2
• SURFACES
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PAINTING A ROOM FOR THE
HOLIDAYS
Getting Started • •
Clear the room, gather all of your supplies, and lay out your drop cloth. Scrape off any loose paint, if needed. Remove any nails from the wall and spackle any holes or imperfections. Sand smooth. Clean the walls and trim, if needed. Dust along the baseboards, windows, and doorways with a damp cloth. Caulk along the trim, if needed. Tape off the room if you like to use painter’s tape. • •
• •
Painting the Room
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Prime. Pour your primer into a small bowl and cut in (paint the corners and edges of the room) with a brush first. If you’ll be painting the trim, you can prime it now too. Clean your brush when you’re done. Grab your roller and a roller cover, and pour your primer into a paint tray. Prime the walls. Paint. If you are painting the walls and the trim, decide which you will do first. Here, I’ll assume you’re doing the walls •
•
first. Again, cut in first with a brush and then paint the walls with a roller. Wrap your roller and paint tray in plastic and clean your brush and paint bowl while you wait for the room to dry, then do a second coat. Clean your brush, bowl, tray, roller, and roller cover (if you plan to reuse it). If you used painter’s tape, remove it as soon as the paint is dry to the touch. Wait for your paint to be completely dry before taping off again for the trim. You may want to wait a day to be sure. Apply two coats of paint to the trim, letting the paint dry in between. You can wrap your brush in plastic or clean it while you wait for the first coat to dry, then clean everything up when you’re done. Again, if you used painter’s tape, remove it as soon as the paint is dry to the touch. If the paint begins to peel, score the edge lightly with a razor. Clean up, put the room back together, and pat yourself on the back. You’re finished!
3
• Design & Decor
E D I TO R ’S
The holidays are here! It’s a wonderful time of the year filled with, good cheer, good food and beloved family and friends. But more often than not the good cheer can turn into not-so-good stress when things start to go awry. In this issue of @Home magazine, get your home in order this holiday season with great tips and inspirational ideas that will fill your home with comfort and joy..
N OT E
Turn on some festive background music, whistle while you clean, cook up a holiday feast, welcome your appreciative guests and have a great time in your own holiday home! Cheers to all our readers, advertisers and the Guardian Media team, Merry Christmas and Happy Year! Lisa Jessamy, Associate Editor Special Publications Unit
DÉCOR DIFFERENCE AT CHRISTMAS
Akiela Hope
The Christmas lights, which are strategically adorned on the pillars, blink like a heart beat to the sounds of Christmas Parang emanating from inside the home. The smell of the freshly mowed lawn still lingered in the air and the wreath that is hung on the polished solid wood door, greet visitors with the word ‘Welcome’ stretched across it. Sounds delightful? Well, these are some of the many decorations that you can see from year to year at Christmas time. While traditional looks are still popular; a lot of people are moving away from the contemporary look and are starting to create their own feel of Christmas decor. Sonia Telleria, Interior Designer of Caribbean Design Ltd, knows exactly how to change it up and add her own personality to the décor at Christmas, has provided a few tips. Decorative balls that are used on the Christmas tree can be used to decorate your table. The way it will be decorated however, remains with the homeowner preferences and choice of style. If it is possible you can cut a few branches from a pine tree and strategically place them on a mantel or sideboard with candles creating that festive mood. Believe it or not orange peels can be used to add to the aroma of the festive time. You can use the peel and bake them on a very low temperature. You do not want the peel to burn because it will dry up and lose the smell.
I N S I D E
ENTERTAINING
WITH DARREL DOOKOO PG 5-6
DESIGN FOCUS
WITH RANDALL WADDELL PG 7
GO BOLD
WITH PATTERNS AND COLOURS PG 11
SAFETY TIPS
DECORATING OUTDOORS PG 14
Another way to use oranges for aroma is by boiling them. In order for it to work the oranges has to equal the amount of water being used. For example one saucepan equals 2-3 oranges. Cut the oranges in four parts and put to boil, leave to simmer. The constant steam will generate the fragrance. If this is one of the aromas that you want to try it should be put to boil right before your guests arrive. This scent usually last longer in airconditioned homes. Burning scented candles such as cinnamon and evergreens is another simple way of getting that festive experience. Change the painting in your home and then replace them when the season is over. You can even use decorative wreaths where the paintings were instead of putting it on the door, also removing them when Christmas has passed. You can also have an area where you can place all your kids collectibles from school. The different crafts and post cards for Mother’s/Father’s day, Christmas day and other special events. Buy inexpensive fabric such as organza and use it as a cover or your mantel. You should buy basic colours that can be utilised over the years, so that it will blend with any theme you decide upon. Changing you cushion covers to something sparkly just for the season can help create that atmosphere. Put away ornaments from throughout the year and change Original designs by: Lisa Jessamy. them into Christmas ornaments.
