SOFA BED

April 29, 2012, 12:15 am

The sofa bed is a convertible multi-functional piece of furniture that can be used as a seat during the day and reconfigured as a bed at night. therefore, it is also known as a sleeper sofa. The divan bed is also a sofa bed, but without arms at one end to enable comfortable sleep by longer people.

PARTS OF A SOFA BED:

When closed, a sofa bed appears no different from any other type of sofa and can be placed in your living room or any other room in your home. It consists of the following parts:

Hardwood Frame: The strongest and most durable frames for any type of sofa, including sofa beds, are those made of kiln-dried hardwood or a combination of kiln-dried hardwood and furniture-grade ply woods.
Open and Close Mechanism: ensures the sleepers lift up and out in one smooth motion without squeaking or sticking. Look for units designed with a lock-down bar to ensure proper closure as well as easy opening. Also make sure all parts of the inner mechanism have smooth edges so that sheets and blankets don’t catch and rip.
Mattress: the traditional beds have a spring-form mattress that gives better support than foam. You can also consider using a mattress pad on top when you use the sofa bed for sleeping.

TYPES OF SOFA BEDS:

There are basically four types of sofa beds:

Fold-Out Sofa Bed: These sofa beds have a sprung mattresses folded away inside which folds out from the centre of the sofa frame with the help of a sophisticated spring-loaded opening mechanism. This type of bed is suitable in a living room. You cannot put a fold-out sofa bed away with all of the bedding left on it, so they aren't ready for immediate use.
Flip-Over Sofa Bed: With no separate mattress, this type of sofa bed simply unfolds directly onto the floor, so that the solid foam seat becomes the sleeping bed. On some models the back unfolds too. Flip-over designs are perfect for children or for overnight guests, as they are easy to operate. However, they are generally too close to the floor and not comfortable for the elderly.
A-Frame Sofa Bed: The seat and the back on the A-frame sofa form the bed - either single or double. Some offer storage underneath.
Drop-End Sofa Bed: By means of a few levers, the sofa converts to a single bed or even a small double bed. You can also adjust the sides of the sofa at different angles, from horizontal for sleeping, to slightly angled for reading or watching TV. This is the perfect option for a studio apartment.
Other Options: Sofas that have a single foam bed on sprung legs that pulls out from underneath. Fold-out bed chairs, the table bed which is a coffee table or stool by day, but its hard outer casing opens out to become a bed by night.

ADVANTAGES OF A SOFA BED:

Multi-use: Sofa bed is a convertible multi-use piece of furniture. It can be used as a seat during the day and converted into a bed at night and can also be used for storage. It is like buying a couch, bed, and cupboard, for the cost of one piece of furniture.
Fits anywhere: The Sofa bed fits neatly anywhere in your home, without taking up an excessive amount of space.
Extra bed: The sofa bed provides an extra bed in the living room in case you do not have a guest room.
Comfortable: Apart from looking nice, it is very comfortable, making your guests' stay much more enjoyable.
Storing away: A sofa bed need not be folded and stored away when not in use, thus preventing the musty, dusty smell that clings to unused mattresses.

USAGE OF A SOFA BED:

It is probably one of the best space-saving beds, as it provides a simple means of making a spare bed available at short notice whilst also being functional during the daytime. Therefore, it is the most popular choice for accommodating overnight guests. But before you buy it consider the following points:

Occupancy -Is it for a single individual or a couple.

Size of the room - You need to keep in mind the size of the room. Before buying a sofa bed that will be used in a small room, make sure that it will be possible to open the door of the room, when the bed is open.

Comfort - The sofa bed must be comfortable to use both as a sofa and as a bed. A spring-form mattress, gives more support than foam. A slatted bed base gives extra comfort and air flow.

For information on other types of beds, go to:
TYPES OF BEDS

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PLATFORM BED

June 8, 2012, 10:37 pm

≫ Next: BUNK BED

≪ Previous: SOFA BED

A platform bed is a raised, flat, hard wooden or metal platform on which a mattress is placed. It does not have a box spring and in many cases, no head or foot board. Because there is no box spring, a platform bed is usually very low set. A platform bed is a “minimalist” bed, ideal for people who prefer spacious but simple rooms.

COMPONENTS OF A PLATFORM BED:

Structure: A Platform bed has a raised, flat, hard, horizontal surface, meant to support just a mattress. The platform is raised on legs or a support structure and does not contain any springs. Usually there are a number of individual slats criss-crossing between the edges of the outer frame. This helps to reduce the weight of the bed and also gives it a small degree of “springiness” that can make it a more comfortable piece of bedroom furniture than you might expect.
Material: Platform beds are made from different materials such as wood and metal.
Mattress: A platform bed is often used with a simple high quality futon mattress and for extra comfort, a modern foam mattress can be used. However you should be aware that some mattresses can be used only on a solid plank and a slatted surface might not be acceptable.
Attachments: Some platform beds have additions such as headboards, footboards, canopies, extra flourishes and storage units. The storage area can either be in unison with the bed frame or can have rolling drawers attached to it, supported by castors.

TYPES OF PLATFORM BEDS:

Contemporary Platform Bed: A contemporary platform bed has low features with straight bold lines and colour contrasts that give a dramatic effect to the room as a whole.
Japanese or Asian: Though platform beds are mostly designed in the European style, some also draw inspiration from the Asian style. For instance, there are beds similar to the traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Traditional and Transitional: For people who are fond of the traditional look, a traditional headboard is incorporated so that the bed looks traditional, yet contemporary. These beds beautifully infuse the traditional and conventional aspect of designing, in a contemporary platform bed.
Storage Platform Beds: Though Platform beds are generally low set, beds with storage space underneath the frame are also popular. The storage drawers may be located beneath the side rails or maybe incorporated into the footboard of the bed. In other types, beds with a retractable storage headboard offer a deep storage within.

ADVANTAGES OF A PLATFORM BED:

Platform beds are popular for a variety of reasons:

Design: The platform bed can be successfully incorporated into a variety of themes,The sleek, minimalist design works well with both a traditional Zen or Japanese theme as well as with a more modern, contemporary look.
Light: They are less bulky and therefore often easier to move around than some traditional beds of the same size.
Comfort: It offers the users a comfortable good night’s sleep, without them ending up with back pains or numb muscles in the morning.
Stability: The sturdy platform of the platform bed is more stable which means that a platform bed would be more secure to sleep on and will be less likely to collapse, than its counterparts.
Do-it-yourself: Platform beds are also popular with ‘do-it yourself’ enthusiasts. Assembling or building a platform bed is not too difficult a project as so many kits and plans are available online.

For information on other Bed Types, go to:

TYPES OF BEDS

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BUNK BED

June 25, 2012, 11:18 pm

≫ Next: CANOPY BED - FOUR POSTER BED

≪ Previous: PLATFORM BED

Bunk bed is essentially a two-in-one bed, with one bunk placed above the other and held apart by support struts. The top bed is surrounded by a railing to prevent the sleeper from falling out and accessed by a ladder or steps. By using vertical space, a bunk bed allows two people to sleep in the floor space of one. Therefore, it is popular in places where multiple people must sleep in a small space like dorms, hostels, prisons and summer holiday accommodation.

Safety is vital when using bunk beds, whether it’s adults or children sleeping in them. As well as the possibility of falling, entrapment is a serious potential risk for kids in bunk beds. For these reasons, the top bunk of a bunk bed is not recommended for children under six years of age.

