Architecture and design in a nutshell
Is a round or square table better? When to choose them?
If you are looking for the perfect table you need to have meals with family and friends, you need to evaluate three elements: the size and shape of the environment in which it is to be placed and your personal tastes. If the kitchen is spacious, you can afford the luxury of choosing a round table, more bulky but larger and more welcoming. In this case, those who sit down will have the opportunity to talk face to face regardless of the position they occupy. In addition, the rounded shape is very safe thanks to the absence of the corners of the square solution. The latter is very practical and suitable for small to medium-sized environments, thanks to the possibility of the table being placed against the wall. In the event that guests are welcomed for dinner, the table can be moved from the wall and possibly extended if the chosen solution provides for it. If the round table takes up a larger volume, the square one usually has a structure with four legs that can get in the way and be uncomfortable for free access to the seat.
Is a kitchenette better or a traditional kitchen?
There is no doubt about it: the choice between kitchenette and extended kitchen depends on the type of environment chosen for your living area and its size. If you opt for an open space, we will usually find an entrance to the living room with an integrated cooking area in the same environment. The advantage of this type of solution consists in the optimization of space and in the pleasant aesthetic result, however it incurs the annoying diffusion of smells and vapors from the kitchen in the living room. In order to counter this problem, it is necessary to use hoods and suitable suction systems capable of at least partially solving the problem. The alternative is to separate the kitchen from the living room and in this way to be able to choose a larger and more complete one with appliances and table. This type of choice constitutes a more traditional solution which, on the one hand, returns less fluid and contemporary environments, on the other ensures a more correct functional division ensuring order and privacy. The advice is to opt for one or the other of the two possibilities, choosing according to your lifestyle: if you have lunch and dinner at home, you love culinary art and want to have a super-equipped kitchen. then there is no doubt, opt for traditional cuisine.
The kitchen top: which one to choose?
When choosing the kitchen that best meets your needs, it is important to consider all the elements that make it up and not least the materials. The latter must resist wear and ensure easy maintenance; in this regard it is essential to choose the right one for the kitchen top. Since it is the work surface and therefore the most used area, it is important to choose consciously: a refined aesthetic result will be discounted with careful and more demanding maintenance. On the market, you can choose from a wide range of materials ranging from natural ones, which are more valuable and more demanding to maintain, to synthetic ones, which are cheaper but with a less refined aesthetic. Among the former there are stones (quartz, granite, marble) resistant, precious, elegant and with a medium-high cost, among the latter the most common are the laminates, very versatile thanks to the numerous applied effects, water-repellent, durable and with price accessible to all. To these materials are added the ceramics that are able to restore a traditional and highly customizable aesthetic thanks to the numerous textures and graphics available on the market. Furthermore, from the point of view of maintenance, they do not require excessive effort since they are washable with common hygiene products. Finally, for a modern result and an industrial style, the stainless steel top is perfect, the most durable of all and resistant to shocks but less scratches.
Corner sofa or linear sofa?
One of the most coveted pieces of furniture used by Italians is the sofa. From generous or contained dimensions, depending on the space available, the basic rule is that it is comfortable and designed according to the dictates of ergonomics. There are numerous solutions on the market that can meet the most diverse needs: with two or three seats, linear or corner, with different materials and colors. In order to make the best choice, first you need to take the measurements of the room in which you want to insert the sofa and, depending on the space availability, opt for a double or triple seat. At a later stage, the type will be chosen: the linear sofa is particularly recommended if you have a free continuous wall. Once against the wall, coordinating a coffee table and a beautiful rug will be child's play. Furthermore, this typology occupies a limited space and is flexible as it can change position or be destined to a new environment depending on the contingency. If, on the other hand, the room is square and large enough, the corner solution will be the most suitable. In this way, two contiguous walls are furnished with balance and the coffee table will be housed in the central space that is recreated between the two portions of the sofa. Finally, it should be pointed out that the introduction of modular modules has given the possibility to devise the solution that best suits specific spaces and needs. This is how the backrests, armrests, seats and footrest poufs can be chosen in different colors, fabrics and leathers. The corner solution is suitable for large families as it reaches generous dimensions and is very comfortable but is less flexible and adaptable than the linear one. A contemporary variant of the corner sofa is the linear one with side peninsula which is made up of a contained volume and at the same time ensures the comfort of the larger sofas on which you can lie down.
Classic wardrobe or walk-in closet?
