the restaurant’s T-shirt is offensive. According to the claims, the T-shirts threaten Muslims, Democrats and members of many minority groups. The only thing Gary James has going for him is that he is an equal opportunity bigot.

Top Interior Designers to Better Your Home

Sometimes we need a little help with our homes.  Whether we have lived in our homes for 2 months of twenty years, we all need to change things up from time to time. Our lives our ever changing and this should also be reflected in our living spaces. Changes can be simple, the purchase of a few new accessories, or perhaps a painting. But maybe a big change is due, a new paint color, some new furniture, perhaps even a remodel. Following are some very simple secrets from some well known interior designers to help you transform your living space to best reflect your style and personality.

Something almost all decorators will tell you is that rules are meant to be broken. It is more important that the decor in your home reflects your living style and your personality than any conventional rule. It is important, however, to find balance so that a home doesn’t become to stale and boring or too busy and distracting.

While each designer has his or own trick to transforming a room, they unanimously believe that a home should feel well lived in, represent the home-owners interests and passions and should never be too serious. Above this cozy library manages to do it all. This library is warm and inviting while giving us glimpses into the owner’s own life.

When decorating one’s home one tends to immediately think of the walls, followed by the furniture and then the floor, but rarely do people think of what’s overhead. This gold ceiling manages to do several things in this room. It reflects the natural light coming in from the oversized windows, it adds depth and warmth to the room, and it certainly adds a touch of whimsy.

Many people are afraid to paint their walls a bright color. Color can also be added through accessories. Lovely blankets, vases, paintings, pillows and rugs are a wonderful way to add a pop of color. Start in small increments. Perhaps add a colorful lamp, then you can add a vase, the blanket, and if you are ready try tackling larger areas. Color really does affect your mood and can make your living space a happy and energetic one.

It’s always fun to walk in to someone’s home and find the unexpected. A formal dining room with a bright colored ceiling, a white hallway and an unexpectedly colorful stairwell. A simple white bedroom may offer up a playful surprise with a fun patterned papered wall in the closet.  In the room above one’s eye is immediately drawn upward to the playful yet elegant ceiling.

Fourth Financial Executive Commits

On Tuesday, the lifeless body of Richard Talley, 57, the CEO of American Title Services was found in his Centennial, Colorado home. Talley's death was a strange one indeed.
The Denver Post reported: A coroner's spokeswoman Thursday said Talley was found in his garage by a family member who called authorities. They said Talley died from seven or eight self-inflicted wounds from a nail gun fired into his torso and head.

Prior to founding American Title Services, Talley was a financial officer at investment firm Drexel Burnham Lambert in Chicago. Over the last several years, Talley founded several businesses, including American Escrow, Clear Title, Clear Creek Financial Holdings, Swift Basin, Sumar, American Real Estate Services, and the American Alliance of Real Estate Professionals.

Talley is the fourth banking/financial executive to die by his own hands since Jan. 28. On Oct. 29, 1929, the stock market crashed, setting-off a flurry of now, infamous suicides, by newly-ruined bankers and investors. However, the crash was preceded by suicides as well.

The website, Worst Stock Market Crashes, reports:
A vice president of the Earl Radio Corporation jumped to his death from the window of a Manhattan hotel. His suicide note read, "We are broke. Last April I was worth $100,000. Today I am $24,000 in the red." But this happened in early October, weeks before the crash.