Start Date: 4 February 2012
End Date: 12 February 2012
Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 6
Address: 1 Expo Drive Singapore 486150
Time: 12.00pm - 10.00pm
Admission: Admission is free
Monday, January 30, 2012
Luxury Living 2012
Start Date: 4 February 2012
End Date: 12 February 2012
Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 6
Address: 1 Expo Drive Singapore 486150
Time: 12.00pm - 10.00pm
Admission: Admission is free
Cool Wall Hooks by Thelermont Hupton
I like the utensil-shaped hooks that resemble a saucepan! What about you?
Article taken off trendir.com
Cool Wall Hooks by Thelermont Hupton
We were instantly “hooked” by these cool wall hooks by Thelermont Hupton. Each featuring a different hand gesture, this line of hand-shaped hooks from thelermonthupton.com says “thumbs up,” “hello,” with a wave, “shake,” “okay,” “up yours,” point, “peace” and “rock on,” all without saying a word! The hooks come in a range of hot hues including black, pink, orange, red or white, cast in composite materials with luscious lacquered finish. Mounted to your walls, these cool hand hooks are a fab functional element and they also make a great artistic addition to a plain wall. Retail price is £90.
If the hand gestures don’t get your message across, throw some kitchen utensils across the room – or just try these utensil-shaped hooks that resemble a saucepan, knife and rolling pin, stuck in the wall in the heat of the moment! Choose from red, black or white. The Saucepan hook retails for £25, the Knife hook is £22 and the Rolling Pin hook is £22.
Article taken off trendir.com
Cool Wall Hooks by Thelermont Hupton
We were instantly “hooked” by these cool wall hooks by Thelermont Hupton. Each featuring a different hand gesture, this line of hand-shaped hooks from thelermonthupton.com says “thumbs up,” “hello,” with a wave, “shake,” “okay,” “up yours,” point, “peace” and “rock on,” all without saying a word! The hooks come in a range of hot hues including black, pink, orange, red or white, cast in composite materials with luscious lacquered finish. Mounted to your walls, these cool hand hooks are a fab functional element and they also make a great artistic addition to a plain wall. Retail price is £90.
If the hand gestures don’t get your message across, throw some kitchen utensils across the room – or just try these utensil-shaped hooks that resemble a saucepan, knife and rolling pin, stuck in the wall in the heat of the moment! Choose from red, black or white. The Saucepan hook retails for £25, the Knife hook is £22 and the Rolling Pin hook is £22.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Postage Stamp Rugs
What do you think of these rugs?
Article taken off trendir.com
Postage Stamp Rugs
Bring a little royal British charm from across to the pond to your home with these quirky rugs by UK-based company Stamp Rugs. The Postage Stamp Rug collection features Her Majesty’s head embossed in 100-per-cent New Zealand wool, hand-woven in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Right down to the detail, these rugs boast authentic scalloped borders that echo the perforations you’ll find on the edges of real stamps. Available in a range of colors and sizes from 57-by-47-inch to 118-by-91-inch, and in custom made-to-order proportions as well, these rugs are a unique addition to any sized room. Cozy underfoot or hanging on the wall as a regal art piece, we love this fun must-have for the home. Check out the Postage Stamp Rug collection online at stamprugs.com
Article taken off trendir.com
Postage Stamp Rugs
Bring a little royal British charm from across to the pond to your home with these quirky rugs by UK-based company Stamp Rugs. The Postage Stamp Rug collection features Her Majesty’s head embossed in 100-per-cent New Zealand wool, hand-woven in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Right down to the detail, these rugs boast authentic scalloped borders that echo the perforations you’ll find on the edges of real stamps. Available in a range of colors and sizes from 57-by-47-inch to 118-by-91-inch, and in custom made-to-order proportions as well, these rugs are a unique addition to any sized room. Cozy underfoot or hanging on the wall as a regal art piece, we love this fun must-have for the home. Check out the Postage Stamp Rug collection online at stamprugs.com
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
73rd Street Penthouse by Turett Collaborative Architects
View this elegant penthouse...