In recent times, the walk-in closet has become one of the most popular must-haves within living spaces, but what are the advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional night solutions that include the classic wardrobe? Given that it is possible to insert the walk-in closet in the house only and exclusively if you have the necessary space (2sqm is enough for a basic walk-in closet), this solution is advantageous for several reasons. First of all, it keeps order better and allows you to find the desired dress or accessory in a short time. Furthermore, it is able to maximize the space available: the internal shelves can be mounted at full height so as to accommodate countless garments, which is not possible in a wardrobe with fixed and pre-established dimensions. However, the cabinet allows easier maintenance since it can be cleaned more easily from dust and everything stored inside is protected by it as it is closed thanks to the door systems. The two solutions have both pros and cons, the advice is to start from the size and if you have the possibility, prepare a walk-in closet in order to gain the useful space in the bedroom normally occupied by the wardrobe space.
En-suite bathroom: advantages of this solution
In modern homes or older ones that have been refurbished, there is an increasingly widespread tendency to implement a private master bathroom inside the bedroom to which members outside the home do not have access. It is a smart choice as it guarantees comfort and privacy; of course this is done only and exclusively if the apartment is equipped with a main bathroom that can also be used by house guests. This choice allows a freer and easier use of the services in the case of families with more than two people and is very convenient if you want to have both the bathtub and the shower, inserted in the first and second bathroom respectively. In addition, as regards the second bathroom, you are free from natural ventilation constraints and therefore even if it is preferable that it has an opening it is not mandatory. In this case, however, the bathroom must be equipped with a forced ventilation system for air exchange. Last but not least, the inclusion of a second bathroom increases the value of the property which would be more profitable in case of future sale.
Round bed: advantages and disadvantages
Since it constitutes the most intimate nucleus of the house, the sleeping area must respond to the needs of the users and their personal tastes. In aesthetic terms, one of the most coveted solutions is characterized by the circular double bed, very welcoming and extravagant in appearance. One of the major constraints for the use of this solution is represented by the space available in the bedroom. It is certainly a very bulky piece of furniture that requires free space around it. Another non-negligible drawback can be represented by the difficulty in finding sheets and bedspreads suitable for round beds on the market, despite today's e-commerce also offering this type of product. Last but not least, you need to consider the budget you have available: circular beds and related linen have a higher cost than traditional ones.
If there are many obstacles in choosing a rounded bed, it is also true that for those who take this risk, there are some advantages. First of all the refined and elegant aesthetic restitution: the round bed furnishes the environment giving it a strong personality. Another positive factor is the comfort as this solution ensures a peaceful sleep on large mattresses. Finally, maintenance is simple and quicker, in fact, thanks to the large space around this type of bed, it will be easier to change the linen without obstacles and furnishings.
What type of staircase to choose for your duplex?
If you decide to buy a property spread over two or more floors, it is necessary to analyze what will be the connecting elements between one level and the other, i.e. the internal stairs. Even if a renovation is planned with the inclusion of a mezzanine or the exploitation of an attic, it is important to evaluate this aspect. On the market there are countless alternatives to choose from but it is essential to do it in a conscious way: space, slope and safety are the first elements to always keep in mind. In fact, all types of stairs have a considerable size, which varies according to the type chosen; they range from the space-saving spiral ones to the traditional linear ones up to the open types capable of returning scenographic effects. The first step to be faced for the construction of an internal staircase is to consult and faithfully follow the Municipal Building Regulations. The latter establishes the width of the ramp (80 cm), the tread (30 cm) and the rise (15 cm) of each single step and the safety regulations regarding the railings and the handrail. Then, depending on the space available, you need to choose the type of staircase that best suits the environment. The most used are the linear ones with one or more ramps that are easily installed in the presence of a wall to which they can be anchored and a lot of space. Otherwise, in confined spaces or if you want to place the staircase in the center of the room, the best solution is the spiral type. In the presence of a mezzanine, on the other hand, you usually opt for a service ladder with rungs. As for the materials used, they range from the classic masonry to the wood and metal of the supporting structure. The treads may vary according to personal taste and the style adopted in the environment: tempered glass, wood and brushed steel. The same goes for the railings which sometimes constitute a decorative element with a strong personality for the entire room. In any case, whatever the aesthetic choice, the staircase must guarantee comfort and safety to the user since it is an element that is an integral part of the home environments.
Indoor flooring: which ones to choose?
When renovating a home, one of the most important elements to take into consideration is the choice of finishes whereby finishes are intended plasters, wall coverings, fixtures and flooring. The latter must be chosen according to the internal environment, considering the relative intended use of the same. In fact, every single material used to cover the floors of the rooms of the house offers specific technical performances and is able to give a different aesthetic restitution. Naturally, the living area and in particular the kitchen area, will require a resistant and water-repellent surface, able to be preserved over time despite continuous stress. In this regard, the most suitable materials are stoneware and ceramic but lately parquet has received more and more consensus, capable of restoring a modern and welcoming appearance only as long as it has been suitably treated to resist humidity and wear. . The same goes for bathrooms, whether they are master or service, it doesn't matter, what you need is to choose a material resistant to water and stress. The advantage of choosing stoneware is that it is able to reproduce the effect of the most varied materials such as wood and stone, combining aesthetic taste with absolute durability.
