Tag: Europe

Art Deco Bedroom Styles

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Art Deco is still one of the most sought after design schemes especially for bedrooms. The simplistic glamour and sleekness of art deco design makes it perfect for a striking bedroom scheme. Art Deco was characterised by its bold yet simple and deliberate shapes, attractive patterns and neutral luxurious colour palette.

The Art Deco period was one of sophistication and glamour with a quiet air of extravagance and money. Glamorous with an eclectic mix of textures and designs summed up this sumptuously design forward look. The Art Deco bedroom was one that made a feature out of the bedroom no longer leaving it just for sleeping but rather a room for spending time, relaxing and luxuriating in. Moving the bedroom on from a place for your bed and to sleep in left room for the introduction of a wider range of pieces of bedroom furniture. For instance the bedroom was no longer just for a bed but there were armchairs, chaise lounges, writing desks, feature lamps, rugs and screens.

A portrayal of wealth and affluence was significant of bedroom furniture design from the Art Deco period which originated in Europe in the early part of the 20th century particularly taking precedence after the Great War and symbolising the 1920s and 1930s.

The Art Deco movement in bedroom furniture showcased the varieties of wood that could be utilised and the different look that each type gave to the overall feel of the room. Some of the most popular choices were Violet Wood, richly vibrant in colour originating from Brazil and also known as Kingwood. Ebony and Mahogany because of there striking colours and their connotative indications of affluence and expense were also popular choices for bedroom furniture in an Art Deco room.

Wood played a huge part in the Art Deco movement being shaped and formed into exquisite patterns and shapes, often combined with other pieces of furniture in a mixture of textiles such as in an armchair with a wood inlay. Another trend was the massively popular parquet flooring of the 20s and 30s which was a geometric pattern of wood giving a much sought after wood effect which is still a popular choice of flooring today.

The Art Deco bedroom colour scheme was one of two facets from the luxurious, natural colour palette of cream, monochrome, dove and gunmetal grey to strong geometric patterns and striking sunbursts. Often the richer colours were used as accents in an Art Deco bedroom with the fabric of a dressing table stool, or cushions on an armchair or bed linen being a slightly bolder more striking colour choice than the walls or larger pieces of furniture which were often wood anyway.

The Beautiful Laminate Flooring Installations In Illinois

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The laminate flooring was invented by Perstorp. The first marketing was done by this company in Europe by the name of Pergo. Valinge innovation invented glue less laminate flooring. Laminate is basically made up of melamine resin which is in turn made up of formaldehyde. As the formaldehyde is very tightly bound over here there is no emission and any damage to health. The laminate flooring installations in Illinois provides a wide range of variety.
In United States laminate floor installation service in Illinois is one of the finest, laminate flooring is also known by the name of floating wood tile. In this a multi layer synthetic product is fused together in a so called lamination process. It has mostly wood or stones along with a photographic appliqu layer covered by a protective layer. The innermost layer has melamine resin and fibber board materials. It has become very popular these days as it is very easy to install and maintain as compared with other floorings such as hardwood flooring plus its durable, cheap and hygienic.
Laminate floorings are packaged in the form of no. Of tongue and groove planks i.e. they can be easily clicked into each other. For easy installations a glue backing is also provided. Laminate floors basically float over sub floors on top of a film/foam. It provides moisture and sound reducing properties. Gap is required between the floor and any immovable object like walls which allows the flooring to expand. Saw cutting on the planks are needed on the edges, door entrances and cup boards. For a neater finish the laminate floor installers in Illinois, after the whole floor is being laid skirting boars is removed and reinstalled.
Its very important to keep the laminate clean because sand particles etc may damage the surface with time in high traffic areas. The presence of water and moisture makes the plank swell, warp etc and so the surface of the laminate should be kept relatively dry, thus water resistant coatings to be applied. To prevent scratching adhesive felt pads are used. Planks must be tapped properly using appropriate tools to avoid visible gaps which occur due to inferior glue less laminate floors. In Illinois, the laminate floor installations use joining mechanisms which holds up the planks thus prevent dust entering the gaps and thus do not require frequent tapings.
There are proper standards defined for laminate flooring materials which are used to perform testing and performance criteria of the laminates. Nalfa is the association which issues certificates after reviewing the following: static load: ability to resist residual indentation, thickness swell: ability to resist swelling after being exposed to water, light resistance: ability of the laminate to retain its color after being exposed, clean ability and stain resistance: ease of clean ability and stain resistance, large& small ball resistance: ability to resist fracture by ball, water resistance: to resist wear through the dcor layer. In Illinois laminate floor installers keep the above standards maintained.

