Zero Waste Home: Tips Series 1

In an era where waste management is critical and seeks attention from all corners, here are few tips to make your home a free waste zone.
Before you start:

• Ensure yourself with a reusable water bottle, a couple grocery totes, a few cloth bags and reusable jars and bottles.
• Get your 5Rs right: 

1. Refuse what you do not need
2. Reduce what you do need
3. Reuse what you consume
4. Recycle what you cannot Refuse, Reduce or Reuse
5. Rot (Compost) the rest. 

Most of the waste at home is mainly comes from kitchen. To begin with the zero-waste home tips, here are few tips for a clean kitchen.

KITCHEN

1. Welcome alternatives to disposables.
2. Swap paper towels for reusable rags, swap sandwich baggies for kitchen towels or stainless containers, drop garbage liners all together.
3. Buy in bulk or at the counter, bring reusable bags, jars (wet items such as meat, deli, fish, cheese, oil, butter) and bottles (liquids: oil, soy sauce, shampoo, conditioner).
4. Shop the farmer's market: they'll take the egg carton and the berries baskets back for reuse. Your veggies will also most likely be free of plastic and stickers.
5. Use bulk liquid Castile soap as a dish/hand cleaner, baking soda as a scrubber with a compostable cleaning brush. Purchase dishwasher detergent in bulk.
6. Reinvent your leftovers before they go bad. Go thru your recipe binder/box and only keep the recipes that can be achieved with zero waste in mind.
7. Reuse single-side printed paper for grocery shopping and errands list, use your lettuce cleaning water to water plants. 

Tips courtesy: http://zerowastehome.blogspot.in/p/tips.html

Space Saving Tips

Nothing makes you feel more cramped in your homes than clutter and confusion. Follow these tips to help you minimize the mess and tidy up your space.

1. Add shelves above doorways.

2. Banish room-darkening shadows with additional light fixtures.

3. Put glass shelves across deep-set windows.

4. Use a chest or an ottoman with storage inside as a coffee table.

5. Put low bookcases along a sofa back: they'll double as a sofa table.

6. Keep the flooring throughout a small space the same for visual continuity.

7. Line a room with a shelf high up on the wall.

8. Keep window treatments simple.

9. Run a low bookcase underneath windows.

10. Stretch your space to the outdoors by making a patio or deck comfortable and welcoming.

11. Place a large bucket for magazines next to your favourite chair.

12. Line a hallway with bookshelves.

13. Use a wicker hamper as both an end table and storage space for blankets.

14. Buy a coffee table with a drawer for remotes.

15. Carve out shallow display space between wall studs.

16. Use fewer, larger pieces of furniture and accessories to reduce visual clutter.

17. Choose sofas and chairs with plain or textured upholstery rather than vibrant prints.

18. Install shelves around a window.

19. Add window seats with lids.

20. Run shelves up to the ceiling.

21. Buy a magazine rack or stack magazines in flat-bottom baskets underneath a console or coffee table.

22. Take advantage of wasted space with corner bookcases.

23. Think monochromatic.

24. Eliminate obstructions: the further you can see into and through a space, the larger it'll seem.

25. Arrange furnishings to avoid blocking views of windows and doors.

Space Saving Furniture Ideas for your home.

Today many people in big cities like Chennai have more opportunities to have a small room rather than a big space. This limitation makes them have to be smart to choose the right furniture.

When it comes to buying furniture for home the main thing that comes to the mind is it should be of right material, color, shape and size. The search for perfect furniture is not an easy one especially when you are living in relatively small homes.

Space-saving furniture

Multifunctional furniture is what got the biggest interest nowadays because in addition to unique furniture designs, many functions are present only in one furniture. Furniture like this saves enough space to live comfortably. The main idea of all this furniture is the efficiency of space so you still have plenty of room to move freely. This practical furniture is not only highly functional but also looks very modern and stylish.