Special Publications Unit
SPU Producer: Tracey Alonzo tracey.alonzo@guardian.co.tt Head of Design: Marketing/SPU Denise Baptiste Associate Editors: Lisa Jessamy • Halcyon Pierre Design/Layout: Sean Simon • Nicolas Spencer • Psyche Mitchell Writers: Akiela Hope • Shelton Alexis Kaelanne Jordan • Christine Dalkan • Darrel Dookoo Randall Waddell • Nadaleen Singh Contributors: Inex Consultants • Whan Tong Agencies Homework Design Studio Special Publications enquiries: spu1 @guardian.co.tt
Sales
Sales Manager: George Elias george.elias@guardian.co.tt Account Executive: Bryan Saunders Tel: 623-8870 Ext: 2702 M: 356-4331 bryan.saunders@guardian.co.tt
4
• IN THE KITCHEN
Main Course
By Chef Shelton Alexis
Apple Fried Rice • Boil and drain 4 cps Jasmine Rice then set aside and cool • Small dice carrot, celery and onion • 1cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and set aside • Wash, dry then small dice red apples and set aside (4-5) • Heat 4tb of oil in pot and sautee vegetables, add salt & pepper to tast • Return rice to pot and toss • Finally add apples and fresh chopped parsley or cilantro... Toss then serve Oven Roasted Whole Citrus Duck • Whole duck cleaned and washed then pat dry • Season with salt, smoked paprika, minced garlic, minced ginger and minced shadow beni • Marinade: 1cup of Orange juice, 1/2 cup of Hoisin Sauce, 1/2 cup of brandy or Grand Marneir, dash a liberal amount of Orange Bitters over duck. Reserve a small amount of marinade to baste duck throughout the roasting process. • Roast uncovered on 400 degrees for 1hour then reduce heat to 350 and cover with foil. Continue to bake until doneness...Depending on the size of the bird
Appetizer
Shrimp & Crab Bruschetta • 1 pound cooked small shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped (reserve 16 whole for garnish, optional) • 1 pound cooked crab meat • 2 small tomatoes, cored and chopped (1 cup) • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley • 2 tablespoon of chopped fresh shadow beni • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar • Salt and pepper • 16 slices of French bread
•Mix shrimp and crab, tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, shadow beni and parsley. Add oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Keep covered and chilled. •Prepare grill and set rack 6 inches from heat. Lightly brush one side of each piece of bread with oil. Grill bread, oiled side up, for 1 minute. Turn and grill other side until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. •Spoon a heaping tablespoon of shrimp mixture on top of oiled side of each bread slice. Garnish with whole shrimp, if desired
Drink Hot Chocolate Martini:
Photo by Zurab Katamadze
Dessert
• Your Favorite Powder Chocolate Mix • 2oz Baileys Mint Cream • 2oz Ponche Creme • 1/2 tsp of grated nutmeg • 1tb of ground cinnamon • 1tb of vanilla essence
Christmas (Warm Apple Purse with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Ganache)
Combine all ingredients in small pot and bring to slow simmer. Strain and pour into martini glass. Salt the glass with cinnamon sugar mix and garnish with fresh mint leaf and marshmallows.
White Chocolate Ganache
8 ounces (227 grams) white chocolate, cut into small pieces 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter 1 tablespoons cognac or brandy (optional)
Place the chopped chocolate in a medium sized heatproof bowl. Set aside. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. (Can also heat the cream and butter in the microwave.) Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boil-
ing cream over the chocolate and allow to stand, without stirring, for a few minutes. Stir gently (as you do not want to incorporate air into the ganache) with a spoon or whisk until smooth. If desired, add the liqueur.