Article taken off yossawat.com
73rd Street Penthouse by Turett Collaborative Architects
Turett Collaborative Architects, the architecture firm that designed the penthouse with a steel slide in the East Village, has recently completed another innovative space, this one a triplex penthouse on the Upper East Side. A spokesperson for the firm tells us “the attention to detail on this [project] is unusually high — even by our standards.” This was driven by the client, who was interested in unique solutions rather than compromises.
The 73rd Street Penthouse, It was a nice collaboration between client and architects where homeowner traveled with architect Wayne Turrett to a remote quarry in the Swiss alps to hand pick the stone for the double-height wall around the 15-foot-wide fireplace. This penthouse is breathtaking, really beautiful and elegant. The wide spaces, bright colors, stone and wood combinations are amazing and create a modern and cozy place.
The kitchen counter has an integrated double sink. The appliances are built into the wall.
The second floor, overlooking the living room.
The master bathroom shower and seamless tub is in an all glass room. The glass is clear, but can turn opaque for privacy at the flip of a switch.
Here the opaque shield is “on” for privacy.
The master bedroom.
A trough sink with two faucets. The toilet, which is attached to the wall, seems to float.
Water trickles down from a fixture in the ceiling.
The stairway from the second to third floor.
Stair tread detail. They cast warm, orange-tinted shadows through the halls.
Top floor.
Article taken off yossawat.com
73rd Street Penthouse by Turett Collaborative Architects
Turett Collaborative Architects, the architecture firm that designed the penthouse with a steel slide in the East Village, has recently completed another innovative space, this one a triplex penthouse on the Upper East Side. A spokesperson for the firm tells us “the attention to detail on this [project] is unusually high — even by our standards.” This was driven by the client, who was interested in unique solutions rather than compromises.
The 73rd Street Penthouse, It was a nice collaboration between client and architects where homeowner traveled with architect Wayne Turrett to a remote quarry in the Swiss alps to hand pick the stone for the double-height wall around the 15-foot-wide fireplace. This penthouse is breathtaking, really beautiful and elegant. The wide spaces, bright colors, stone and wood combinations are amazing and create a modern and cozy place.
The kitchen counter has an integrated double sink. The appliances are built into the wall.
The second floor, overlooking the living room.
The master bathroom shower and seamless tub is in an all glass room. The glass is clear, but can turn opaque for privacy at the flip of a switch.
Here the opaque shield is “on” for privacy.
The master bedroom.
A trough sink with two faucets. The toilet, which is attached to the wall, seems to float.
Water trickles down from a fixture in the ceiling.
The stairway from the second to third floor.
Stair tread detail. They cast warm, orange-tinted shadows through the halls.
Top floor.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Seasonal white interior design
Use white the right way in your home...
Article taken off homedit.com
Seasonal white interior design
White interior decors are actually very common. Nevertheless, they tend to seem more striking during this particular time of the year. When everything is white and snowy outside, it’s much easier to notice the resemblance with the interior in cases like this one. This particular interior design is very interesting not only because of the huge amount of white in there but also because of the way everything else seems to complement the house and the way the other colors stand out.
Usually we use white when we either have a small home and we want to make it seem bigger or when we simply want to have an airy and bright interior décor. In this case it’s probably both reasons. Notice how all the rooms have white walls and ceilings. This creates uniformity throughout the house and makes all the room seem so airy and spacious. That’s not only because of the colors but also because the furniture is minimalist and features pale colors such as grey or natural brown.
I love the way the interior of this house reminds me of a black and white movie but with small insertions of color. Also, it’s interesting how the designer incorporated natural elements inside without using clichés. There aren’t any fresh plants in there but only dead trees or leafless plants.{pics from site}
Article taken off homedit.com
Seasonal white interior design
White interior decors are actually very common. Nevertheless, they tend to seem more striking during this particular time of the year. When everything is white and snowy outside, it’s much easier to notice the resemblance with the interior in cases like this one. This particular interior design is very interesting not only because of the huge amount of white in there but also because of the way everything else seems to complement the house and the way the other colors stand out.
