Is Your Wallpaper This Cool and High Tech?

Jay Johnson - If you think you've heard everything in the world of interior design and decorating, think again - enter modern technology. We've had many revolutions in our industry due to technology, ranging from greener building materials to time-saving appliances. Soon we're going to have Wi-Fi blocking wallpaper!

A French research team at Centre Technique du Papier developed a snowflake-patterned paper - they call it metapaper - made from recycled materials that is effective in blocking 99% of the electromagnetic waves that travel through the air. Traditional wallpaper can be hung right over this special paper if you're not grooving on the flakes.

Why the fuss? Several reasons: homes and businesses that need boosts for their own wireless Internet signals will benefit; personal and corporate Wi-Fi will stay put inside the walls of the home or business to help discourage signal hacking; and there are purported health benefits in blocking out the bombardment of electromagnetic waves we're now being constantly subjected to. The special paper won't block FM radio signals or emergency frequencies. Keep your eyes out for metapaper; it's not on the market yet.

 Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos and features. 

Do You Have the Budget for a New Home Technology System?

Irwin Weiner ASID - One of my clients spent over $10,000 on an in-wall surround-sound speaker system for his bedroom. He had me update this bedroom recently, and in the process, he ripped out all the in-wall equipment and went with a simpler wireless system he bought off the shelf. When I saw this video on the new Crestron showroom in NYC's D&D building, I had mixed feelings. First, I do believe in every home having a "brain" or control system that helps regulate the home's various systems: security, lighting, temperature, appliances and TVs, draperies, and so on. But, and this is a big reservation, as an interior designer, I would rather have my client spend the design budget on elements that make each room more livable, beautiful, and valuable. I'm not convinced that technology doesn't quickly become outdated, or that it's the sizzle factor that's appealing (a toy) versus the steak (a must-have necessity).

If it came down to spending a lot of money on a whole-home control system versus higher-end furnishings, wall coverings, and window treatments ... I've got to go anti-technology, I'm afraid. With that said, I would love to turn on the lights in my home from my iPhone when I pull up the driveway at night, and I'd love to press a "Reading" button and specific lights go on in certain zones. And there's something James Bond-ish about having draperies automatically open and close. But I have yet to meet the client who isn't willing to do those things "manually" if it means spending less on their home design project.

The expense of buying premium property, remodeling, and new construction often leaves little budget room for the technology piece. What do YOU think? Is a home technology system appealing? Would you willingly add the cost to your overall design and decorating budget, without skimping on design and decoration? (I can be swayed yet! <wink>)

 Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos and features. 

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.

 Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos and features. 

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.

 Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos.

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.