The best place for a bunk bed should be in a corner of a room, where the bed will have support from two walls. The top bunk placement of the bed should be done in such a way that an adult should be able to enter and exit the top bunk without hitting the ceiling, ceiling fans, or light fittings.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF A BUNK BED:

Support frame: Bunk beds are normally supported by four poles or pillars, one at each corner of the bed. Because of the need for support, the upper bunk is almost always single-person, whereas the lower bunk can either be a single-person or a larger two-person bed. While buying a bunk bed, always check its sturdiness by shaking the upper bed to detect any kind of movement.
Ladder: The top bunk is accessed by a ladder. The ladder should be locked into the bed frame. It is advisable to have a nightlight near the ladder, so that sleepy children can find their way down safely.
Guard rails: The top bunks are equipped with safety rails. In case the guardrails are railings or slats, the gap between should not allow the child’s head or upper body to slip through.
Drawers: Some bunk beds have built-in drawers and shelves.
Curtains: Some models also have a privacy curtain for the lower bunk.
Detachable: Nowadays, bunk beds are designed in such a way that the upper bunk bed is like a separate bed placed on top of the lower bed. This allows it to be detached from the lower bunk when required, for example when the kids grow up.

TYPES OF BUNK BEDS:

Bunk beds are available in many styles and variations from traditional and rustic to contemporary and modern. The economy models are made with metal or softwood frames while the expensive models are made from hardwood and fitted with drawers, shelves, and other accessories. Some of the popular types are:

Standard bunk bed: The most common type is the standard bunk bed which has two same-size bunk beds placed one directly over the other.
Double bunk bed: In this type the lower bunk is a double bed size that can accomodate 2 people.
Futon/couch bunk bed: In a futon bunk, the lower bunk is a Western-style futon bed which converts into a couch during the daytime. This type of bunk bed is used to save space in small apartments or rooms.

L-shaped bunk bed: In an L-shape bunk bed, the bottom bed is oriented at a right angle to the top bed such that when viewed from above, the beds form an ‘L’. This creates a small alcove where a desk or bookshelf can be placed.
Loft bunk beds: A loft bunk bed is one that has only the top bunk, creating an open space underneath that can be occupied by a chest, drawers or even a work area. This way the entire vertical space is utilised efficiently. Some loft beds even have stowable/trundle beds while retaining workstations and drawers.
Triple Bunk bed: A triple bunk bed has 3 tiers instead of the regular 2 bunks. A triple L-shaped loft bed is an arrangement involving three beds, where a loft bed is perpendicularly attached to a bunk bed to form an L-shape. Since the top bed is likely to be even higher in this arrangement and a long way to the ground, safety becomes even more important.

ADVANTAGES OF A BUNK BED:

Bunk beds are great space-savers and quite popular because of the advantages mentioned here:

Durability: The bunk bed is durable and can be used by your child from age three through college.
Sharing a bedroom: A bunk bed allows two kids to share a small room without having to sleep in the same bed.
Space-saver: It frees up valuable floor space for a desk and play area for your child.
Resale: A good quality bunk bed can be sold later and you can get a good resale value for it.
Flexibility: Metal bunk beds are more flexible, which makes it easier to change the format of the bedroom.

For information on other Bed Types, go to:
TYPES OF BEDS

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CANOPY BED - FOUR POSTER BED

July 2, 2012, 6:40 am

≫ Next: TRUNDLE BED

≪ Previous: BUNK BED

A Canopy bed is a bed covered by a cloth canopy, suspended from a “canopy frame” supported by four posts, one at each corner of the bed. Hence the name 'four poster' or 'four post bed'. Originally the canopy was used for protection against insects and cold; today it is mostly decorative and can add an extra element of style, romance and luxury to any bedroom. For this reason, some hotels use canopy beds in their exclusive suites.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF A CANOPY BED:

Posts: A typical canopy bed has four tall posts, one at each of the four corners. These posts may be plain or ornately carved.
Canopy frame: A canopy frame made of cross members joining the posts is used for supporting a fabric canopy cover, swags, curtains, etc. This frame is usually rectangular, reflecting the outline of the bed, though variations such as a circular frame above the middle of the bed are not uncommon.
Curtains: The canopy drape is often referred to as the ‘curtains’. The curtains may be draped as a single piece or in layers of sheer fabric which create more of an opaque look and provide depth to the curtains.
Fabrics: May be a piece of net, lace, tuille or silk. Sheer fabrics like tuille and lace can be paired with solid fabrics like shiny satins or luxurious silks. Light coloured fabrics like pastels and white are preferrable.
Curtain ties: Decorative ties used for holding the canopy bed curtains back can be plain ribbon or curtain ties that are pre-made and available in various colours and finishes.
Bedding: Various kinds of fabric such as hand stitched bedsheets, lace bed spreads with ribbon accents add to the appeal of a canopy bed.
Light: Overhead light can not be used with a canopy bed. For soft lighting, a side table lamp may be used with a canopy.

TYPES OF CANOPY BEDS:

There are two basic styles of canopy beds:

Traditional canopy bed: This type aims to reflect a Victorian aesthetic. A traditional canopy bed usually has metal rod frames or intricately carved wooden frames with lush romantic designs. The traditional canopy bed typically uses heavy, embroidered, pleated draping,
Contemporary canopy bed: This type is more delicate and subtle in design. The modern canopy bed also uses wood, metal or a combination of the two but often features sharp, geometric designs. The preferred fabric has the characteristics of lightness, softness, and sheerness such as silk, net or polyester.

Depending on the types of canopies, there are two types:

Complete canopy: The canopy made of fabric is either a flat roof or an arched one that covers the entire bed and is supported by the posts on the four corners of the bed. When posts are not possible, the canopy is suspended from the ceiling with the help of hooks or canopy rings. Or, four vertical curtain rods are hung from the ceiling above the bed and curtains are draped across the rods. In another option, curtain rods are suspended from the ceiling reflecting the bed’s perimeter and curtains are hung on the rods to enclose the bed, making the ceiling the bed’s canopy.
Half/Crown canopy bed: This type has a smaller crown canopy that just covers the top of the bed over the sleepers’ heads. A shelf is attached to the wall, covered with fabric that drapes down from the shelf to the sides to semi-enclose the bed’s header. Or curtains are draped through one or more rings that are fixed on the wall above the headboard.

ADVANTAGES OF A CANOPY BED:

Intimacy and privacy: Some believe that a closed canopy's secluded feeling adds more intimacy and privacy to lovers.
Protection: Canopies reduce the harshness of light in the room and offer a sense of protection to children and make them feel safe.
Good ambiance: A canopy bed could make for a great private space for an artist or thinker as it can provide the right ambiance for an artist's imagination to play.
Luxury: Canopy beds bring luxury and plushness into any bedroom.
Removable: Most canopies are removable so that you can change the look of your bedroom.

TIPS ON CANOPY BEDS:

Colours: Wide spaces and white walls are the perfect background for a canopy bed. The colours of the bed and its drapery can be selected according to personal preferences. Thus you could have a white sheer draped on dark wooden/metal frames or printed, tie dyed fabric in bright and striking colours hanging from a white framed canopy bed.
Size: The most common canopy bed sizes are queen and king, but you can get twin or even single sizes. However these smaller versions are less popular because the proportions do not appear right.
Do-it-yourself: You can easily add a canopy to an existing bed by making a canopy frame using curtain rods on each side of the bed and draping light fabric or transparent plastic or heavy upholstered fabric. Or you can install a cornice board at the head of the bed and then create a crown canopy with multiple layers of fabric, above the head of the bed.