Usually we use white when we either have a small home and we want to make it seem bigger or when we simply want to have an airy and bright interior décor. In this case it’s probably both reasons. Notice how all the rooms have white walls and ceilings. This creates uniformity throughout the house and makes all the room seem so airy and spacious. That’s not only because of the colors but also because the furniture is minimalist and features pale colors such as grey or natural brown.
I love the way the interior of this house reminds me of a black and white movie but with small insertions of color. Also, it’s interesting how the designer incorporated natural elements inside without using clichés. There aren’t any fresh plants in there but only dead trees or leafless plants.{pics from site}
Monday, January 16, 2012
Staying Frugal with Your Apartment Interior Design
How frugal are you?
Article taken off homeinteriorszone.com
Staying Frugal with Your Apartment Interior Design
One of the main goals of almost every apartment interior design is finding ways to save money while still making the apartment a place you will want to come to relax after work. It may seem like an impossible task to handle, but decorations and furniture are really cheap enough these days to make all of your dreams a reality at a low price.
After all, you don’t have a lot of space to cover in an apartment, so you should be able to fill all the gaps while still being able to hold onto the money in your wallet.
Your home is where you can really showcase your personality and create your own personal sanctuary.
No one can tell you what to do in your own apartment, and that’s one of the best things about apartment interior design. The only restriction on what you can do with your apartment will come from your own bank account.
You have to be able to express yourself with the design of your apartment because that is the only way you are going to be able to relax at the end of the day. Everything in the room needs to match your personality, so the colors, decorations and furniture all need to symbolize something meaningful in your heart.
This may seem like something that is impossible to achieve on a tight budget, but the truth of the matter is that anyone can get what they want in their own apartment for a low price.
Taking on the challenge of frugal apartment interior design
The first thing you need to do when you realize that you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your apartment interior design is decide that you are going to take this challenge head on. Don’t think of the negative sides of not having too much money to spend because that will only work to make you more frustrated as time goes on. You need to be happy with what you have if you are going to be able to build a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your apartment.
Anyone who has a roommate should find themselves in great luck because you will be able to split the costs of all the furniture and living room materials right down the middle. Hopefully your roommate is someone who shares the same desire as you when it comes to creating a quality home. You should never decide that you are going to buy all of the furniture and materials for the living room if your roommate has decided that they don’t care about the living room at all and don’t plan on paying for it.
Display objects and items that are important to you
While the majority of your apartment is going to be stuffed with furniture, you should also make sure you have room for the things that are important to you. Any piece of artwork or special family portrait should be displayed somewhere in your apartment to show off your own personality. This is one of the main staples of apartment interior design.
Article taken off homeinteriorszone.com
Staying Frugal with Your Apartment Interior Design
One of the main goals of almost every apartment interior design is finding ways to save money while still making the apartment a place you will want to come to relax after work. It may seem like an impossible task to handle, but decorations and furniture are really cheap enough these days to make all of your dreams a reality at a low price.
After all, you don’t have a lot of space to cover in an apartment, so you should be able to fill all the gaps while still being able to hold onto the money in your wallet.
Your home is where you can really showcase your personality and create your own personal sanctuary.
No one can tell you what to do in your own apartment, and that’s one of the best things about apartment interior design. The only restriction on what you can do with your apartment will come from your own bank account.
You have to be able to express yourself with the design of your apartment because that is the only way you are going to be able to relax at the end of the day. Everything in the room needs to match your personality, so the colors, decorations and furniture all need to symbolize something meaningful in your heart.
This may seem like something that is impossible to achieve on a tight budget, but the truth of the matter is that anyone can get what they want in their own apartment for a low price.
Taking on the challenge of frugal apartment interior design
The first thing you need to do when you realize that you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your apartment interior design is decide that you are going to take this challenge head on. Don’t think of the negative sides of not having too much money to spend because that will only work to make you more frustrated as time goes on. You need to be happy with what you have if you are going to be able to build a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your apartment.
Anyone who has a roommate should find themselves in great luck because you will be able to split the costs of all the furniture and living room materials right down the middle. Hopefully your roommate is someone who shares the same desire as you when it comes to creating a quality home. You should never decide that you are going to buy all of the furniture and materials for the living room if your roommate has decided that they don’t care about the living room at all and don’t plan on paying for it.