• Peel and quarter granny smith apples (2-4) • Carmelize apples in melted butter (1stick) and sugar (1cup) • Add the juice of 1lemon in to the pan of carmelized mixture, 2tsp of cinnamon, 1tsp of nutmeg and zest of 1lemon • Let stand and cool • Use melted butter to brush filo dough pastry sheets • Fill one corner of the sheet and fold and brush with butter...repeat applying butter as you fold until the purse is complete • Fry or bake then let cool • Drizzle White Ganache over purse and top with powdered sugar (optional) fresh berries and mint leaf
5
• Entertaining
Outdoors? Entertaining with
Darrel Dookoo
WHY NOT... Outdoor entertaining is a great option that people seem to overlook, but the benefits derived are reward-
ing. The mere fact that you have much more space and natural God given
Beautiful Planters in assorted styles and colours
ambiance does not take much to transform a simple gathering into an awesome evening. Now that Christmas is upon us and we have that tiresome routine of "You invite me and I invite you over" consider this time using outdoors. Some people are blessed with having an outdoor kitchen or back deck which makes outdoor entertaining a breeze. If you don’t then use your garage or rent a tent and you can still achieve the same effect.
Seating This is one of the main aspects in planning your function. Make sure you have arranged seating accommodations to suit your guest list. Don’t forget extra tables for food and cutlery. If there is enough seating and tables outside there is no need for anyone to be trampling on the inside. The trick is set up tables mimicking your kitchen. One for cutlery, one for food, and one for any odds and ends that you will require. If this is done you can actually be there with your guest while entertaining and serving at the same time.
GREAT GIFT ITEMS
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continued on page 6
6
• Entertaining Entertaining with Darrel Dookoo cont’d
Decor Depending on the occasion you can incorporate coloured lights to balloons. But make sure that your tables are adorned with elegant centre pieces incorporating the same theme that you have followed when decorating the interior of your house so that there is a smooth flow from inside out.
Planning the Meal
Cutlery It’s Christmas! And anything to make the workload easier is welcomed. Go plastic disposable from cups
to plates to napkins. Of course at this time you would want to use Christmas oriented stuff. All this eliminates the hours of washing dishes.
Never try to do everything by yourself. If you insist on doing everything you might find at the end of the party you haven’t had a decent conversation with anyone. Incorporate your guest in putting things together. As your people start arriving start delegating chores. "Hi Ann-Marie, so nice of you to come! Can you please help me set the tables?" Let part of your meal be something that you are cooking outdoors, and let it be the focal point or the conversation piece of the lime. eg. Your big pot of curry duck or your BBQ chicken on the grill. Chill your drinks ahead of time. The trick is you don’t need a cooler, all you need is ice in any container and water filled to the brim. The cold water chills the drinks.
Clean up
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The Design Specialist
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Make sure you have garbage bags in strategic positions. Especially if you are using plastic cutlery. You don’t want your yard covered in white cups next morning. Again make the cleaning up process part of the lime to lighten the workload. Once it’s your good friends and family, nobody minds chipping in.
If you entertain outdoors you will notice come January your house is still spotless because you have not abused your living room or kitchen. Your friends and family had an awesome time and you didn’t even have to worry about spills on the carpet or anything expensive being broken. There was more space so that people were able to be themselves and even you could laugh. So this season consider ringing in the New Year outside.
7
• Design & Decor
"Bah, humbug!…. I’m gonna be a Scrooge this Christmas!
HOW TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR
INTERIOR WITHOUT
SPENDING A CENT!
Money is a lot harder to come by these days, many people are afraid of losing their jobs, worried about their financial future and less likely to commit to making major changes to their home interiors, but that doesn't mean we have to sit back and do nothing. We can have fun and change our interior spaces without having to spend a cent. We just need to get a little creative! Here are some ideas on how you can make your home feel like it has had a makeover without dipping into your pocket. • Shift furniture into different rooms, it's amazing how a change of environment can make a piece of furniture look completely different. • Rearrange your artwork on the walls, reposition mirrors - this helps change the light in your room and depending on where you place them, can make a
room feel larger.