For information on other beds go to:

TYPES OF BEDS

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TRUNDLE BED

September 4, 2012, 4:16 am

≫ Next: FUTON (BED)

≪ Previous: CANOPY BED - FOUR POSTER BED

Trundle Bed is essentially a bed on wheels, rollers or casters that can be rolled out from beneath an upper bed. So, a trundle bed is a space saver that allows an extra bed to be made available when unexpected guests arrive. People often buy a trundle bed to provide extra bed space for overnight guests or for children’s “sleepover” parties.

TYPES OF TRUNDLE BEDS:

Trundle beds can either be bought on their own or can come built-into a standard bed. Trundle beds do not usually have box springs and they may or may not come complete with a suitable mattress. There are different types to suit different needs and budgets such as single beds, twin beds and full size ones and can vary from basic to more sophisticated ones:

Basic type: The simplest trundle is a low bedframe on wheels with no extra sophistication. This type serves the purpose but leaves the sleeper almost on the ground.
Pop-up type: In this type, the lower trundle bed can “pop-up” to be at the same height as the bed it is stored beneath, creating a regular-height bed. Sometimes this “popping” is spring assisted, sometimes it requires manual operation.
Drawer type: Some beds have a specially designed “drawer” underneath, which can serve as a trundle bed. However these built-in products are usually not pop-up versions and cannot usually be removed from the main bed and re-positioned.

ADVANTAGES OF TRUNDLE BEDS:

An extra bed: A Trundle bed is an easy way of providing a spare bed at the time of necessity, without blocking the space constantly.
A space saver: A Trundle bed allows the room to be spacious during the day and provides an extra bed at night. It serves as a great solution for children’s ’sleepover’ parties as it gives the children the opportunity to play about freely in the room and enjoy time with friends, without feeling cramped.
Ideal for bigger families: In houses with few bedrooms but more inmates, the trundle bed comes in handy.
Better than a bunk bed in kids rooms: Easy to handle and simple to maintain, these beds are sturdy unlike bunk beds, thereby resolving the safety concerns for the children.
A storage drawer: When a trundle bed is not used for sleeping, the mattress of the lower bed can be removed and it can be used as a general storage drawer.

TIPS IN CHOOSING A TRUNDLE BED:

In selecting a Trundle bed, keep in mind the following points:

Design: Trundle beds come in many sizes and designs. A given trundle will not necessarily fit under any existing bed – you can’t just go out and buy a new trundle bed and expect it to fit! So it is important to check the specifications carefully. Similarly, check the size of the room. Aqueen-sized trundle bed might not fit well in a small room, aesthetically speaking and the opposite is also true.
Material: The bed could be made out of wood entirely or feature metal or both. In deciding the right bed, personal taste is the supreme judge but think about durability and ease of cleaning, besides how well it is matched with the existing bed.
Usage: If you need a trundle bed that will see intensive use, go for a pop-up model, which offers good support and also looks better when the trundle is in use. Otherwise, a bed with a pull-out drawer would suffice. When not used, it serves as a storage drawer.
Cost: A resistant, comfortable, high utility and attractive looking trundle bed does not necessarily be expensive. Usually, a fine compromise between those aspects can be found in the mid-price range.
Health: Trundle beds are a good alternative for those who have back problems. Naturally, you should look for appropriate mattresses.
Research: This part is fundamental to your well being, both physically and financially. Check the Internet for reviews, if you plan on buying something online. Go from shop to shop and ask the sellers everything in order to get as much info as you can. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying – are you getting just the frame or does it come complete with mattress? Also, carefully look at the warranty and at the company’s history.

For information on other Bed Types, go to:

TYPES OF BEDS

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FUTON (BED)

November 23, 2012, 3:53 am

≫ Next: SMALL BEDROOMS

≪ Previous: TRUNDLE BED

Futon is very similar to a sofa bed and plays the dual role of a sofa as well as a bed. Futon is an English word derived from the Japanese 'futon', a term referring to the traditional style of Japanese bedding consisting of a thin padded mattress that can be folded and stored away during the day, allowing the room to serve for purposes other than as a bedroom.

PARTS OF A FUTON:

Futons have been a traditional form of bedding in Japan for centuries and are normally laid on the floor for sleeping, then rolled up and stored away during the day. In the 1980s, futons became popular in the West. But, the western style 'futon beds' have little in common with the Japanese ones and are more like sofa-beds. The futon bed consists of:

Mattress: The bedding set referred to as 'futon' in Japan, basically consists of a shikibuton (bottom mattress) and a kakebuton (bedcover). Traditionally, the flat, thin, bottom mattress is stuffed with cotton, wool, felt or synthetic batting. A good quality futon mattress today will be much thicker than a Japanese futon as it is filled with foam in several layers and/or sprung as well as a conventional mattress. But it will still tend to be rather thin so that it is pliable enough to be folded
Cover: Futons also have a removable and replaceable, fabric cover in a variety of colours.
Frame:. The futon bed usually consists of a wood or metal frame. The frame can be configured either for use as a bed at night or as a sofa (couch) during the day. Typically, the frame folds in the middle, allowing the futon to be used as a couch, and flattens for use as a bed.

TYPES OF FUTONS:

Bi-fold and Tri-fold futon beds: Easy to fold, futon beds are generally available in two varieties - bi-fold and tri-fold bed. While a bi-fold futon bed folds the mattress in half, a tri-fold futon bed folds the mattress into thirds. If you are looking for extra space, tri-fold bed is the best. However, if comfort is your top priority, bi-fold bed would be a better option. This is because a tri-fold futon bed mattress isn't as thick or as supportive as a bi-fold one.
Futon bunk bed: Another Western innovation is the futon bunk bed which consists of a futon on the bottom that is used as a couch during the day and an ordinary bunk bed above.
Shiki futon bed: Of late, the Japanese style Shiki Futon has been gaining in popularity. It is a 6-7 inches, cotton-filled mattress that can can be placed directly on the floor, can easily be folded and can be stacked in a closet. It can come in Twin, Full, and Queen sizes. After centuries of use in Japan the Shiki Futon is still the preferred choice of bedding since it supports the back better than regular beds and usually lasts up to 15 years.
Futon chair: This type can be configured into a chair or a single bed for one person.

ADVANTAGES OF A FUTON BED:

Versatile: It can be used anywhere in the house, where you need an extra seating/sleeping area. Right from bedrooms and living rooms, to recreation rooms and dens and even home offices, a futon bed can be placed anywhere.
Space saver: It does not take up as much space as a bed or sofa. It easily folds up as a sofa to allow more space for your guest during the day and then folds out into a comfortable sleeping area at night.
Economic: A Futon bed is economical and can be bought by most people. people love the fact that they get the comfort of a couch and a bed at a single price!!
Multi-use: With a small motion, you can convert a comfortable couch to have an extra sleeping bed and then turn it back to a couch.
Easy to assemble: It is easy to assemble and dissemble. It is usually packaged in parts that need to be assembled. This can be very helpful, if you live in an area that has a narrow or small entrance, because already assembled cots can be difficult to get through many hallways and doorways.
Comfortable: Nowadays, futon beds are thicker and more comfortable than their earlier counterparts. Sometimes, your futon bed can prove to be more comfortable than a regular bed.
Stylish: It adds style and elegance to the room and you can change the look and feel of the entire room, just by changing the cover of the futon bed.