Display objects and items that are important to you
While the majority of your apartment is going to be stuffed with furniture, you should also make sure you have room for the things that are important to you. Any piece of artwork or special family portrait should be displayed somewhere in your apartment to show off your own personality. This is one of the main staples of apartment interior design.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Original Pillows Featuring Vintage Cameras Painted on Canvasses
Cool pillows for camera fanatics! =)
Article taken off freshome.com
Original Pillows Featuring Vintage Cameras Painted on Canvasses
We featured quite a few interesting camera-inspired home items on Freshome and are happy to see that design ideas are still on a roll when it comes to photography. For today we would like to present this original vintage pillow collection featuring vintage cameras painted on canvasses. I have to say I am not all that impressed with the overall appearance of the pillows, but the concept behind make them fun and appealing. The Vintage Amica Eyelux camera was used as a model for this collection. The items have different shapes and sizes, which may trigger the idea of decorating a themed-style room. The pillows go great in a modern and minimalist interior, adding a contrasting vintage touch. You can purchase them online at etsy.com, for $42. Would you consider having one in your home?
Article taken off freshome.com
Original Pillows Featuring Vintage Cameras Painted on Canvasses
We featured quite a few interesting camera-inspired home items on Freshome and are happy to see that design ideas are still on a roll when it comes to photography. For today we would like to present this original vintage pillow collection featuring vintage cameras painted on canvasses. I have to say I am not all that impressed with the overall appearance of the pillows, but the concept behind make them fun and appealing. The Vintage Amica Eyelux camera was used as a model for this collection. The items have different shapes and sizes, which may trigger the idea of decorating a themed-style room. The pillows go great in a modern and minimalist interior, adding a contrasting vintage touch. You can purchase them online at etsy.com, for $42. Would you consider having one in your home?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Interior Design Show 2012
Interior Design Show 2012
26 - 29 January 2012
Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Canada
It Takes an Industry To Make a Party...
The design party of the year takes place on Thursday January 26, a night of food, libation and live performances– all to the beats of designer DJ Karim Rashid. Hear opening remarks from International Guest of Honour Piero Lissoni, and bid on one or more of the 20 Magis Julian chairs each re-imagined by a different designer including Yabu Pushelburg, Bruce Mau Design, Joe Mimran, Burdi Filek, Alfred Sung and more with auction proceeds benefiting the ONEXONE foundation...all among 300 exhibitors showing thousands of new design products.
26 - 29 January 2012
Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Canada
It Takes an Industry To Make a Party...
The design party of the year takes place on Thursday January 26, a night of food, libation and live performances– all to the beats of designer DJ Karim Rashid. Hear opening remarks from International Guest of Honour Piero Lissoni, and bid on one or more of the 20 Magis Julian chairs each re-imagined by a different designer including Yabu Pushelburg, Bruce Mau Design, Joe Mimran, Burdi Filek, Alfred Sung and more with auction proceeds benefiting the ONEXONE foundation...all among 300 exhibitors showing thousands of new design products.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Happy House Feng Shui - 6 Good Tips
Feng Shui tips for your cozy home!
Article taken off kondrat.suite101.com
Happy House Feng Shui - 6 Good Tips
A happy house is not a miracle - it is a result of efforts applied to your home. These 6 simple but good Feng Shui tips will help to make your house happier
Probably among everyone’s wishes is to live happily and healthy in a cozy and comfortable house that is always associated with pleasure and joy. Well, Feng Shui can help in making the wish come true. However, nothing will happen in a minute – making your home a happy place will require some time and effort (both physical and mental). The 6 Feng Shui tips presented below will help you to speed up the process of becoming a happier and healthier person that lives in a good house that is full of love, joy and wellbeing.