All Weather Patio Furniture

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You may have built a great patio, or that you may have inherited an old classic, Victorian building, complete with patio gardens.

Or you may have made your mansion designed as per Spanish Andalusian one!

Whatever it may be, nothing beats a patio that has streams of water, and lush green flora and fauna around.

The sight of it, relaxes your mind, as you tire from a days work!

You might as well cork your wine bottle, or relax in evening with old friends, reminiscing those old days of vigorous youth.

Or you may have dinner with your family, and see kids or grand kids, play along in the cool gardens, and you sit back and relax, with a plush feeling of accomplishment.

Whatever, it is that you may do, you do need to a comfortable seating that may stand the test of time. But not just only time, it must be such that it can face all kinds of weather.

In short, unique wicker patio furniture for all weather, with matching designs is preferable for you.

Whether it may be harsh winters, or heavy rains, or sizzling summers, your furnitures durability will surely depend upon the kind of material of which it is made up of.

Now, there are many kinds of patio furniture that you may find in the market, but the most important thing to note is the material. As a matter of fact, the wicker material used to make such furniture should be of the most superior kind. It must stand all kinds of weather.

Along with the materials, the design of the patio furniture must match that of your own surroundings. So if you have an Italian design patio, the furniture should match the theme and must reflect the feel and look of the surroundings.

So if you have got an Italian white colored patio slabs, then white colored patio furniture is a match.

Wicker based patio furniture material, is woven into shape via bundling it. This gives it stable structure and it does not break unlike conventional furniture.

Traditionally, wooden wicker material, made from rattan wood has been the most popular material used since 1800s in Europe and elsewhere. However, synthetic wicker chairs are very popular these days. The synthetic material used is plastic, along with paper wrapped high tensile strength wire.

It can also be customized as per customer requirements. Such kind of furniture is marketed as unique wicker patio furniture for all weather. Unique would mean that customized designs are as per the clients requirements, and can match the outdoors easily. Also, the material can sustain all kinds of weather, and does not disintegrate after many years, due to high temperatures.You may have built a great patio, or that you may have inherited an old classic, Victorian building, complete with patio gardens.

Or you may have made your mansion designed as per Spanish Andalusian one!

Whatever it may be, nothing beats a patio that has streams of water, and lush green flora and fauna around.

The sight of it, relaxes your mind, as you tire from a days work!

You might as well cork your wine bottle, or relax in evening with old friends, reminiscing those old days of vigorous youth.

Or you may have dinner with your family, and see kids or grand kids, play along in the cool gardens, and you sit back and relax, with a plush feeling of accomplishment.

Whatever, it is that you may do, you do need to a comfortable seating that may stand the test of time. But not just only time, it must be such that it can face all kinds of weather.

In short, unique wicker patio furniture for all weather, with matching designs is preferable for you.

Whether it may be harsh winters, or heavy rains, or sizzling summers, your furnitures durability will surely depend upon the kind of material of which it is made up of.

Now, there are many kinds of patio furniture that you may find in the market, but the most important thing to note is the material. As a matter of fact, the wicker material used to make such furniture should be of the most superior kind. It must stand all kinds of weather.

Along with the materials, the design of the patio furniture must match that of your own surroundings. So if you have an Italian design patio, the furniture should match the theme and must reflect the feel and look of the surroundings.

So if you have got an Italian white colored patio slabs, then white colored patio furniture is a match.

Wicker based patio furniture material, is woven into shape via bundling it. This gives it stable structure and it does not break unlike conventional furniture.