With an ever rising population, the demand for space is only going to increase with time and if there is one thing that many modern homes lack is space. In such situation space saving furniture comes to our help. Following are some of the tips to using money and space saving furniture which will be ideal for small space living. Always try to use furniture pieces that make your room look bigger. For example; instead of a bookcase if you use bookshelves it will make the room look bigger.

• Use dark floor against light colored walls and furniture. It can really make the place feel more spacious.
• Using a large mirror gives an illusion of more space.
• Use expandable dining table.
• On blue walls you can always use big arts and wall hangings to make the space look bigger.
• You can use a storage bed so that you don’t need to have a dresser.
• Always try to use striped floor this gives the room a bigger look.
• Storage furniture like an entryway bench will help to store your shoes as well as reusable bags in one place.
• Using light-colors on the countertops will also give a bigger look to the room.
• Furniture raised on legs will help to make the room look bigger as it gives a sense of light and space in the room. For example sofas and arm-chairs.
• Using furniture on wheel will also help to make the room look bigger as this furniture can be easily pushed out from the way when not in use.
• A shelves and storage that are tall but have a small footprint provide lots of space and help to look the room bigger.

Source: http://www.commonfloor.com/guide/space-saving-furniture-ideas-for-your-home-27906.html

Vijay Shanthi Boulevard : Truly class apart.

Bliss. Luxury. Happiness. Comfort. Elegance. All these can be encapsulated as 
'Vijay Shanthi Boulevard'. 

Presenting the 321 luxury apartments on OMR created to delight those who love elite living. Away from the chaos of the city, yet close to the modern facilities of urban life, these homes in Chennai is designed to delight you everyday. 

The Art: The masterpiece homes in Nungambakkam

According to K.V. Raman’s ‘The Early History of the Madras Region’, Nungambakkam features in an 11 century copper plate pertaining to Rajendra Chola. He also adds that there are mentions in epigraphs of the large Nungambakkam Lake which was alas, filled in to make way for a residential area in the early 20 century. With a proud history and magnificent landmarks Nungambakkam elates as one of the elegant areas in the residential real estate. Amongst the four prime residential areas in Chennai, three are in Nungambakkam; Wallace Gardens, Khader Nawaz Khan Road and Kothari Road. 

The areas of Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Kothari Road and Wallace Gardens are home to many western brand outlets, cafeterias and swankiest boutiques and much more for the luxury loving Chennaites. The number of art galleries in these areas contributes towards satisfying the art lovers in the city. The educational institutions, consulates, French and Russian Cultural Centers makes Nungambakkam an international hub amidst the bustling city. Being home to all these don’t take it away from the blues of nature. Hence the creator of masterpieces, Vijayshanthi Builders has launched the ultimatum of their creations in architecture, ‘THE ART’. 

Inspired by Pablo Picasso’s cubist style of painting, ‘THE ART’ is perpetually endless in aura and style. Spread across an extensive area of 51,000 sq. ft. The Art hosts 21 handpicked apartments on Kothari Road. Each apartment is spread across 5498 – 5969 sq. ft. with 4 BHK option and divided into 3 blocks.  The 10,000 sq. ft. basement includes state-of-the-art amenities like gymnasium, yoga, aerobics, massage and steam rooms, sauna room, billiards, bar lounge, mini theater, lounge, party hall, dance floor and indoor games. The facilities include two car parks per apartment, underground sump & pneumatic pressure pumps, water softening plant, access card system and video phones connected to security cabins. The true beauty of 'THE ART' lies in its everlasting design and overall outlook where function and form are in harmony.

For more details about The Art, please log on to: http://www.vijayshanthibuilders.com/ongoing-life-theart-intro.aspx. 

Top 10 Interior Design Trends for 2013

We are looking forward to fascinating interior design trends in 2013. Even though we can not anticipate how most of the projects will look, we ran across some interesting trends for this year, which we would like to share further. Here are the top 10 most talked about key tendencies in interior design for 2013:

#1. A New Relationship Between Men and Interior Design

Society is changing and its “movements” have collateral effects on all aspects of life as we know it. In developed countries, men are known to spend a lot more time at home than in the past, helping out with children and housework, as a result of the proclaimed men-women equality. In 2013, interior design will thus begin to mirror male preferences like never before.