• Clean your walls. I know this sounds too simple, but over time all the little knocks and bumps leave marks and the walls can look like they have just been repainted if you give them a good scrub. • Take down your curtains and clean them, they will look much brighter and look as good as new. • Talk to a good friend and see if he/she wants to exchange any home decor items for a few months until you both tire of them again. This could be an area rug, decorative pots, sculpture, artwork, vases, and cushions. Instead of storing it or throwing it away, share it! • Most local credit card companies’ offer reward points. Think
about using those to get a few new decorative items for your home? An easy way to have the feel good factor of something new without having to part with any money.
• Sort your linen cupboard and pull out the towels that never get used, it will feel like you have brand new towels for your bathroom. • The same for sheets and bedspreads. We often have more than one but forget about them stuffed down the back of the cupboard, clean out the cupboards and mix and match them in your different rooms and you have a new look! • Pack up current items in the house and swap them for things that had been put away. These could be floor standing lamps, side table lamps, a stack of vin-
tage suitcases that you didn't know what to do with, stack them and use them as a side table.
• We all have paint lying around in our store-rooms, take it out and give the outside a revamp. Use it to paint the outdoor pots a different color or perhaps paint the front door a new color, or even the mailbox. • Paint a wall and make it a feature in any room. Those are just a few ideas to get you started. I bet you will start to think of more as you go along. Being a Scrooge can be fun as well as rewarding as you can now afford to bring some comfort and joy to those more in need! Have a very Merry Christmas. HomeWork Design Studio www.homeworktt.com
8
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt December, 2011
9
• Lifestyle
AMERICAN STORES – QUALITY LIVING MADE AFFORDABLE At American Stores, we are helping to make your Christmas the best ever this year. Our 12 stores nationwide are open daily with our friendly and efficient staff waiting to serve you. Need kitchen appliances, furniture, exercise equipment, garden equipment and other household appliances, we are the place for you. We have an exquisite selection of furniture to provide both functionality and aesthetic value to your home – from living room sets to dining room sets or even bedroom collections. American Stores is a family owned business, serving the nation for 61 years. We have become a household name across the country, known for our exceptional service, quality products and welcoming atmosphere. Come in and browse any of our branches and enjoy our best prices and friendly hire purchase terms. We offer financing to suit everyone’s needs. This is in keeping with our mission statement to make quality living affordable. We also place utmost importance on you the customer – and as such we guarantee value for money and over one million in prizes for lucky shoppers this season! Contact us at 624 – 9210. Fax 624 – 7735 or email us at customerservice@americanstores.t t. Our website is www.americanstores.tt. We can also be found on Facebook/American Stores.
10
• Design and Decor
Sitting Pretty Sectional This modular seating is configured from components that include armless sofas, as well as end and corner units, ottomans, and sometimes even recliners, sleep sofas, or chaises. Its style is usually clean-lined and modern.
Knole Based on an early to mid-17thcentury sofa made for Knole, a house in Kent, England, and a classic of English country houses, this sofa has a straight, high back and angled arms that can be adjusted to open out or stand up straight (once useful for keeping out drafts). The back and arms traditionally connect with finials wrapped in cords.
Cabriole The back of this 18th-century Louis XV–style sofa curves into the arms in a continuous line. It usually has wood trim and carved wood legs that may be curved. This example is a more clean-lined take on the classic form, which would have more downswept, curvy arms.
AFFORDABLE DESIGNERS GRANITE & MARBLE AVAILABLE AT
English or Club This sofa has a slightly rounded arm set back from the front of the seat, often with a tight seat and slightly rolled back, no skirt, and low, turned legs on castors.
Hall of Elegance Ltd.
Pre Christmas Sale
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Camelback A more traditional, formal style made by Thomas Chippendale in the 18th century, the camelback sofa has a tight, serpentine back, high rolled arms, often a tight seat, and sometimes exposed legs and stretchers.
INSTALLATION • Granite & Marble Furniture • Kitchen Counter Tops • Vanity & Bathroom Counter Tops • Marble & Granite Tiles & Slabs
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A Bridgewater sofa has low, setback arms and an elegant profile. It is usually skirted and sometimes has a softly rolled back.
• Decor 11
• Fabrics and Furnishings
Go Bold
A guide on how to mix patterns and colours
1.