1. Clean and Declutter for Good Feng Shui
Though Feng Shui, as most people believe, seems to be about moving furniture around, the reality is somewhat different. Good Feng Shui of any home always starts with cleaning and decluttering. Drawers and wardrobes staffed with hundreds of unused items, barricaded passageways, cluttered tables and shelves – neither of such appearances adds good to your house or life. So, throw away everything unneeded or broken, clean and free the space around you, and your life will gradually become more organized, just like your house. The article Organizing Life via Spring House Cleaning provides more information on this topic.
2. Happy House is Light and Fresh
Fresh air and light are not only good for your health, but are also an irreplaceable cure for the health of your house. These natural Feng Shui cures refresh and energize the energy flows within a house, making the home’s atmosphere more favorable for happy living. Therefore, do not forget to air your home regularly. If there are dark rooms or places in the house, consider illuminating them with additional lamps, chandeliers or frequently lit candles, so the energy in those areas does not become stagnant.
3. Good Feng Shui Smells and Sounds Well
Smells and sounds also have an impact on the quality of energy flows that fill a house. If pleasant, sounds and smells purify and energize Chi of the home so that it effectively works for the good of the dwellers. So, consider burning scented candles, essential oils or incense sticks, as well as playing relaxing calm music from time to time, in order to tune your home’s vibrations up to happiness and health.
4. Add Natural Life Energy
Pure energy of plants and animals greatly enliven the overall atmosphere of a house. So, a pet, or at least an aquarium, may become a great Feng Shui cure for improving you home and life. In addition, whether you choose to have a little friend or not, it is always good to have some potted plants in the house. They not only clean and refresh the air, but also clean and refresh the Chi of your home.
5. Know the Bagua of Your Happy House
While improving the overall atmosphere of the house is always good for all the aspects of your life, it never hurts to improve some specific area. Do you have a wish, a desire or a need to change something in your life? – Then determine where the Bagua area responsible for that life aspect is, and enhance it accordingly.
6. Love Your Home
Love and take care of your house and it will love and take care of you in return. Your house does everything it can in order to satisfy you. However, it cannot do more without your help: it needs your love, your attention, and your gratitude. So, be grateful to your home, take a good care of all its corners, thank your house for being your home and protection, treat it with respect and appreciation, and who knows, maybe with time it will thank you by helping to get a new and better one!
Feng Shui cannot change your life immediately. However, it can help to gradually move into better stages of life, and your home is your greatest assistant in this process. Therefore, take your time to make your house a clean and fresh place, so that it helps you to become a happy and healthy person.
Article taken off kondrat.suite101.com
Happy House Feng Shui - 6 Good Tips
A happy house is not a miracle - it is a result of efforts applied to your home. These 6 simple but good Feng Shui tips will help to make your house happier
Probably among everyone’s wishes is to live happily and healthy in a cozy and comfortable house that is always associated with pleasure and joy. Well, Feng Shui can help in making the wish come true. However, nothing will happen in a minute – making your home a happy place will require some time and effort (both physical and mental). The 6 Feng Shui tips presented below will help you to speed up the process of becoming a happier and healthier person that lives in a good house that is full of love, joy and wellbeing.
1. Clean and Declutter for Good Feng Shui
Though Feng Shui, as most people believe, seems to be about moving furniture around, the reality is somewhat different. Good Feng Shui of any home always starts with cleaning and decluttering. Drawers and wardrobes staffed with hundreds of unused items, barricaded passageways, cluttered tables and shelves – neither of such appearances adds good to your house or life. So, throw away everything unneeded or broken, clean and free the space around you, and your life will gradually become more organized, just like your house. The article Organizing Life via Spring House Cleaning provides more information on this topic.
2. Happy House is Light and Fresh
Fresh air and light are not only good for your health, but are also an irreplaceable cure for the health of your house. These natural Feng Shui cures refresh and energize the energy flows within a house, making the home’s atmosphere more favorable for happy living. Therefore, do not forget to air your home regularly. If there are dark rooms or places in the house, consider illuminating them with additional lamps, chandeliers or frequently lit candles, so the energy in those areas does not become stagnant.
3. Good Feng Shui Smells and Sounds Well
Smells and sounds also have an impact on the quality of energy flows that fill a house. If pleasant, sounds and smells purify and energize Chi of the home so that it effectively works for the good of the dwellers. So, consider burning scented candles, essential oils or incense sticks, as well as playing relaxing calm music from time to time, in order to tune your home’s vibrations up to happiness and health.