Sober furniture details, less flashy colors and functionality over “cuteness” are just some of the features expected in a home. If you think about it- strictly from an aesthetic point of view- this situation can create a great visual balance, one that will make both partners feel at ease in their own crib.
#2. Group Dynamics

Men being more involved in interior design is not the only social trend for this year. Another interesting shift will be made from personal tastes to group tastes and from a single designer to interior design teams. Efficiency will go sky-high, as project tasks will be well managed by more than one person.

For example, when it comes to designing a room, one team member could do the planning, another could take care of the lighting effects and the third designer could take on the finishing touches. Having more people dealing with a project is a good way to share responsibilities and speed up the work process for the client.
#3. Do It Yourself (DIY) projects

Desire for self expression is more and more obvious in the houses of people everywhere. We want to have furniture and decorations that mean something, that make us smile and that ultimately make the place feel like home. Re-purposing various objects and materials is now both a passion and a form of art.

DIY projects are slowly starting to gain power in the process of interior design, whether we are talking about old chairs being revamped or new candle supports being created. Creativity is once again taken to the next level and the home owner is more than just an innocent bystander- he is now in complete control of the project’s outcome.
#4. Texture and Touch

If people did not pay much attention in the past to how a furniture object feels when touching its surface, this is probably due to the fact that functionality used to be the main sought after characteristic in a household item. Now things are much different. People are in search for “touchable” textures, which inspire warmth and comfort as a way to engage and experience a proper home atmosphere. Suede and wood are two of the materials which will define the interior design world in 2013. Variety of texture will also be a key factor in arranging spaces.
#5. Embroidery and knitting

Embroidery and knitting is a major trend for 2013. From colorful carpets with thousands of knots to various storage baskets and poof covers, handmade is back and appears it will be here for a while.

The modern twist of these items produced by hand gives them a particular charm, one that can not be obtained from any industrially produced household decoration. 

 
#6. Stripes, stripes, stripes

In 2013 social spaces will likely turn to design dynamics, in order to inspire vibrant living and energy. One of the most simple ways to achieve this effect is by employing stripes in an elegant manner. Carpets, wallpapers, upholstery, graphic art- each of these elements can wear the distinct feature of movement as long as they are defined by… stripes.

Bold red and black & white patterns are the highlight of the design themes again, only this time associated with minimalist decor complements. The idea is to make things stand out, without compromising in elegance or visual harmony.
#7. Floral patterns with a white background

Floral patterns are also back in style, only this year they come with a twist: a white background. Ensuring a very romantic touch and giving the feeling of a perpetual holiday, these stylish additions make a strong statement in a room. You can go for a variety of colors, as long as the overall result is appealing. Try new fabric covers, graphic art, wall paintings and wallpapers- the effect will be pretty strong.
#8. African influences

More and more modern homes are starting to showcase unique design themes and African influences are particularly considered dynamic and “exotic”. In 2013, African influences are said to be a major trend, bringing warm colors and animal skin imitations back into the eclectic interiors of most fashion enthusiasts. In luxury holiday villas across the globe you will likely observe wooden furniture elements decorated with carvings or wrought iron, sculptures and handmade decorations, all defined by the African style.
#9. Hand sketching and wall writing

Hand sketching and wall writing will be more and more popular this year, as graphic artists will start collaborating with interior designers in creating original wall imprints. Imagine your favorite message elegantly written in the hallway or various letters adorning the ceiling. 

 
#10. Green walls, garden rooftops

Green living will be a key factor in design and architecture this year. From mobile plant panels to framed plant screens with lighting effects, this idea can bring a fresh touch to any apartment or public space. This approach is not only healthy, but also original and elegant. The advantages of having such a green wall? Air cleaning, humidification, evaporation of the air and appreciations from visitors.