Mix in patterns through colour continuity. Choose
5.
Consider the colour intensity of the patterned fabric. Use similarly
different patterns that share one colour, and another that is similar to tie it all in. For this space the blue is the dominant colour and black is an accent used sporadically to tie in the colour scheme.
strong hues like warm colours together, and bright colours together. A pastel patterned fabric and warm colour patterned fabric may not go well together.
2.
Try pattern layering using different geometric shapes.
3.
om at er o w r p en n F o Sh w Od, Sa NoRoa al y o 2R
Leave visual "breathing room" between two patterns. Its best
to use a solid fabric between two different bold patterns. In this photo the white sham pillows are used as an important visual transition to the colour and patterns of the red throw pillows and duvet cover.
do
n na
Concentrate solely on geometric patterns in varying sizes.
Bring Your
Imagination to Life...
5
4.
Mix two different pattern scales. For
example a big bold floral pattern with a geometric pattern in this photo, that also matches the artwork above the headboards. Again, take note of the pillows, as a visual transition between the patterns. Choose one dominant pattern to highlight, and mix in two other patterns, giving them smaller parts, like in this bedroom setting.
Come view our exciting and stunning collection of traditional, transitional and contemporary rugs t &MFHBOU t 4PQIJTUJDBUFE t 5JNFMFTT "QQFBM
Its best to use a solid fabric between two different bold patterns.
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12
•Home History
Laventille has probably more sites of historic interest per square mile than anywhere else in Trinidad and Tobago...
Laventille Geoffrey MacLean of Citzens for Conservation With thanks to Olga Mavrogordato and Anthony de Verteuil C.S.Sp.
Laventille has probably more sites of historic interest per square mile than anywhere else in Trinidad and Tobago and one of the most important relative to the discovery of the New World. In 1792, Don Cosmo Damien Churruca, a Spanish Officer and well known as a scientific navigator, was appointed to lead the expedition to fix the longitudinal points in the New World relative to Cadiz, Spain. He arrived in Trinidad on the 21st July 1792 and with the permission of the Spanish Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon, proceeded to establish an observatory at Laventille. The observatory is situated adjacent to the Roman Catholic Church. A plaque incorrectly identifies the ancient structure as "Fort Chacon". On the 2nd January 1793, Churruca made geographical and astronomical history by observing with great precision the immersion of the third satellite of Jupiter in the disc of the moon and also that of the first satellite. From his observations he fixed, for the first time, an accurate meridian in the New World. On 28th January 1793 Churruca dismantled his observatory and sailed to Grenada and then back to Spain. On 21st October 1793 in Cadiz, Churruca accurately assimilated his observations enabling him to link the New World with the Old and fix an absolute longitude of the Observatory at Laventille. These were later confirmed by further observations at Havana, Cuba. Churruca married Dona Maria Dolores Ruiz de Apodaca, a niece of Don Sebastien de Apodaca, Admiral of the Spanish fleet which was anchored at Chaguaramas and scuttled, when General Abercrombie invaded Trinidad in 1797. Observatory Street in Laventille was named for the Churruca Observatory.
Masonic Lodge The latter acquired the name Rue Trois Chandelles from the three lamps that could be seen, and still can be seen, on meeting nights at the entrance to the lodge. When Trinidad became British, the Freemasons prospered and the old building was replaced with the present building in 1805. This would make this building one of the oldest in Port of Spain. In the early nineteenth century, lepers were confined to Laventille. In 1845 they were transferred to a Leprosarium that was prepared for them in Cocorite. The stigma of leprosy had deterred visitors and hampered the development of the area. Laventille Hill, however, was seen to be a symbol of Calgary and Catholics began making the Stations of the Cross at Laventille every Friday in Lent. Beginning at the foot of the hill, on the outskirts of Port of Spain opposite Duke Street, they climbed the steep incline and made the fourteen prescribed stops to meditate on the passion of Christ. By 1865 Stations of the Cross in brick and limestone had been erected in upper Laventille. The structures were completely re-done in 1905. The devotion of the Stations then began at Calvary Chapel near the foot of the hill, led by the Archbishop and Priests, and ended at the top of Laventille Hill where mass would be celebrated at a temporary chapel. Construction of a permanent chapel was commenced in 1865 dedicated to St. Thomas Aquinas. Considered too small for the devotions, construction of a larger chapel in wood began in 1879. In 1886 construction of a stone chapel was commenced what was to become the Church of Our Lady of Laventille.