4. Add Natural Life Energy
Pure energy of plants and animals greatly enliven the overall atmosphere of a house. So, a pet, or at least an aquarium, may become a great Feng Shui cure for improving you home and life. In addition, whether you choose to have a little friend or not, it is always good to have some potted plants in the house. They not only clean and refresh the air, but also clean and refresh the Chi of your home.
5. Know the Bagua of Your Happy House
While improving the overall atmosphere of the house is always good for all the aspects of your life, it never hurts to improve some specific area. Do you have a wish, a desire or a need to change something in your life? – Then determine where the Bagua area responsible for that life aspect is, and enhance it accordingly.
6. Love Your Home
Love and take care of your house and it will love and take care of you in return. Your house does everything it can in order to satisfy you. However, it cannot do more without your help: it needs your love, your attention, and your gratitude. So, be grateful to your home, take a good care of all its corners, thank your house for being your home and protection, treat it with respect and appreciation, and who knows, maybe with time it will thank you by helping to get a new and better one!
Feng Shui cannot change your life immediately. However, it can help to gradually move into better stages of life, and your home is your greatest assistant in this process. Therefore, take your time to make your house a clean and fresh place, so that it helps you to become a happy and healthy person.
HDFC's India Homes Fair 2012
HDFC's India Homes Fair 2012
14 - 15 January 2012
Venue: Suntec Singapore
Location: Hall 402 (Level 4)
Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City Singapore 039593
Time: 10.00am to 8.00pm
HDFC brings India Homes Fair back to you. Choose from a wide range of Row Houses, Flats, Apartments, Plots and Villas priced between 20 lakh and 3 crores. With over 50 leading developers from Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, NCR, Pune and many other cities showcasing their properties at the Fair, finding your dream home in India will be easier than ever.
14 - 15 January 2012
Venue: Suntec Singapore
Location: Hall 402 (Level 4)
Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City Singapore 039593
Time: 10.00am to 8.00pm
HDFC brings India Homes Fair back to you. Choose from a wide range of Row Houses, Flats, Apartments, Plots and Villas priced between 20 lakh and 3 crores. With over 50 leading developers from Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, NCR, Pune and many other cities showcasing their properties at the Fair, finding your dream home in India will be easier than ever.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Growing Lucky Bamboo
Hope this Lucky Bamboo brings you good luck & prosperity!
Article taken off houseplants.about.com
New Year's Craft: Growing Lucky Bamboo
You don't have to look very hard to find lucky bamboo nowadays. These plants pop up in offices, on desks, in businesses, and in homes pretty much everywhere. An important part of feng shui, lucky bamboo plants are said to bring good luck and fortune, especially if the plants were given as gifts. It also helps that they have a well-earned reputation as nearly indestructible. These tough stalks can survive in vases of pure water or in soil, and in a wide variety of light conditions. Even a poorly kept lucky bamboo plant will live for a long time before it finally succumbs.
The vast majority of lucky bamboo plants are shipped in from Taiwan or China, where professional growers braid and twist and curl their stalks into a multitude of shapes. The more intricate lucky bamboo plants can cost hundreds of dollars and feature twenty or more individual stalks. More commonly, though, lucky bamboo plants in simple pots can be had for as little as $10 for a three-stalk bundle.
Technically, lucky bamboo is not bamboo at all, but a species called Dracaena sanderiana. Although most are grown hydroponically (in water), lucky bamboo can be potted up in soil. One final caution: lucky bamboo leaves are mildly toxic, so they should not be kept in a place where pets or children are likely to snack on them.
Caring for Your Lucky Bamboo
Light: Lucky bamboo prefer bright, filtered sunlight, such as found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. They are more tolerant of too little light than too much. If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light.
Watering: Lucky bamboo can grow indefinitely in a simple vase filled with pebbles (for support) and at least an inch of water. However, they are very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water. Water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so don't be alarmed in a glass vase if you can see red roots. Finally, good hygiene recommends that you change the water weekly.
