Video: Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat

Irwin Weiner ASID - I admit that I'm an Irwin-Come-Lately to some new products and concepts, but when I finally become aware of them, look out! I'm usually an evangelist for the good things I discover. That's why I was particularly excited to hear about the Nest Learning Thermostat. First good point: it's a thermostat that learns how to program itself based on family habits and patterns and times of day and when it's told to conserve energy and when it's told that people will be away.

Second: you can control the thermostat, and keep it learning, from a smartphone app. So you could be approaching your house after being away for a week, and program it to warm up by the time you arrive from the airport. Elegant, simple, and effective - that's how home appliances should be. Today's featured video will introduce you to the Nest, and click here to visit their website for more information.

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3 Cool Design Apps We Just Discovered

Irwin Weiner ASID - I can imagine a very special 12 Step program for me. Here's how one of my meetings would begin.

My name is Irwin.

Hello, Irwin.

I'm an Apple-holic. I admit to being completely obsessed with my iPhone and my iPad. I look at the bright screen in the dark, in bed, at stop lights when I'm driving, and during my client appointments - because there are so many great apps that help me with my interior design business. What did I do before Apple came along?

If you're an Apple-holic, too, you can relate. Or any other tablet and SmartPhone user as well (Android apps are great, and I admit I'm addicted to them when we use our Google TV). I ran across these three relatively new (to me) home design industry apps that continue to add to the growing functionality of mobile devices and their many uses in everyday business and residential life - including inspiration and generating great ideas.

Click on these links for more information on Edition29 ARCHITECTURE, the Schumacher App, and SnapShop Showroom.
 
 

 
 

 
 

Bonus

Click here to watch more design videos on our feature There's an Interior Design App for That.

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There's an Interior Design App for That!

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - Never fear; interior design apps for your iPhone and iPad are here, and it's technology to the rescue. We've done a little digging and found a variety of apps that are appropriate for homeowners and design professionals alike. The goal of most is to help everyone visualize what a room might look like if it were painted a certain way, lit in a certain mood, designed with a certain furniture plan, etc. For Apartment Therapy's take on favorite apps, click here - the article will take you to 5 apps to set up your home, with an internal link to another 15 apps. Here are some video demonstrations of some apps we came across (click on the app name for more info).

Home Design 3D

Home Style by Kelly Hoppen

MagicPlan

mySurface from DuPont

GE MoodCam

DESIGN2SHARE APPS: We're proud of our own D2S apps; check out the I Can Decorate! and Home Remodeler! apps at the Apple Store.

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Update on May 21, 2011 by Design2Share

Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern. 

Featured Project: DIY Painted Headboard

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Painted headboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.