USAGE OF A FUTON BED:
Like a Sofa bed, Futon bed is a good space-saving bed as it makes a spare bed available at short notice whilst also being functional during the daytime. If you have limited accommodation or you are short of an extra room in your house, then the Futon Bed comes handy for accommodating overnight guests. But before you buy it consider the following points:

Occupancy: Is it for a single individual or a couple.
Comfort: The futon must be comfortable. A thick mattress gives good support and natural fillings like cotton and wool are more comfortable than synthetic ones.

For information on other types of beds, go to:
TYPES OF BEDS

↧

SMALL BEDROOMS

November 28, 2012, 9:38 pm

≫ Next: SPACE SAVING BEDS

≪ Previous: FUTON (BED)

About one third of our lives are spent sleeping and most of the time we are asleep, we are sleeping in a bedroom. Therefore, the bedroom needs to be a comfortable and soothing space. But if it is small or cramped, then you will never feel like relaxing in it. A small bedroom can be a challenge but if treated well, it can feel cozy and comforting. So, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your small bedroom.

CLUTTER: A room with too many things will feel very cramped. In a small bedroom, remove all the extra furniture like dressers, night tables, and entertainment centers. Keep only the basics so that when you enter the room, there is an illusion of space.

BEDS: A bedroom is named so, because it always has a bed. The bed is usually the focal point in the bedroom. If you have a large bed in a small room, you will instantly feel cramped and uncomfortable. So consider having a smaller bed or space saving beds like Bunk Beds, Murphy Beds, Futons or Sofa Beds.

OTHER FURNITURE: Large furniture pieces make a room look small. Choose two or three mandatory pieces of furniture of a scaled-down size that is appropriate to the room. Buy furniture that can be placed along the walls, so that they project less into the room. Choose rectilinear furniture instead of curved, since curved furniture tends to take up more space.

WARDROBES:Minimize the use of floor to ceiling wardrobes as it consumes lot of space and makes the bedroom look smaller. Design wardrobes in such a way that they have separate space for hanging clothes, lots of shelves and drawers for storing other items also. Fit sliding doors rather than hinged doors. Use mirrored shutters and decorative mirrors on walls to make the room more spacious.

STORAGE: Store children's small toys in roll-out, under bed storage drawers. A bench with a flip open seat can double up as a storage space to hold magazines, and books. To help keep your bedroom clutter free, use decorative baskets in a bookshelf or wall unit to keep small items that need not be seen. Provide high level cabinets to store the articles which are occasionally used.

TV: Having a TV in your bedroom is based on personal preference. If you decide to have a TV consider a flat screen type that can be mounted on the wall or will take up minimal space on a dresser. For those that prefer a stereo to a TV, opt for an MP3 stereos that connects to your MP3 or an go in for an i-pod.

COLOURS: Dark colours in a small room can make your bedroom feel like a cave. Use lighter colours on the walls and ceiling which open up the space visually and which are very pleasing to the eyes. Select shades like white and cream which are relaxing at night and refreshing and comforting during the day. Avoid dark colours like blue, green and mauve. However, if you like dark colours, use them in accessories like throw pillows, area rugs and accents in drapery and bed linen. Light coloured floors are also preferable.

CEILING: Dark ceilings make a room close in on you. Therefore, in a small bedroom use a lighter colour on the ceiling to fool the eye into the illusion of space. Tray ceilings in bedrooms are another option. The basic purpose of a tray ceiling is to break up an ordinary flat ceiling and add a variation in height to create interest. A tray ceiling can also create a feeling of spaciousness by making a low ceiling look higher.

WINDOWS: Bring in as much natural light as possible to illuminate the space and improve your mood. Use light drapes on the windows. Keep the colours of the curtains or blinds similar to the walls.

LIGHTING: Install lighting fixtures closer to your bed. They will be easier to maintain and make the area around the bed appear more spacious. Use a combination of accent, ambient and fluorescent lighting as they create a soothing and refreshing atmosphere.

DRAW ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE SMALL ROOM: If you have a nice piece of artwork, place it above the bed and draw the eye away from the rest of the room. Or if you have an antique dresser that looks great, add a colorful vase to adorn the top. Use your imagination to accentuate the positives in your room and distract from the small nature of your bedroom.

↧

SPACE SAVING BEDS

December 4, 2012, 8:52 pm

≫ Next: VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR SITE SELECTION

≪ Previous: SMALL BEDROOMS

If you have limited accommodation or you are short of an extra room in your house, then you are in dire need of a Space saving bed. These beds come handy for accommodating overnight guests as they provide a simple means of making a spare bed available at short notice whilst also being functional during the daytime.Some examples of Space saving beds are:

SOFA BED

The sofa bed is a convertible multi-functional piece of furniture that can be used as a seat during the day and reconfigured as a bed at night. Therefore, it is also known as a sleeper sofa.

SOFA OPENS OUT INTO A BED

USAGE OF A SOFA BED:

ADVANTAGES OF A SOFA BED:

Multi-use: It can be used as a seat during the day and converted into a bed at night and can also be used for storage.

Fits anywhere: The Sofa bed fits neatly anywhere in your home, without taking up an excessive amount of space.

Extra bed: The sofa bed provides an extra bed in the living room in case you do not have a guest room.

Comfortable: Apart from looking nice, it is very comfortable, making your guests' stay much more enjoyable.

Storing away: A sofa bed need not be folded and stored away when not in use, thus preventing the musty, dusty smell that clings to unused mattresses.

FUTON BED

USAGE OF A FUTON BED:

Like a Sofa bed, Futon bed is a good space-saving bed as it makes a spare bed available at short notice whilst also being functional during the daytime. If you have limited accommodation or you are short of an extra room in your house, then the Futon Bed comes handy for accommodating overnight guests.

ADVANTAGES OF A FUTON BED:

Multi-use: With a small motion, you can convert a comfortable couch to have an extra sleeping bed and then turn it back to a couch.

Versatile: It can be used anywhere in the house, where you need an extra seating/sleeping area. Right from bedrooms and living rooms, to recreation rooms and dens and even home offices, a futon bed can be placed anywhere.

Space saver: It does not take up as much space as a bed or sofa. It easily folds up as a sofa to allow more space for your guest during the day and then folds out into a comfortable sleeping area at night.

Economic: A Futon bed is economical and can be bought by most people. People love the fact that they get the comfort of a couch and a bed at a single price!!

Easy to assemble: It is easy to assemble and dissemble. It is usually packaged in parts that need to be assembled. This can be very helpful, if you live in an area that has a narrow or small entrance, because already assembled cots can be difficult to get through many hallways and doorways.

Comfortable: Nowadays, futon beds are thicker and more comfortable than their earlier counterparts. Sometimes, your futon bed can prove to be more comfortable than a regular bed.

Stylish: It adds style and elegance to the room and you can change the look and feel of the entire room, just by changing the cover of the futon bed.

BUNK BED

USAGE OF A BUNK BED:

By using vertical space, a bunk bed allows two people to sleep in the floor space of one. Therefore, it is popular in places where multiple people must sleep in a small space like children's bedrooms, dorms, hostels, prisons and summer holiday accommodation.

ADVANTAGES OF A BUNK BED:

Durability: The bunk bed is durable and can be used by your child from age three through college.

Sharing a bedroom: A bunk bed allows two kids to share a small room without having to sleep in the same bed.

Space-saver: It frees up valuable floor space for a desk and play area for your child.

Resale: A good quality bunk bed can be sold later and you can get a good resale value for it.

Flexibility: Metal bunk beds are more flexible, which makes it easier to change the format of the bedroom.