Otherwise, as regards the sleeping area, being a more private area of the house and reserved for those who live there, it will be less subject to external agents and therefore can accommodate parquet floors or more delicate and valuable materials. The use of wood in flooring ensures numerous advantages: priceless comfort, warmth, sound insulation and very valuable aesthetic results. Of course, it should be noted that this choice implies careful maintenance over time. From a chromatic point of view, it is well known that light shades help to brighten and enlarge rooms, while dark ones give a strong personality and charm to the whole; the choice varies according to the taste and needs of those who live in the house every day. Finally, the format of tiles and strips can vary from 10 cm to 60 cm and beyond, it is necessary to decide according to the surface measure available.
Guide to the chromatic choice of home environments
It is widely believed that the house is the mirror of the personality of those who live in it and the choice of finishes and colors is closely linked to this principle. Although there is great freedom in preferring dark colors rather than light ones, warm rather than cold, there are some basic rules that should be followed to obtain environments that are as livable and comfortable as possible. Similarly to the materials used, the coloring of walls and floors depends a lot on the intended use of the individual environment. According to chromotherapy, or the psychology of color, some tones would be more suitable for one environment than another for the sensations they are able to transmit. For example, yellow and orange are perfect for kitchens and living rooms as they communicate warmth, welcome, energy and stimulate socialization. Blue and green, on the other hand, are more suitable for the sleeping area as they favor rest, being the colors of calm and relaxation par excellence. Specifically, children's bedrooms are often pink and blue in order to relax and facilitate sleep, as well as evoke the world of fairy tales and cartoon characters. Even if lately the trend is to give a touch of color to the rooms of the house, white continues to be the main color of walls and ceilings thanks to the ability to make the rooms fresh, spacious and bright.
As for the application of the different shades, it is important to always consider that dark colors tend to restrict environments while light ones widen them. The color choice of the ceiling and walls must blend well with the flooring and ensure a good overall harmony. Furthermore, it is important not to combine too many colors together to avoid the "harlequin" effect, while it can be a good solution to color a wall in every room, the same color but with different tones, so as to have a coherent fil rouge throughout the house. .
How to choose the most suitable shape for your pool
If you are lucky enough to have a large enough outdoor space, the choice to please adults and children involves the inclusion of an inground swimming pool. Important added value for the home, it can occupy more or less large spaces and have different shapes. In fact, depending on the size of the pool, installation costs and maintenance efforts vary: the classic rectangular pool has lower costs and will be easier to sanitize and enrich with additional details (edges, covers, platforms) that are often standardized. The choice of a particular shape may be dictated by specific aesthetic needs and tastes but will involve some greater difficulties over time, with the risk that after a few years you will no longer meet the changing needs. However, there is a good compromise that breaks the rectangular shape creating pleasant areas and angles: it is a case of the L-shape. At a scenographic level, the rounded, sinusoid and elliptical pools are perfect but the advice is to adopt them only and exclusively if you want to recreate a very personalized outdoor environment. If you own an attic and want to enrich it with a swimming pool, the typology is no longer underground but above ground. Usually these are elements of smaller dimensions, in some cases we speak of mini pools equipped with jets for hydromassage, designed on ergonomics to ensure well-being and comfort. In any case, before making a choice in terms of shapes and sizes, it is necessary to keep in mind the space available, the characteristics of the same, the needs and the care that one is willing to pay for maintenance over the years. .
Wall fireplace or corner fireplace?
It is well known that the increasingly rare presence of a fireplace in the house represents an absolute plus: able to recreate a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it is perfect for cold winter evenings. If you have the necessary permits for inserting the fireplace in the house, you need to choose the type and study its position, often constrained by the location of the flue. On the market there are various solutions ranging from the most classic to the most modern bioethanol fireplaces, considered real pieces of furniture.
To choose the most suitable position for your environment, you need to analyze the measurements and the walls you have available. There are two possibilities: if there is plenty of space, the best choice is to insert a wall fireplace, while in the presence of small spaces it is good to opt for a corner fireplace. The wall-mounted fireplace is the most widely used solution of all that allows the insertion of a retractable flue and thanks to the larger dimensions ensures widespread heating throughout the house. On the other hand, the corner solution is suitable for smaller spaces, the flue is inserted between the two contiguous walls and you have the possibility to choose different shapes for the base. The disadvantage of the corner fireplace is characterized by the lower ability to heat the environment even if thanks to some extra attention, this problem can be countered. In fact, the chimney must be correctly sized in relation to the environment and positioned away from the openings in order to avoid the escape of the heat produced. In one case or another, the fireplace combines important functional aspects such as heating, light and conviviality with aesthetic and scenic values.