Curruca's Observatory Fort Picton was built after the Spanish defeat by the British in 1797. Governor Thomas Picton was left with a very small garrison to hold Trinidad against the Spaniards and Republican French who belatedly realised that they had lost a strategic prize in Trinidad. Picton's problem was how to effectively defend his capital without building a multitude of forts around it and to do this he looked at the Laventille Hills overlooking Port of Spain. Impressed with the performance against them of Cape Mortella in Corsica and the resistance by its tiny thirty-eight man garrison, the British copied its design, corrupting the name to Mortello. The Martello Tower was forty feet high, commanding not only the route along the Laventille Hills, but also the vital road to the former capital St. Joseph and the town of Port of Spain. It could also command the inner harbour in support of Fort San Andres. On the upper level of what was effectively the roof, Picton mounted an 18 pounder and a 6 pounder cannon en barbette. The floor below the guns was the living quarters for the garrison as in conventional Martello Towers, while in the lower ground floor were the storerooms, magazine and water supply.
Our Lady of Laventille
Fort Picton In keeping with the idea that the major threat would come along the Laventille ridge where an enemy could bring up cannon fairly close to the position, the northwest facing wall was built of store just over six feet thick, effectively making it cannon proof. On the southern side where attackers would be below the level of the fort and cannon could not get that close, the walls were only four feet three inches thick. The Tower was built with a diameter of over thirty feet of stone, with white lime mixed with molasses and the white of eggs to provide the cement. Inside old baked bricks completed the interior, making the whole structure extremely strong. The entrance was placed on the eastern side so that the fort could be reinforced while under attacked from the south, the west or even the north. It was completed with wooden floors and was operational on the 18th November 1798. The Masonic Lodge, or the Lodge United Brothers, was the first Freemason’s Lodge established in Trinidad. Les Frères Unis was warranted by the Grand Orient of France in 1787. In 1795, Benoit Dert set up the Trinidad Lodge on the Corner of Upper Prince Street and Duncan Street.
Station of the Cross
13
• Design & Decor Trends 2012
THE GREEN
BATHROOM
Green building is not only great for the environment; it can be easy on your wallet as well. What used to be considered an expensive building option reserved for homeowners willing to sacrifice comfort and aesthetic appeal is now becoming a logical and economical choice for any lifestyle. A green-built bathroom can save money by cutting water, energy and product replacement costs. Here are some tips on how to make your bathroom friendly to the environment, as well as to your bank account.
With water shortages becoming more common, numerous companies are designing products for the home that conserve water. The efforts have centred primarily on water efficiency — ways to meet our needs using the least amount of water. One popular approach is the installation of high-efficiency toilets to replace old, water-intensive ones, which consume as much as 7 gallons per flush.
WATER SAVING FIXTURES: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets or faucet aerators, and toilets that use less water. "Also, more and more bathrooms are getting urinals, which I think is a fabulous solution to waste water," says Purdy. FLOORS: Natural linoleum, made from a blend of resins, oils, chalk and cork, is both water-resistant and eco-friendly. If you want wood flooring, bamboo and cork look great and are rapidly renewable. COUNTERTOPS AND TILES: Consider using recycled materials like glass, rubber, paper and linoleum. Durable materials like concrete are another great option for countertops--treat them right, and odds are you'll never need to replace them.
Natural elements in the home always give the space a timeless appeal. Natural materials provides a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature or an increased environmental awareness, homeowners are showing strong interest in soothing and comfortable materials, particularly in the bathroom. This is one trend to look out for in 2012.
WINDOWS: Heaters and air conditioners use a lot of energy. Strategically placed windows can help reduce costs by letting the sun in or increasing air flow.