Malles to launch soon in Perumbakkam!

Malles Constructions, with a heritage of 32 years is all set to launch 478 splendid homes in Perumbakkam. The location is just 700 meters from the Medavakkam - OMR link road.

Medavakkam, which was once a remote suburb, is now the center of bustling real estate activity, chiefly exploiting its proximity to OMR – it is about 5 km from Sholinganallur.

The area features as one of the top 13 investment destinations for residential real estate in India and is expected to see a 103 per cent increase in price in the next five years. It is connected to the city through arterial roads, has ample sweet water, access to educational institutions and IT companies, and is connected to Sholinganallur and the Rajiv Gandhi IT expressway. This makes it an ideal location for the large number of IT professionals who want to buy an affordable home close to work on the IT corridor.

With a market value of about Rs. 1 crore for a 2,400 sq. ft area, Medavakkam is fast becoming a preferred destination for the middle-class, whether belonging to the salaried class or running small businesses. The area has witnessed massive changes in the last few years, says a resident who has now lived there for five years.

Not surprisingly, IT employees form the majority of residents in this booming locality, especially in areas like Jayachandran Nagar, BHEL Nagar and Perumbakkam. “Due to its easy access to IT firms, employees find it easier to live here,” says Harish of Malles Constructions. With so much happening around it, Medavakkam is slowly developing the infrastructure to provide suitable living conditions for a family, with improved access to good schools, hospitals, supermarkets and commercial establishments. A number of restaurants and shopping complexes are also springing up on the main roads. With an advantageous location that connects the south-east and south-west locations, the area is witnessing growth similar to what Velachery experienced a few years ago.

Add to all this calm, green patches and the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest, which is home to birds such as Indian Eagle Owl, Grey Partridge and Pied Kingfisher, and Medavakkam seems to offer quite a few benefits to residents. 

 

 

A home with a view!

How important is a home with an open space? 

In the current scenario where migrations of suburbs to urban spaces happens rapidly, cities like Chennai is on demand for more open spaces. The reason cited for this includes availability of fresh air, free flowing sunlight and staying close to nature. But for homes in metros like Chennai, the style of windows can make a huge difference.
Nowadays the builders in Chennai give ample preference to open spaces. For example, Urban Tree has created a 42% open area in their new homes in Porur, named 'Infinity'. These Chennai homes are blessed with 3-sided ventilation which provides ample availability of air. 

 You will be pleased to know that there are various types of windows, which can make the significant difference to the look of your house and how you feel about your house. Let us see the different types of home windows.

Jalousie windows – Also called louvers, jalousie windows were extremely popular in the mid century. These windows are basically types of glass shutter. They are made out of glass slats, which are set with the help of metal clips and can be opened or closed in unison. These windows are extremely affordable and thus, an ideal solution for closed rooms such as lounge, bedrooms and sun room.

Double hung windows – These are classic windows known to offer excellent ventilation. They are made out of outside upper sash, which slides down and inside lower sash, which slides up. The best feature of this window is that the top can be opened while the bottom remains closed. You can practically install them anywhere in the house.

Bay windows – Bay windows impart a peaceful three-dimensional feel to a house has they feature more than three sections of windows, which are joined in a curve form. The large middle section of the window is usually fixed, whereas the side windows open up in the casement style.

Awning windows – Awning windows are great solutions for bedrooms and other areas where privacy is desired. These windows comprise of a glass sheet which is hinged at the top and swings outside. The most significant feature of these windows is that they can be opened slightly as required for ventilation. As a result, they are usually installed in the form of a column above the large patio doors for airy interiors.

Picture windows – Picture windows are large fixed windows offering unobstructed and amazing view of the outside and a sense of richness and luxury to the house. These are usually ideal for locations where ventilation isn’t a major concern. Installing them high on walls of hallways and dark rooms shall bring the perfect required lighting in the room.