TRUNDLE BED:

USAGE OF A TRUNDLE BED:

People often buy a trundle bed to provide extra bed space for overnight guests or for children’s “sleepover” parties. When a trundle bed is not used for sleeping, the mattress of the lower bed can be removed and it can be used as a general storage drawer.

ADVANTAGES OF TRUNDLE BEDS:

An extra bed: A Trundle bed is an easy way of providing a spare bed at the time of necessity, without blocking the space constantly.

A space saver: A Trundle bed allows the room to be spacious during the day and provides an extra bed at night. It serves as a great solution for children’s ’sleepover’ parties as it gives the children the opportunity to play about freely in the room and enjoy time with friends, without feeling cramped.

Ideal for bigger families: In houses with few bedrooms but more inmates, the trundle bed comes in handy.

MURPHY BED

The Murphy Bed also known as wallbed, or fold away bed – was named after William Murphy who invented it in the beginning of the twentieth century to make more space in his one-bed apartment to entertain his friends. When not required, the bed folds away vertically into the wall or a closet, allowing the room to be used for other purposes and when required, it unfolds to transform the room into a bedroom.

USAGE OF MURPHY BEDS:

In recent times, the wallbed has not been so popular because of the availability of alternative, space-saving beds such as futons or trundle beds which are a lot more comfortable. However, as cities are getting crowded, the apartments are getting smaller and in such spaces, Murphy beds are the best alternative.

ADVANTAGES OF MURPHY BEDS:

Space: The biggest advantage of Murphy bed is that it can be easily folded away during the daytime, when not required and you can utilize the space for some other purposes.
Economical: Murphy beds are economical and pocket friendly. At times, the Murphy beds are found to be cheaper than the regular ones.
Usefulness: Murphy beds can be used by anyone including pets.

For information on other types of beds, go to:
TYPES OF BEDS

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VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR SITE SELECTION

December 18, 2012, 5:16 pm

≫ Next: VAASTU SHASTRA PRINCIPLES

≪ Previous: SPACE SAVING BEDS

The Selection of Site is an important consideration since the plot represents a ‘fixed form’ which radiates positive as well as negative energy depending on its, location, shape, orientation, slope and soil condition. The Vastu guidelines for selecting the ‘right’ Site are explained here, scientifically:

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VAASTU SHASTRA PRINCIPLES

December 18, 2012, 5:20 pm

≫ Next: VAASTU SHASTRA FACTORS

≪ Previous: VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR SITE SELECTION

Vaastu Shastra lays down fundamental principles of Architecture that should be followed in designing, so as to ensure a beautiful, aesthetic, proportionate, comfortable sized and well oriented building. These fundamental principles are explained here:

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VAASTU SHASTRA FACTORS

December 18, 2012, 5:28 pm

≫ Next: VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION

≪ Previous: VAASTU SHASTRA PRINCIPLES

Vaastu Shastra takes into account environmental factors that affect man and his buildings, in laying down guidelines for the design of buildings, so that man can benefit from the positive and useful effects of these factors and is protected from their harmful and negative effects. The environmental factors and their effects on man and his buildings have been explained here:

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VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION

December 18, 2012, 5:35 pm

≫ Next: VAASTU SHASTRA | KITCHEN GARDEN

≪ Previous: VAASTU SHASTRA FACTORS

Vaastu Shastra lays down guidelines for the Construction of a House, right from the rituals to be done before the start of construction, the preparation for the construction to the actual step-by-step construction of the House. These Vaastu guidelines have been explained here:

VAASTU GUIDELINES BEFORE START OF CONSTRUCTION:

VAASTU GUIDELINES | STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE :

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VAASTU SHASTRA | KITCHEN GARDEN

December 22, 2012, 5:55 pm

≫ Next: HOUSE CONSTRUCTION IN INDIA

≪ Previous: VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION

The Kitchen Garden is a perfect addition to any house - it improves the atmosphere completely. It is a place where utensil washing, grinding and preparation of food is done. If there is a more space, then herbs, vegetables and fruit trees are grown and it is a place for family members to sit outside and enjoy the outdoors.

Here are some Vaastu tips to be considered while planning your Kitchen Garden which will improve the quality of plants and thereby improve the family's health and well-being.

LOCATION OF A KITCHEN GARDEN:

East or Northern sides of the plot are ideal for Kitchen backyard/garden.
Avoid backyards in the Southern and Western sides of the plot.
In a West facing house, there should be a bigger backyard towards the East instead of a front garden in the West.
In South facing house, there should ideally be a big backyard towards the North instead of any open space in the front, in the South.

VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR A KITCHEN GARDEN:

All the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) need to be balanced and in harmony in the kitchen garden for the plants to grow free from disease and stress.

The disproportion of any one element-quality of the earth, quality of water, wind, sun, or the amount of space it is planted in-will inhibit the growth of the plants.

Each area of the kitchen garden is associated with one of the five elements.

VAASTU FOR THE FOUR CORNERS OF A KITCHEN GARDEN:

SOUTH-WEST:

The South-West area of the Kitchen garden is associated with the earth element which creates a sustaining and grounding force.
Stabilise the South-West area of your garden with a rock garden, tall trees and even a stone statue.

NORTH-EAST:

The water element should be used in the North-East part of the kitchen backyard to allow the plants to flourish.
Add a fountain or reflection pool or pond or swimming pool in this area to reflect this beneficial energy throughout the garden.
Avoid tall trees in the North-East. Grow only low plants that will allow the flow of positive solar energy.

SOUTH-EAST:

The South-East side of your garden should be devoted to the fire element so that the plants will be disease free.
You can place a fire pit or an outdoors cooking fire in this corner.
In case you do not want to have an outdoor stove, then plant tulips, geraniums and dahlias here as red is the colour of this direction.

NORTH-WEST:

Balance the air element in the North-West to encouraging cross-pollination.
Use wind chimes in this corner.
Since blue is the colour of this area, plant bluebells, forget-me-nots and iris to enhance the influences coming from this direction.

This post was about the Vastu guidelines for the design of a Kitchen Garden. The Kitchen garden is generally adjacent to the Kitchen and Store room and leads to the Front garden and the Gate. Read the Vastu guidelines for the design of these spaces here:
VAASTU SHASTRA | KITCHEN
VAASTU SHASTRA | STORE ROOM
VAASTU SHASTRA | GATES
VAASTU SHASTRA | GARDEN TREES AND PLANTS

SUGGESTED READING:
Vaastu Shastra is a rational science based on facts, observations and governed by a set of principles. To understand the logic and Scientific reasoning of these Vaastu principles, go to Vastu Guidelines | Kitchen Garden.

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION IN INDIA

January 25, 2013, 11:27 pm

≫ Next: PREPARING THE PROJECT BRIEF

≪ Previous: VAASTU SHASTRA | KITCHEN GARDEN

Today, with the easy availability of housing loans, with better and competitive professional services, with innumerable building materials and products in the market and with ample information on the net, house construction in India seems like a walk in the park! But in reality, constructing a house in India or anywhere for that matter can pose its own challenges in terms of varying cost, lack of knowledge, risks involved etc.

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Construction is a science and has been practised for ages but it is one aspect that is not documented well enough. In this blog I, a Bangalore based architect want to share with you some invaluable tips, ideas and advice from the experience that I have acquired. I hope to clear all your doubts and misconceptions and make the process of construction interesting, smooth, hassle free and enjoyable.

MISTAKES THAT PEOPLE MAKE BEFORE CONSTRUCTION:

When a person is about to start the construction of his house, he prepares himself in the following ways:

He collects a lot of information on buildings from the net and from the frequent exhibitions on Building products and Materials, Interiors, etc
He consults people and relatives who have already constructed houses on their experience,
He seeks advice from them on the best type of building Contract
He asks them for referrals of Contractors
and most surely, he wants to know where he can get a plan without having to shell out too much money.