Temperature: Lucky bamboo likes warmer temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF. Do not place the plants in front of air conditioning or heating vents.
Potting Media: In addition to water, lucky bamboo can be grown in a well-drained, rich potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking. Water as you would any Dracaena species.
Fertilizer: Plants grown in water will only need to be fed every other month or so, using a very weak liquid fertilizer. A single drop of liquid fertilizer is plenty for most lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, specialty lucky bamboo fertilizers are available.
Trimming and Shaping Your Lucky Bamboo
Despite its intricate appearance, lucky bamboo is not shaped in the same way as bonsai, with plant wire and judicious trimming. Rather, they are shaped by rotating the plant stalks in front of a light source, thus causing the plant to naturally grow toward the light. In China, the stalks are often grown on their sides to cause the distinctive spiral. At home, this is a laborious process, but it can be accomplished by placing the plants under a three-sided box and paying close attention to its growth rate, rotating the plant slowly and regularly. Be patient, as it can take a while to get it right.
Trimming, however, is an important part of keeping your lucky bamboo healthy. Over time, most plants will become top heavy, or intricate shapes will begin to lose their form. In general, it's not a good idea to cut the main stalk of a lucky bamboo. Instead, cut the offshoots with sterile snippers. You can trim offshoots back to within an inch or two of the main stem. New shoots will soon emerge, and the resulting plant will be bushier. To discourage new growth, dip the cut end in parafin.
If you want to change its shape dramatically, you can cut a whole offshoot flush against the main stalk. A tan scar will result, and new shoots may or may not emerge from the cut. Don't throw the trimmings away, as they can be used to propagate new lucky bamboo plants. If you need to trim a main stalk for some reason, new shoots will emerge from below the cut, and the top portion—assuming it's healthy—can be used to start a new plant.
Common Problems with Lucky Bamboo
The most common mistakes related to lucky bamboo are usually connected to the water. Chlorinated water will kill them over time, and water that is dirty or infected with bacteria can be deadly. If a plant develops black roots, these should be cut away. Similarly, dead leaves should never be allowed to rot in the water as they might introduce bacteria. Practice good water hygiene by changing water every week with distilled or bottled water. If algae is growing in the water, it's usually because the plant is potted in a clear vase, allowing light to penetrate and encouraging algae growth. Just clean it out and start again, switching to an opaque container if algae is a persistent problem.
Leaves that are yellow usually indicate too much sun or too much fertilizer. Cut out the fertilizer and move the plant to a shadier location.
Brown leaves usually indicate dry air or polluted water. Raise the humidity level by spraying the plant regularly and make sure you're using the appropriate water.
If the stalks themselves begin to rot or turn mushy, they are likely beyond saving. Worse yet, decaying stalks threaten any other stalks they are close to. Remove them at once. If you really want to save it, cut away the yellow parts and try to root the trimmed stalk in new water.
Finally, lucky bamboo are susceptible to the same insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. They can be treated manually (picking off bugs) or by the same methods you'd use on any other indoor plant.
Article taken off houseplants.about.com
New Year's Craft: Growing Lucky Bamboo
You don't have to look very hard to find lucky bamboo nowadays. These plants pop up in offices, on desks, in businesses, and in homes pretty much everywhere. An important part of feng shui, lucky bamboo plants are said to bring good luck and fortune, especially if the plants were given as gifts. It also helps that they have a well-earned reputation as nearly indestructible. These tough stalks can survive in vases of pure water or in soil, and in a wide variety of light conditions. Even a poorly kept lucky bamboo plant will live for a long time before it finally succumbs.
The vast majority of lucky bamboo plants are shipped in from Taiwan or China, where professional growers braid and twist and curl their stalks into a multitude of shapes. The more intricate lucky bamboo plants can cost hundreds of dollars and feature twenty or more individual stalks. More commonly, though, lucky bamboo plants in simple pots can be had for as little as $10 for a three-stalk bundle.