Source: http://www.homedit.com/different-types-of-home-windows/

Real Estate Chennai Likely To See Good Times In 2013

In distinction to what has been witnessed in several of the additional volatile cities over the previous years, Real Estate Chennai residential property market saw steady growth in terms of supply, costing and demand. Chennai's residential property market is preponderantly user driven, and this truth did plenty to sustain consistent absorption throughout 2012.

The absence of clear speculation has conjointly ensured that developer has move costing of homes in a stable and gradual manner. Unnatural spiking has thus been with success unbroken trapped. The expect interest rates to decrease over the course of 2013, and this may end in larger demand for residential property in Chennai in 2013.

Increased job security in Chennai has undoubtedly helped the market to keep up buoyancy and a positive outlook. Over the last twelve months, it became more and more evident that Real Estate Chennai market is considerably addicted to the ITES /IT sector. With working stability in this sector looking a lot higher currently than it did in 2010, demand for property in Chennai has currently reached a cushy and dependable growth direction from that developers are taking their market cues.

CONFIGURATIONS IN DEMAND

The preferred size for 3 BHK flats in Chennai has exaggerated from 1200-1300 sq. ft throughout the recession to 1400-1500 sq. ft in the revival section. The preference for 2BHK sizes has conjointly exaggerated from 850-950 sq. ft to regarding 1100-1200 sq. ft. Again, the most reason for this upgrade in preferences is raised budgets created attainable by improvement in the performance of the IT / ITES sector.

This is a welcome trend that is enabling architects, planners and developers to return up with higher quality housing units. Reasonable housing units still rule the roost in area where social infrastructure lags and capital values are thus lower.

As they expect overall demand for Residential Property in Chennai to extend once the interest rates stabilises from their current peak. There's a really healthy demand in both the first and secondary real estate Chennai markets, since offer is scarce in both owing to the severe lack of land in the city. The cost of the land has, in fact, surpassed the purchasing capability of developers and this has place pressure on their ability to return up with viable residential merchandise. Lack of supply and excessive rating are inflicting both the end users and capitalist segments to require a more in-depth check out suburbs with good infrastructure.

SUBURBAN DEMAND DRIVERS

1. Increased job security

2. Positive market sentiments

3. Attainable softening of interest rates

4. Unaffordable property rates in the central city Year 2011 saw residential property rating in Chennai moving up in a phased and rational manner, that helped in sustaining the momentum. As the costs rose by between 8 to 30% in numerous areas, however these rises happened in small compartments and in proportion to the particular sales specially locations and residential projects. The expect an identical trend to prevail in the year 2013.

Expected Cost Movement For 2013

1. City – 20%

2. NH – 5 to 8%

3. GST – 10 to 15%

4. OMR – 15 to 30 %

AREAS TO OBSERVE

1. Velachery

Velachery is seeing consistent growth, as a result of it's one amongst the few area that are seeing holistic and self-sufficient development. With malls and different social infrastructure rising, Velachery is unquestionably next in line for excellent appreciation in the real estate Chennai market. In fact, near-lying areas like Pallikarnai, Medavakkam, MMRD Road, Pallavaram-Thoriapakkam, the 200 FT. and Rajakilpakkam are already experiencing the positive fallout result of Velachery growth as a residential property destination. These areas are witnessing excellent absorption and capital appreciation. There's conjointly vital demand for residential property in Porur on the NH4 Corridor up to Urapakkam on the GST Road.

2. Madhya Kailas – Sholinagnallur

This stretch is witnessing a transparent supply-demand differ, With demand outstripping offer. With new employment being generated during this corridor and corresponding absorption of IT area, this space and its peripheries are witnessing extraordinarily healthy demand for real estate Chennai residential property. Its proximity to the city adds to the charm of this space, which can see excellent appreciation over the approaching years. Encouragingly (and in distinction to different parts of OMR) all completed projects here are absolutely occupied.

Source : http://blogs.siliconindia.com/vipinkumar/Business/Real-Estate-Chennai-likely-to-see-good-times-in-2012