Though he has a clear idea of what he wants, he is not (in most cases) very sure regarding the feasibility of his ideas. So, he thinks the best person to approach is the Building Contractor (who has been referred to him) since after all, it is the Contractor who will actually give shape to his ‘dream’ house and obviously has a lot of practical knowledge and experience in building matters. He also wrongly believes that, with all the information he has gathered, there is no way he can be fooled and that he will be able to complete the construction well within his budget and on time.

But the truth unfortunately, is that, most people unwittingly make a mistake by giving the job to the Contractor without hiring an architect to cross-check on the quality and cost of the Building Construction. Also very often, though the Contractor helps the person in getting a plan of his ‘dream house’, the source is not very clear – it may not even be designed by a qualified Architect.

STEPS DURING HOUSE CONSTRUCTION:

In this blog, I would like to take you through the process of house construction in India, step by step. Ideally, a person embarking on the process of House construction should take the following steps:

STEP 1: PREPARING THE PROJECT BRIEF

STEP 2: MAKING CHOICES - EXTERIOR

STEP 3: MAKING CHOICES - INTERIOR

STEP 4: SELECTING AN ARCHITECT

STEP 5: PROJECT BRIEF AND BUDGET

STEP 6: MEETING THE ARCHITECT

STEP 7: SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

STEP 8: PLAN APPROVAL

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PREPARING THE PROJECT BRIEF

January 30, 2013, 11:50 pm

≫ Next: CHOICES - EXTERIOR

≪ Previous: HOUSE CONSTRUCTION IN INDIA

Once you have decided to build a house, formulate a PROJECT BRIEF of the type and style of house that you want. Here are some tips on how to prepare a Project Brief:

PREPARING A PROJECT BRIEF:

INCLUDE EVERYONE: To formulate the Project Brief, first get all the decision makers in the family together. Include everyone – husbands, wives or even children with an interest in the building. Write down your complete wish list.

GET IDEAS: To prepare a wish list, you may want to get some ideas. You can visit some finished houses or you can consult professional magazines, catalogues, architecture books and the net to get ideas.

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DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF HOUSE: While preparing the wish list, keep in mind the type of house you want. The basic types of house people build in India are the following:

House for self use: Luxury, privacy and comfort are the priorities.

House for self use + Renting out: Luxury and comfort for the portion used and cost effective materials and finishes for the rented out portion.

House for renting out: Cost effective materials and finishes and revenue generation in mind.

If you are unsure of the type of house that you want, think ahead and plan your design in such a way that they can expand if the need arises in future.

DECIDE THE NUMBER OF ROOMS: Plan the number and sizes of the rooms that you require, the overall size of the structure, features you would like to have and key functional or special inter-relationships of spaces etc.

THINK OF FUTURE EXPANSION PLANS: You should think of future expansion plans, how you would like to expand the house in the future - vertically or horizontally-so that the house can be designed structurally for the future.You can also plan to rent out a portion in the future when the kids leave home.

THINK OF THE STYLE OF HOUSE THAT YOU PREFER: The cost of the house will be affected by the style you choose. The amount of natural light and ventilation will also depend on the style.There are a few house design styles that are popular in India.

Contemporary designs - Contemporary style is bright, simple, clean and gives an uncluttered look. Common characteristics include clean lines with large windows devoid of decorative trim, flat or gabled roofs, asymmetrical shapes, and open floor plans. Contemporary exteriors showcase natural materials like stucco, stone, brick or wood.

Traditional designs: Traditional style home plans have characteristics of Colonial style or traditional Kerala, Mangalore styles such as columns, gables and dormers. Typically, Traditional houses are usually two-storey and have symmetrically spaced windows and little ornamentation. Inside, Traditional home plans often feature a central entry with rooms on either side.

Roman style: Pantheon roof, big pillars, arches and open terraces.

DO NOT FORCE A PARTICULAR STYLE / THEME FOR THE HOUSE: When you express the kind of style you like for your house, do not insist on sticking to a particular style that is in fashion. These themes are often short lived trends in property markets and certainly put a date stamp on a property and you might have difficulty or not get the best resale value when it comes to the selling of the house. A good style is one that is unique but has longevity and remains contemporary.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT BUDGET: After the wish list has been prepared, assess how much of it is realistically possible, keeping in mind the budget and other constraints that might exist. Accordingly trim the wish list. Remember to allow yourself a little “room” for the unforeseen.

While preparing the Project Brief, you will have to deal with different CHOICES. It is important to make a definite choice, out of the possible alternatives right at the beginning before the commencement of the building. This will enable you to plan your budget in advance and give the right picture to the Architect.

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CHOICES - EXTERIOR

February 6, 2013, 10:11 pm

≫ Next: CHOICES - INTERIORS

≪ Previous: PREPARING THE PROJECT BRIEF

While making the Project Brief, you will be faced with a number of choices. Each of these choices have their own pros and cons. Here are some of the choices which you could consider while planning the EXTERIOR of your house:

BASEMENT Vs NO BASEMENT:

Most people debate whether to have a Basement or not. It seems like a space saving option as multiple cars can be parked there. However it is risky to have a Basement especially in low lying areas.
During the rainy season the clogged drainage system can lead to reverse flow which in turn can flood the basement. You need to be present in the house every time it rains to monitor the flooding. Even then, you cannot depend on water pumps to pump out the water as electricity could fail during the rains. Whatever system you have in place it may not be enough to tackle the flooding in the basement.

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Some people prefer to have gyms or media rooms or games rooms in the Basement with the entry provided from inside the house. This type of Basement is preferable to a Car parking basement as the question of flooding does not arise.
However, the tropical Indian climate invites cockroaches and rodents which can enter the basement via the basement windows. If you keep the basement windows closed always, then it leads to expansion and dampness in the walls.
Dampness in walls is a common problem in Basements and you can actually smell the dampness when you go down. It is not healthy to spend much time in this environment.

STILT Vs BASEMENT Vs GROUND FLOOR PARKING:

If you have more than 2 cars, parking at the ground level eats up valuable space on the site. Instead, Stilt level or basement parking are the best options.
However, houses with Stilt parking do not look aesthetic, as the columns are visible at ground floor level. Also, there is a security risk as you will be unaware of what is happening in the ground floor.
A Basement allows multiple car parks below your house, leaving a lot of free space at ground level.
However, a Basement used for car parking will require a long ramp, at least 9' wide, from the road. This means, a lot of the site space will be eaten up by the ramp. Also there is always the risk of flooding.

SERIAL PARKING Vs PARALLEL PARKING Vs GARAGE:

For 1 or 2 cars, parking at the ground level is the cheapest and best option. But here again you have a choice between Serial and Parallel parking options.
Serial car parking requires you to park the cars one behind the other which makes it difficult to take the cars in and out. Minimum space required for a sedan is 8'x16' and for a compact car is around 8'x14'. Minimum space required for 2 cars in serial order will be 8'x28'.
Parallel parking allows you to take 2 cars in and out without difficulty. But it uses up valuable front space in the site which could otherwise be used for landscape. Minimum space required to park 2 sedans will be 18'x16' and 16'x16' to park 2 compact cars.
Garages have the advantage that they can be closed. In earlier days, the garage was put in the corner of the site as there was no need to leave setbacks on the side and back which was an advantage in terms of space utilization. However, this required a 9' wide car-way to the garage which resulted in a lot of site space being used up. In today's scenario, where every inch of land is precious, it makes better sense to have a garage in the front of the house, though the rolling shutters do not look very aesthetic.