Traditionally, wooden wicker material, made from rattan wood has been the most popular material used since 1800s in Europe and elsewhere. However, synthetic wicker chairs are very popular these days. The synthetic material used is plastic, along with paper wrapped high tensile strength wire.

It can also be customized as per customer requirements. Such kind of furniture is marketed as unique wicker patio furniture for all weather. Unique would mean that customized designs are as per the clients requirements, and can match the outdoors easily. Also, the material can sustain all kinds of weather, and does not disintegrate after many years, due to high temperatures.

How The Cheese Making Procces Has Changed Through The Years

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The many different types of cheeses available mean there is something to suit every taste. It is generally believed that cheese was first made in the Middle East. Legend has it that a nomadic Arab made cheese by accident when a saddlebag filled with milk fermented due to the hot sun and the galloping movement of his horse.

Early cheeses were not the solid products we eat today. They were simple curds and whey, like what Little Miss Muffet ate. The curd is the solid part while the whey is liquid.

Workmen making cheese are depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics. In ancient times, the whey was eaten immediately while the curd was salted or dried for preservation. The Roman Legion helped spread the art of cheesemaking throughout Europe and England. The monasteries and feudal estates of Europe made great improvements in cheesemaking during the Middle Ages. Many of the classic varieties of cheese enjoyed today were developed by monks. During the Renaissance, cheese decreased in popularity because it was considered unhealthy. By the nineteenth century, sentiment had changed and cheese production moved from farms to factories. No one involved in the early history of cheese could have imagined that today people would buy cheese online.

While most cheeses are mass produced today, some artisanal cheeses are still made by hand using old-fashioned techniques. When you buy cheese online, it is possible to deal directly with the people who make the cheese.

How cheese is made today

Cheese can be made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep and even buffaloes. The basic principle involved in making natural cheese is to curdle the milk so it forms into curds and whey. Contemporary cheesemaking methods stimulate the curdling process by using a starter, which is a bacterial culture that produces lactic acid, and rennet, a coagulating enzyme to speed up the separation of liquids and solids. Different bacterial cultures are used depending on the type of cheese being made.

The least sophisticated types of cheese for sale are the fresh, unripened varieties like cottage cheese. These are made by warming milk and letting it stand, treating it with a lactic starter to help the acid development and then draining the whey. The cheese is eaten fresh. This is the simplest form of cheese.

For more complex cheeses, bacterial cultures are used to lower the pH or acidify the cheese. It is important to make sure the right amount of acid is produced or the cheese’s texture will be poor. At this point, the cheese will begin to coagulate and form curds and whey. The process is enhanced by adding rennet.

The curd is then heated and cut, allowing whey to escape. The curd hardens before it is salted, shaped and pressed. Depending on the variety, the cheese will then be aged or ripened for different amounts of time. Bacteria are still growing in the cheese, resulting in flavor and texture changes.

Cheese rinds are formed during the ripening process, often naturally. The rind’s main function is protecting the interior of the cheese while allowing it to ripen harmoniously. Its presence does affect the final flavor of the cheese. Every variety of cheese for sale has gotten to market after being made through some variation of this process.

Two timeless styles for your kitchen

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Today, many kitchens feature a modern look. Things like state of the art machines, stainless steel appliances, and granite or marble counter tops are very common. But, what about people who are not into this look? What about those who are looking for something more charming, soft, and timeless? If you find yourself nodding your head in agreement, consider rustic kitchens designs or old world kitchen designs.

Rustic Kitchen Designs

Whenever people here the word “rustic,” they often think about country living: a cottage on the farm or perhaps a log cabin in the mountains. But, the truth is rustic kitchen designs can work anywhere. You can live in the city or the suburbs and still enjoy rustic appeal.

A rustic kitchen design is not a straight forward thing. It does not come in a box or as a cookie cutter form. That is, of course, one of its appeals. Rustic kitchens often allow you to display self expression, variety and true diamonds in the rough. These types of kitchens are also often more charming, calming and original than other types.