PAINT: Use low- or no-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints to maintain indoor air quality. LIGHTING: Buy CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) or LED bulbs. Both use less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
SUSTAINABILITY: Use durable materials to save product replacement costs and reduce waste. Materials like concrete and slate are extremely durable and versatile. If you're remodelling, try to reuse as many materials as possible. WATER HEATER: According to Purdy, an instant hot water heater is the best choice, because it limits the amount of energy being used to keep water hot. Gas water heaters save more energy than electric, and can be engineered to heat both the building and the water. If your water heater is warm to the touch, it could use insulation. Pre-cut jackets or blankets are relatively cheap, and can save up to 9 per cent in water heating costs. MAINTENANCE: Clean your bathroom often, with natural cleaners. Vinegar, salt, and baking soda help fight grime and deodorize, and are not nearly as harmful when flushed down the drain as typical household cleaners. While building green can save money in the short term, living green is what really makes a difference. The most important change we can make as consumers is to our habits. Don't leave your faucet running, recycle as much as possible, and only flush the toilet when necessary. www.kohler.com
14
• House Buzz
Christine Dalkan
We don’t have snow around Christmas time locally, but we do have rain. Electricity and water aren’t good friends, so when hanging lights around your home this season, be extra careful and follow these safety tips advised by the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD) of the Ministry of Legal Affairs: • Use only outdoor lights that have been tested for safety by a recognised testing laboratory. • Check lights for bare wires and loose connections. Throw out damaged sets. Place lights on a nonflammable surface and plug in for 10 minutes to see that lights don’t melt or smoke. Shut electrical power off when replacing bulbs and while putting up the lights as well.
• Use no more than three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord. Use extension cord with a three-pronged plug approved for outdoor use. Do not use indoor extension cords outdoors. • Do not stand in water while handling electrical wiring. • Use a dry, wooden ladder when hanging lights. • Waterproof all electrical connections and keep elevated to prevent short circuit or shock. Point individual bulb sockets downward to avoid moisture buildup. • Plug outdoor electric lights into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). You can purchase a portable outdoor GFCI from an electrical supplies store. Then get a licensed electri•
•
•
•
cian to install it permanently into your household circuit. Fasten outdoor lights securely to firm supports to protect lights from wind damage. Use insulated staples to hold light strings in place. Do not use nails or tacks to do this. Do not cover lamps with decorations not supplied with the light set. The set may not be designed to handle the increased heating and can melt, leaving live parts exposed. Do not allow bulbs to touch combustible materials, such as plastics, pine needles, leaves and grass. Turn all lights off when going to bed or leaving home.
‘Do not stand in water while handling electrical wiring’
15
• Design & Decor Trends 2012
TRENDING NOW - GLASS Reflectivity and light: What’s the number one interior design trick of all times? The presence of light. Light makes a room feel larger, more comfortable, and more natural. Glass brings in light naturally to your home and it can be used to obscure, brighten, and enhance views. Windows that have mullions or expansive glass that takes advantage of picturesque views, glass is a miracle worker for reflecting light and illuminating surfaces.
GLASS FURNITURE: Tables, chairs, mirrors… the list goes on and on of glass furnishings that we use daily and love. Glass table tops in dining rooms and home offices give a sophisticated and executive styling to your interiors. Pair glass with wood, leather, and metals for an urban industrial aesthetic or use traditional and ornate lines to bring the materials together beautifully in your furniture. UNIQUE APPLICATIONS: Ever thought of installing a glass counter top in your kitchen, or a glass wall in your bathroom? Modern home interiors are starting to use glass in unique ways, than they used to. If you want to add sleek and modern details, add glass
to your wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Consider glass as a divider walls between a master bedroom area and a master bathroom. Glass block can let light through, and keep ample privacy at the same time. Try using different glass materials for all rooms in your home.
BE CREATIVE: There are very few limits with glass. Heat and cold variations are the most notable features that need to be thought of when using glass in your interiors. There is always a solution; a thicker pane of glass may need to be used in colder climates, etc… Glass has been used in minimalist areas to bring a sense of light and airiness to a space. See where it can brighten up a space in your interiors. If you want to use glass in small or large quantities, your space will benefit either way. From reflective glass mosaic tiles in the kitchen backsplash, to glass block stepping stones in your front entry, glass is here to stay. Depending on your style, grab inspiration from modern architecture and interior magazines that love to feature homes with expansive glass. Brighten your home with these tips, and see how glass can give you a whole new way to enjoy your home.
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Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt December, 2011