GARDEN Vs PAVED AREAS:

Even though there might not be much space around the house, you have the choice to have a garden or not.
A landscaped area, even small can give colour and life to the surroundings. It encourages birds, butterflies and other insects and is a soothing picture to look out to, from inside the house. A kitchen garden is useful for growing herbs and even vegetables. However, any garden requires a lot of care, time and water.
If water is a problem or you do not have an inclination for gardening, then you can opt for verandahs or hard landscaping with stone, pavers etc.

BOREWELL Vs NO BOREWELL:

Most people dig a borewell before the start of the House Construction, since the Water Supply Board of each area will not provide water for the construction and a borewell is a life saver in areas where there is water scarcity. Nowadays, it is difficult to rely on the municipal water supply as cities get crowded. If you find out that water supply is erratic in your area or if you have more than normal water requirement due to tenants or a large family, then it makes sense to have a borewell before the start of construction. A borewell costs around 1.5 - 2 lakhs depending on the depth to which it is dug.
But having said this, there are chances that the borewell may fail you - you will not find water at all, the water table may be too deep, maintenance problems, broken pump, drying up of borewell etc. Take all this into account while making your decision to dig a borewell.
If you decide to go ahead with a borewell, then make sure you have RWH (Rain water harvesting) via the pit method in place, to replenish the water table. But that doesn't necessarily mean you will get the same amount of water If everyone in your area is drawing from the same water table then your yield will be impacted as well. If your neighbour has a borewell then chances are that, you both will draw water from the same table.
If on the other hand you decide to use a tanker to supply water for the construction you will end up paying Rs 6,000 for 60,000 litres / month assuming you are paying Rs 600 / 6000 litres / tank. This works out to around Rs 70,000 for the whole construction (that will take around a year to complete). You would have shelled out only half or less than half the cost of a borewell. So, if you do not need the borewell after the construction, (assuming you will get good water supply from the municipal water board), the extra cost is not justified.

You will be faced with CHOICES with regard to the Interiors of your house. Read about it in the next post.

MAKING CHOICES - INTERIORS

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CHOICES - INTERIORS

February 14, 2013, 11:48 pm

≫ Next: CHOICES - MATERIALS

≪ Previous: CHOICES - EXTERIOR

PRIVACY VS OPEN PLAN:

Do you prefer privacy or do you prefer a large, flowing open plan? If you want privacy, then you need to separate out the living and dining rooms. The bedrooms should be tucked away from the living room and the front of the house. You should avoid large windows facing the front road. The house should be inward looking. The disadvantage is that the rooms will appear smaller as they are defined, separate spaces.
On the other hand if you prefer openness, then you can have rooms flowing into other rooms like a combined living and dining, an open kitchen etc. You can have large windows opening out to the front and sides to let in a lot of light. You can use a lot of glass. But privacy will be compromised.

WINDOWS - WOODEN VS ALUMINIUM VS UPVC:

Wood windows are costly Rs700 - 750 /sq ft but look very aesthetic. Wood windows need to be well protected from rain and harsh sunlight. They need regular maintenance.
Aluminum windows are not strong.
The cost of upvc windows ranges from Rs350 /sq ft for sliding designs and Rs500 /sq ft for casement windows both without grill option. Upvc windows are cheaper but do not look as good as wooden windows.

DOORS - TEAK VS STEEL VS MOULDED:

Moulded doors are the cheapest option followed by steel doors and then Teak doors. So most people opt to have moulded internal doors and a steel or teak main door.
A teak main door looks good, however it must be maintained well and you should ensure that no water hits it during the rainy season.
A safer and cheaper option is a steel door with wood finish (powder coating). But this does not look as good as a teak door.

KITCHEN - MODULAR VS TRADITIONAL:

Modular kitchens are easy to install and look glamorous and neat. The hinges open and close smoothly when compared to the ones installed by a carpenter. However, they are hard to clean and maintain, the corners become inaccessible and a place for cockroaches if not maintained properly. The metal will rust after 5-10 years of usage and will look bad. The cabinet shutters-hinge assembly will come off after repeated opening and closing. Then the entire shutter-hinge has to be replaced. Modular kitchens are very expensive.
A Traditional kitchen with granite counters, hinged shutters will be easier to maintain and more cost effective than Modular kitchens. You need to invest in good hinges and good wooden shutters or water proof plywood shutters with good veneers. The disadvantage is that a traditional kitchen will not look as sleek as a modular one. Also, there will be bigger gaps between shutters.

GRANITE VS MARBLE VS VITRIFIED TILES:

A white floor reflects more light, brightness into the room. Flooring options include Granite, Marble, Vitrified Tiles, Kota etc.
Granite and Marble can be polished to a high finish and this flooring looks very elegant and luxurious. But over time, these materials lose their sheen. However, they can be re-polished, though each time, 2mm - 3 mm thickness of the stone surface will be removed.
Granite and Marble are expensive. Finding shades of white Granite is difficult and Marble is soft and gets stained easily. They are naturally occurring and so, getting stones of the same quality, without fault lines is difficult.
Vitrified tiles have a lot more options and is definitely cost effective. Vitrified has the tendency to chip and crack when heavy objects are dropped on it. Vitrified does not look as natural and elegant as Marble or Granite. The joints between vitrified tiles are visible and get very dirty. Make sure you buy good quality Vitrified tiles so that they will last long.

BRICK VS CEMENT BLOCK:

Cement blocks work out cheaper than Bricks. Cement block walls are 6" thick compared to 9" Brick walls which gives added inches to the room dimensions. Also, Cement block walls are easier to construct. However, a room built with Cement block will heat up soon.
Brick walls are more expensive - Bricks come in 2 varieties- regular which is around Rs 6/brick and wire-cut which is Rs 8 /Brick and suitable for exposed brick work. Brick walls require skilled masons to construct. But the advantage is that rooms with brick walls will remain cool. And in terms of safety, brick walls are much safer and stronger than cement block walls.

GRILLS VS HEX RODS:

Security is a major concern today and iron grills are mandatory to prevent burglary. There are two ways of fixing grills - screw on the grill to the window frame or pierce 12 mm hex rods through the wooden frames into the walls.
Grills are more aesthetic compared to hex rods as they are available in various patterns. However grilled windows are easy to break into as the grill can be unscrewed from the frame.
Hex rods are hard to break through as they run throughout the window frame, and the spacing of the hex rods is usually at 3" intervals. Moreover, these rods are thick and hence hard to bend.

INVERTED T-BEAMS VS CONCEALED BEAMS:

If the room dimension is bigger than 15'x15', then its ideal to go in for a T-Beam. An inverted T-Beam gives the room ceiling a clean and beam-less appearance.
The other option to get a flat, beam-less ceiling is to go in for concealed beams which have extra steel rods and thus are slimmer. But a concealed beam does not function like a beam and care has to be taken that it is not overloaded at the upper floors.

CUT LINTEL VS THROUGH LINTEL:

The purpose of a lintel above a window, is to support the weight of the bricks on top and make sure the window does not deform. There are 2 types of lintels - cut and through: A cut lintel is one which is cast separately above each window while a through lintel is one that runs round the entire perimeter of the house.
The advantage of a through lintel is that the weight is equally distributed in a through lintel. Through lintels also give you the liberty to do alterations to the house later, as you can move doors and windows. Through lintels also give additional support during an earthquake. However, a through lintel will cost at least Rs 30,000/- more than using cut lintels.
In 'RCC framed structures, a through lintel can be avoided if beam interlocking is done at the plinth level.