Typically, a rustic kitchen includes rustic kitchen cabinets, timeworn and antique pieces and even family heirlooms. The latter is great for those who are constantly trying to find places to display the cherished pieces handed down from generation to generation. Rustic kitchens also focus on things made from natural materials. For instance, the rustic kitchen cabinets are often made of unfinished or weathered wood. The floor may be composed of antiquated textiles, and the jars and containers may have a look of stone. People often include things like checker patterned curtains to give their kitchen the truest of rustic looks. The end result is a kitchen that you are not likely to find anywhere else; a kitchen that is welcoming, down home, and truly all your own.

Old World Kitchen Designs

The term “Old World Design” basically refers to a type of decorating that portrays the style of the Old World, particularly Europe. Often, Old World kitchen designs are kitchens that appear antiquated, yet elegant, comfortable, yet sophisticated. Old World kitchen designs can often resemble English cottages.

Some of the things that make up Old World kitchen design include rustic looks, exposed ceiling beams, Old World kitchen cabinets, fireplaces made of stone and large arched windows and doors. Old World kitchen designs also involve colors that evoke a sense of calmness, such as off white, maroon, brown, dark blue and dark green.

Overall, Old World kitchen designs have a look that is weathered, as if it has existed for a lifetime. However, this weathered look is exhibited with class and elegance, making an Old World kitchen a perfect addition to any house.

A Look At The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

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Ford brings something different to the U.S market with the C-Max Hybrid. The American automaker is generally known for its durable trucks like the F150 and efficient compact cars like the Fiesta. However, Ford is taking a risk by introducing a vehicle type that is generally not as popular in America as Europe; the wagon. What makes the C-Max different from every other wagon on the market is it’s fuel efficiency; it achieves an impressive 47 mpg overall.

One look at the C-MAX lets you know that this isn’t an ordinary car. Its design is practical with five doors while still being edgy and modern at the same time. The C-Max is a brand new model to the Ford lineup; 2013 will be the first time that it will be available to U.S buyers. Buyers are able to select from two trim levels; SE and SEL. The more expensive SEL model comes equipped with a liftgate, a rear camera, and upgraded sound system and a glass roof. Both of the trim levels are powered by a 2.0 4 cylinder and achieves 188 horsepower thanks to an electric motor that works in tandem with a traditional engine. The electric motor is powered by a 1.6 lithium ion battery that is stored in the trunk space.

Acceleration is fast and powerful despite the C-Max’s hybrid status partly due to the CVT transmission. Curb weight for the C-MAX is substantial and comes in at 3600 pounds. When it comes to speed, the C-MAX can reportedly reach 62 mph just on electric power. Mileage range is also significantly higher than that of the Prius V; the C-MAX’s main competitor. The interior is spacious with sufficient room for five adults and fine materials. Standard features include USB compatibility with most music players and Bluetooth compatibility which allows the driver to make hands free telephone calls.

Optional features include MyFordTouch, SYNC, a tailgate system, navigation, a rearview camera and a self-parallel parking feature which can come in handy for those who live in crowded cities. Cargo space stands at 24.5 cubic feet. Safety features include an air bag system, 4 wheel disc brakes, ESC, brake assist and traction control. Pricing ranges from the mid $25k range for the base model all the way to $28k for a top of the line trim level with all of the bells and whistles. The Ford C-Max hybrid would be a good choice for anyone looking for a hybrid vehicle with great mileage.

Colonial Blacksmith Information

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Although the US became independent of Britain in 1776, the countrys dependence on Britain and Europe for the goods needed to build the new country remained. For many years all the mechanical equipment the country needed was imported. With the beginning of the industrial revolution in Britain, the sophistication of the machinery began to increase and so did the cost. Whether the increased costs of this machinery was justified or just a case of a near monopoly supplier using its position to charge exorbitant process is still being debated today. Whatever the reason, the end result was that imported equipment became too expensive to be economical. But since the country needed more and more such goods, from ploughs to printing presses to cannons, the only options was to start manufacturing them domestically. Craftsmen began to make things that till then had been imported. The range of products was vast, from furniture to glass, leather goods, gunpowder to sewing needles and wagon wheels and much more.