Public video surveillance and privacy
In order to ensure the just security of citizens who freely enjoy the urban environment, Italian law has established that video surveillance systems are inserted in public places in compliance with individual privacy.
In this regard, the prior consent of those who will be filmed is not mandatory, but the presence of the appropriate sign informing citizens of the presence of cameras in a specific area is instead mandatory. It is imperative to insert this sign at the beginning of the area of interest and make it visible always, day and night. The recorded images are usually kept for a period of 7 days except for special needs.
Private video surveillance: how to orient the cameras?
There is more and more talk of security within the home and an increasing number of people who decide to adopt video surveillance systems to live in greater peace of mind. Usually, the installation of these devices is entrusted to specialized technicians but sometimes, in the case of individual cameras, it is the person concerned to insert them manually. In order to protect yourself from dangers and unpleasant inconveniences, it is necessary to study the most suitable position in which to insert the rooms: it is usually good to place them near the entrances, therefore at the entrance door, internal doors and windows. What is important is to calculate the range of action so that the chosen area is framed correctly and if it is too visible, hide the instrument from the eyes of those who could sneak into the house. The position also depends on the type of appliance; there are cameras on the market that provide only and exclusively a fixed frame but also cameras with angle variation to ensure a shooting that changes according to the need. Recently, devices have been introduced that can capture the environment at 360 ° so as to provide a single overall image.
For those who live in an independent house it is important to also monitor the pertinent outdoor space. Like indoor cameras, outdoor cameras must be oriented correctly and positioned at strategic transit points. Unlike the former, outdoor cameras must be waterproof, sturdy and positioned high up so as to withstand atmospheric agents and cannot be tampered with.
How to decorate the walls of the house?
The house usually reflects the tastes and style of those who live there. For this reason it is important that the furniture, accessories, finishes and walls of each room are personalized and made unique thanks to the inclusion of decorations and accessories. Lately the wallpaper inserts have been very successful, able to return a strong style and a strong image. However, this type of choice implies a possible removal that is more demanding than simple paints or other decorative elements. Depending on the environment and the style you prefer, you can choose from a very wide range of choices. For example, since the living room is the area where guests are welcomed and where we find ourselves in the family, an idea may be to affix photographs and frames that host shots that portray important moments for those who live in the house. It is a kind of presentation and sharing with those outside the house. The kitchen, on the other hand, is the most lived-in environment, the one where you spend most of the day: for this reason, the walls must be functional as well as being aesthetically pleasing. The shelves are perfect for this dual purpose: they furnish, embellish if enriched with flower pots and house objects and books useful in everyday life. Passing through the sleeping area, being a more intimate area, the walls must meet the taste of those who live in the house: the painting of a beloved painter, strings of lights for a romantic atmosphere and more stickers instead of the headboard. In the bedroom, on the other hand, wall paintings that reproduce fairy scenes or full-length blackboards will be perfect to stimulate the creativity of the little ones. What matters is that the decor symbolizes something important to homeowners, a kind of bearing value. For example, for travel lovers a large geographical map will be perfect on which to mark the destinations already visited and those that will be reached in the future. Finally, even if it may seem only a service environment, the bathroom can also take on a more pleasant appearance if decorated with small squares and frames, always provided that the walls are free of tiles.
How to choose the correct orientation of the bed
The undisputed prince of the sleeping area, whether single or double, the bed must guarantee comfort and well-being to its users. Studied on human ergonomics, the dimensions vary depending on whether it is a single, large or double bed, for adults and children. An element of fundamental importance is characterized by the position and orientation of this piece of furniture: there must be the necessary space for free movement and simple maintenance and cleaning. Furthermore, according to Feng Shui, an ancient auxiliary art to architecture, it is possible to achieve psycho-physical well-being within the home by following some simple rules related to the flows of positive energy produced by a specific arrangement of furniture. In the case of the bed, it is important to place it in non-confined areas, close to sources of natural light and away from lower beams and false ceilings. Depending on your needs, the headboard can be oriented to the north for those suffering from insomnia and to the east to ensure a comfortable rest while keeping creativity alive. On the other hand, the south and west are not recommended as they would not promote sleep. This is how the orientation of the bed has a consistent effect on the quality of sleep and consequently on the psycho-physical well-being of the individual throughout the day.