SUNK VS FLAT BATHROOM:

A bathroom floor slab needs to be sunk by at least 6" and filled with cinder to accommodate the sanitary pipes from the WC, wash basin and shower. So the room below the bathroom will have a lower ceiling. Therefore it makes sense to have both the first floor and the ground floor bathrooms in the same line. This way the pipes can be shared and the slab can be sunk without affecting the room below.
If you cannot have toilets above toilets, then you will have to raise the floor of the upper bathroom by 6" to accommodate the sanitary lines.

Similarly, you will have to make choices on the EXTERIOR of your house. read about it here:

MAKING CHOICES - EXTERIOR

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CHOICES - MATERIALS

February 25, 2013, 10:09 pm

≫ Next: CHOICES

≪ Previous: CHOICES - INTERIORS

DOORS - TEAK VS STEEL VS MOULDED:

Moulded doors are the cheapest option followed by steel doors and then Teak doors. So most people opt to have moulded internal doors and a steel or teak main door.
A teak main door looks good, however it must be maintained well and you should ensure that no water hits it during the rainy season.
A safer and cheaper option is a steel door with wood finish (powder coating). But this does not look as good as a teak door.

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WINDOWS - WOODEN VS ALUMINIUM VS UPVC:

Wood windows are costly Rs700 - 750 /sq ft but look very aesthetic. Wood windows need to be well protected from rain and harsh sunlight. They need regular maintenance.
Aluminum windows are not strong.
The cost of upvc windows ranges from Rs350 /sq ft for sliding designs and Rs500 /sq ft for casement windows both without grill option. Upvc windows are cheaper but do not look as good as wooden windows.

GRANITE VS MARBLE VS VITRIFIED TILES:

A white floor reflects more light, brightness into the room. Flooring options include Granite, Marble, Vitrified Tiles, Kota etc.
Granite and Marble can be polished to a high finish and this flooring looks very elegant and luxurious. But over time, these materials lose their sheen. However, they can be re-polished, though each time, 2mm - 3 mm thickness of the stone surface will be removed.
Granite and Marble are expensive. Finding shades of white Granite is difficult and Marble is soft and gets stained easily. They are naturally occurring and so, getting stones of the same quality, without fault lines is difficult.
Vitrified tiles have a lot more options and is definitely cost effective. Vitrified has the tendency to chip and crack when heavy objects are dropped on it. Vitrified does not look as natural and elegant as Marble or Granite. The joints between vitrified tiles are visible and get very dirty. Make sure you buy good quality Vitrified tiles so that they will last long.

BRICK VS CEMENT BLOCK:

Cement blocks work out cheaper than Bricks. Cement block walls are 6" thick compared to 9" Brick walls which gives added inches to the room dimensions. Also, Cement block walls are easier to construct. However, a room built with Cement block will heat up soon.
Brick walls are more expensive - Bricks come in 2 varieties- regular which is around Rs 6/brick and wire-cut which is Rs 8 /Brick and suitable for exposed brick work. Brick walls require skilled masons to construct. But the advantage is that rooms with brick walls will remain cool. And in terms of safety, brick walls are much safer and stronger than cement block walls.

GRILLS VS HEX RODS:

Security is a major concern today and iron grills are mandatory to prevent burglary. There are two ways of fixing grills - screw on the grill to the window frame or pierce 12 mm hex rods through the wooden frames into the walls.
Grills are more aesthetic compared to hex rods as they are available in various patterns. However grilled windows are easy to break into as the grill can be unscrewed from the frame.
Hex rods are hard to break through as they run throughout the window frame, and the spacing of the hex rods is usually at 3" intervals. Moreover, these rods are thick and hence hard to bend.

Similarly, you will be faced with different choices for the EXTERIOR and INTERIOR your house. Read about it here:

CHOICES - EXTERIOR
CHOICES - INTERIOR

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CHOICES

March 3, 2013, 9:50 pm

≫ Next: VAASTU PLAN

≪ Previous: CHOICES - MATERIALS

CHOICES: While preparing the Project Brief, you will have to keep in mind the different CHOICES available. It is important to make a definite choice, out of the possible alternatives right at the beginning before the commencement of the building. This will enable you to plan your budget in advance and give the right picture to the Architect.

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CHOICES - MATERIALS: There are so many choices in MATERIALS such as Bricks, cement blocks, wood, aluminium, marble, vitrified tiles etc. The advantages and disadvantages of each are described here.
CHOICES - INTERIORS: In planning the INTERIORS, there are so many options like open plan or privacy, sunk bathroom versus flat bathroom, modular kitchen or traditional kitchen etc. The advantages and disadvantages have been explained here.
CHOICES - EXTERIOR: While planning the EXTERIORS of the house, you will have to take decisions on the parking - basement vs ground or car porch vs garage or whether you want more garden or paved areas etc. These options are discussed here with their advantages and disadvantages.

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VAASTU PLAN

April 12, 2013, 5:01 am

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Once the Project Brief has been prepared and you have a rough idea of your preferences in the Choice of materials, the Interiors and the Exteriors, it is time to turn your thoughts to the plan of the House. Many people are unsure as to how the rooms should be laid out (the Plan). So, an easy way to start in this direction is to refer to the Vaastu Plan called the VAASTU PURUSHA MANDALA. This Plan shows the ideal positions of the rooms in a House, based on the Vaastu Mandala grid of 3X3.

Vaastu Shastra literally translated means the ’Science of Buildings’. It is an ancient Indian ‘Architectural Science’ that deals with inter-related subjects like Geography, Geology, Geometry, Astrology, Philosophy, factors influencing a site such as Topography, Orientation, Surrounding structures, Roads, Sun, Earth’s magnetic field etc. and lays down guidelines for the design and construction of a'House'.

These guidelines are explained with the help of the diagram called the Vaastu Purusha Mandala. According to Vaastu Shastra, if the house is designed as per the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a perfectly balanced environment which ensures enhanced health, wealth and happiness is created. This is because the ancient Vaastu pundits figured out that when the different rooms were placed according to the Vaastu Mandala, good disposition to the Sun, proper ventilation, lighting and privacy would be ensured to the inmates throughout the day.

Here is a summary of the basics of the Vaastu Purusha Mandala, known as the Vaastu Plan.

The Main Entrance, Car parking are preferably in the North-East.
Pooja room should ideally be in the North-East.
The Living room can be in the North or the East.
The Dining room can be in the West or the North-West.
Kitchen and Store rooms should preferably be in the South-East. Second option is in the North-West.
Master bedroom should be in the South-West.
The older child's/daughter's bedroom should be in the North-West and the other children's bedrooms in the South or the West.
The Guest bedroom can be in the North-West or the East.
The Study rooms may be in the East, West or the North-West.
The toilets should be in the West or the North-West and should be avoided in the North-East.
The Sump can be in the North-East.
The centre can ideally accommodate a courtyard or the extension of the Living room or the Dining room.
It is preferable to have the bedrooms in the corners as this allows for good cross-ventilation.

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A house can never be 100% Vaastu complaint because of the limitations due to Site orientation, adjacent buildings, etc. So though the above mentioned positions are the ideal positions for the different rooms according to Vaastu, your plan may have to be tailored according to the feasibility.

For a more details on Vaastu Shastra refer to VAASTU GUIDELINES FOR THE DESIGN OF A HOUSE

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