The wealthy tended to look down on such craftsmen as being socially inferior to them and none suffered more from this than the blacksmith whose forge was hot, dirty, sweaty and full of smoke and soot. The blacksmith himself would usually be covered with the by products of his trade. And yet, the blacksmith was also the most important man in the village. His was an art that not everyone was strong enough to undertake or had the aptitude for. But every other craftsman depended on the blacksmith to provide the tools that were needs for the other crafts to develop.

The Colonial blacksmiths job revolved around creating and repairing iron tools and implements that were needed in farming, construction and engineering. From ploughs to door hinges to gears and armaments, there was no field of colonial activity where he did not play a part. Becoming a blacksmith in colonial times was not easy. Although there were no formal qualifications, a young man had to undergo a long period of apprenticeship until he had learned enough of the trade to start out on his own. A boy usually became an apprentice at the age of 14 or 15 and continue with the apprenticeship until he reached the age of 20 to 22. The apprentice lived in the forge shop and was responsible for it upkeep, cleanliness, lighting the fires each day and all the other chores. As time passed he would begin to help the master blacksmith in minor metal work and as his skills increased he would be given larger roles until such time as he was able to undertake large and complex projects on his own, at which time his apprenticeship was considered to be over.

The colonial blacksmith was part of the expansion into and settlement of the interiors of the country. As the population spread westwards, every settlement needed a blacksmith without whom the settlements would not be able to produce or repair the implements they needed to survive. As the settlements grew and more blacksmith set up shop, they diversified their trade from manufacturing the tools of survival to making items of domestic use and for decoration. Relics of colonial blacksmith work show impressive degrees of fine details and adornment.

The Great World Of Night Club Lighting

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Some of the night clubs in Europe and in America have changed themselves so much so that even their regular customers could not recognize the place, once they visited the club after the renovation exercise. All as a result of the new and latest technology in the night club lighting that has led to this transformation and a kind of revolution in the night clubs throughout the cities of Europe and America.
The world of night club lighting is made of various parts and primarily includes disco and dance floor lighting, LED ceiling and wall panels, lighting for the night club furniture and special lighting for the clubs. The night club lighting is much more vivid than ever before and therefore is instrumental in pulling more and more individuals into the clubs.
The night club furniture has additionally gone through some out-of-the-world transformations to stay in tune with the effects of the night club lights and the effects that they are producing over the crowds, that are going berserk and out of control.
Each of these elements have been at the centre of focus for long now and night club interior designers are studying them in depth to understand the psychology that is driving these transformations and the effect of the same, to better understand and develop the tomorrows night club lighting and night club furniture.
So you can expect far more vibrant, world quality fixtures, night club lighting, and furniture in the times to come, as the work is on and the research advances to more fully transform them and advance to the next stage of imagination and creation.
It is not simple to design the world quality night clubs with only night club lighting and night club furniture. There is a lot that goes into combining these elements intelligently and smartly to get the needed final results and to create that effect that can dazzle them all and keep them going all through the night.
The lights for night club are not only a source of entertainment, they are at the center of the party and are responsible for getting the customers in and keeping them in the club till late in the morning.
We know light is the source of energy and once we talk about the night club lighting, you know we need to keep the energy amounts highs, as the real source is not in sight and the party will need to last the night.

Flat roof repair

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When the roofs at Britvic Soft Drinks’ distribution centre in Norwich began to fail, a quick high performance waterproofing and repair system was necessary. Britvic turned to Acrypol, the UK’s leading manufacturer of cold applied acrylic polymer waterproof solutions and coating.

Britvic needed to repair both roofs, as they were suffering from deterioration, including holes causing water ingress to roofing joints. They didn’t want to replace the roofs and were looking for a less costly substitute. It was also critical that the distribution centre stayed operational throughout the repair process to check productivity would not be compromised.

Thanks to a comprehensive repair system supplied by Acrypol, comprising System 15 and Metal-Kote, the two roofs with a combined size of 3,759m2 now look and perform as good as new – at just a fraction of the cost of replacement. For this to be achieved, the specification of Acrypol’s System 15 and Metal-Kote proved ideal with effortless installation processes, both cold-applied over existing surfaces, causing minimum interruption to the business.

As it is appropriate for a eclectic range of applications, Metal-Kote, was specified to allow waterproofing and repairs to the metal surfaces. Metal-Kote was applied straight on to the surface after an thorough pre-application cleaning process of the roofing surfaces, including gutters and joints. It provides a 100% watertight seal that also prevents any existing rust from spreading.

1,725m2 of Metal-Kote was spray-applied to the profiled sheet metal roofing. With one application, it has dramatically enhanced and reinvigorated the tired metal roof, returning Britvic’s roof to its former glory, without the cost or trouble of a roof replacement.

System 15, which comes with Acrypol’s 15 year guarantee, was specified to deliver an unrivalled waterproofing integrity whilst offering convenience, safety and long-term performance. Taking a fraction of the time and cost of other refurbishment and replacement systems, 2,034m2 of the economical, yet highly trustworthy, acrylic waterproofing system was applied to the existing rooftop, roofing joints and 380 linear metres of guttering.

Following the application of Acrypol’s comprehensive roofing repair system, phase one in Britvic distribution centre’s renovation programme is now concluded. Starting from the top the employees of one of Europe’s biggest suppliers will have a workplace that is of the highest standard.

Was the Great Pyramid of Giza a Water Pump

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The Great Pyramid’s upper chamber was intended to be used to burn wood, and was in some ways a sort of ancient gas furnace. The Great Pyramid was not simply a shrine or temple, as many suggest. If you have been to Europe and seen the monstrous churches and cathedrals, you know that cultures will fritter time and resources building huge religious structures.

Temples are difficult to mistake for something else. Its many unique design components make the Great Pyramid impossible to mistake for a temple or house of worship.

The shafts are one example. Two point eight million stones were required to build the Great Pyramid, each weighing two tons. They are all aligned with such precision that there is not even an inch of drift. The Great Pyramid was 38 stories high with its capstone. Truly try to imagine primitive workers quarrying and placing two point eight million stones to such heights with such exacting specifications.

Now add a shaft. A shaft which must begin on the outside of the pyramid, and penetrate to the center of the pyramid. Hundreds of blocks must now hove grooves carved in them which line up with precision of less than a thousandth of an inch. Would such a feature really have been included if the structure was merely for homage to some primitive God?

Of course not.

Other features besides the shafts include the King and Queen’s Chambers, Grand Gallery, and grotto. It is hard to interpret these as having a purpose related to worship. Rather, they seem to have some mechanical purpose. Which would make sense if the Great Pyramid were a machine designed to serve some mechanical purpose.

What is that purpose?

Egypt’s prosperity depended upon the Nile, and the fertile farmland it created when it flooded surrounding plains each year. Egypt was the bread basket of the ancient world, its Nile flood plains were the ancient world’s equivalent of America’s great plains.

It has been suggested that the Great Pyramid was actually a two phase pump which raised water to a height of almost 30 stories via the shafts. Aqueducts would have then caught water, and their gradual downward slope would have transported away from the pyramid to the surrounding plains without need for further pumps. The Great Pyramid thus would have been an agricultural watering device that made the flood plains larger than normal.

This pump theory is not perfect, but the Great Pyramid’s internal design is clearly a piece of mechanical engineering meant to create some sort of machine, not a mere tomb or temple. The purpose and design of that machine will have to be figured out if we are ever to truly understand the enigmatic Great Pyramid.

Wood would have been ignited in the upper chamber, which would have consumed all the air and created a reduced or low pressure area that would have drawn water upward in accordance with Bernoulli’s principle. This chamber did not heat like gas furnaces in our homes today, but it was an isolated an enclosed chamber which had many design features of the gas furnaces in our homes. The King’s chamber and Queen’s chamber were two separate phases of a two phase pump which was the Great Pyramid.