Technically, lucky bamboo is not bamboo at all, but a species called Dracaena sanderiana. Although most are grown hydroponically (in water), lucky bamboo can be potted up in soil. One final caution: lucky bamboo leaves are mildly toxic, so they should not be kept in a place where pets or children are likely to snack on them.
Caring for Your Lucky Bamboo
Light: Lucky bamboo prefer bright, filtered sunlight, such as found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. They are more tolerant of too little light than too much. If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light.
Watering: Lucky bamboo can grow indefinitely in a simple vase filled with pebbles (for support) and at least an inch of water. However, they are very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water. Water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so don't be alarmed in a glass vase if you can see red roots. Finally, good hygiene recommends that you change the water weekly.
Temperature: Lucky bamboo likes warmer temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF. Do not place the plants in front of air conditioning or heating vents.
Potting Media: In addition to water, lucky bamboo can be grown in a well-drained, rich potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking. Water as you would any Dracaena species.
Fertilizer: Plants grown in water will only need to be fed every other month or so, using a very weak liquid fertilizer. A single drop of liquid fertilizer is plenty for most lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, specialty lucky bamboo fertilizers are available.
Trimming and Shaping Your Lucky Bamboo
Despite its intricate appearance, lucky bamboo is not shaped in the same way as bonsai, with plant wire and judicious trimming. Rather, they are shaped by rotating the plant stalks in front of a light source, thus causing the plant to naturally grow toward the light. In China, the stalks are often grown on their sides to cause the distinctive spiral. At home, this is a laborious process, but it can be accomplished by placing the plants under a three-sided box and paying close attention to its growth rate, rotating the plant slowly and regularly. Be patient, as it can take a while to get it right.
Trimming, however, is an important part of keeping your lucky bamboo healthy. Over time, most plants will become top heavy, or intricate shapes will begin to lose their form. In general, it's not a good idea to cut the main stalk of a lucky bamboo. Instead, cut the offshoots with sterile snippers. You can trim offshoots back to within an inch or two of the main stem. New shoots will soon emerge, and the resulting plant will be bushier. To discourage new growth, dip the cut end in parafin.
If you want to change its shape dramatically, you can cut a whole offshoot flush against the main stalk. A tan scar will result, and new shoots may or may not emerge from the cut. Don't throw the trimmings away, as they can be used to propagate new lucky bamboo plants. If you need to trim a main stalk for some reason, new shoots will emerge from below the cut, and the top portion—assuming it's healthy—can be used to start a new plant.
Common Problems with Lucky Bamboo
The most common mistakes related to lucky bamboo are usually connected to the water. Chlorinated water will kill them over time, and water that is dirty or infected with bacteria can be deadly. If a plant develops black roots, these should be cut away. Similarly, dead leaves should never be allowed to rot in the water as they might introduce bacteria. Practice good water hygiene by changing water every week with distilled or bottled water. If algae is growing in the water, it's usually because the plant is potted in a clear vase, allowing light to penetrate and encouraging algae growth. Just clean it out and start again, switching to an opaque container if algae is a persistent problem.
Leaves that are yellow usually indicate too much sun or too much fertilizer. Cut out the fertilizer and move the plant to a shadier location.
Brown leaves usually indicate dry air or polluted water. Raise the humidity level by spraying the plant regularly and make sure you're using the appropriate water.
If the stalks themselves begin to rot or turn mushy, they are likely beyond saving. Worse yet, decaying stalks threaten any other stalks they are close to. Remove them at once. If you really want to save it, cut away the yellow parts and try to root the trimmed stalk in new water.
Finally, lucky bamboo are susceptible to the same insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. They can be treated manually (picking off bugs) or by the same methods you'd use on any other indoor plant.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The girl with the dragon throw pillow: Chinese New Year decor
Searching for home decor items for this Chinese New Year? Take a look at this Dragon items...
Article taken off mnn.com
The girl with the dragon throw pillow: Chinese New Year decor
Get into the spirit of 2012, the Year of the Dragon, by outfitting your lair with these handmade, fire-breathing serpent-themed items (and no, they won't make your home look like a dim sum restaurant).
Sure, the Chinese New Year doesn't officially kick in until Jan. 23 but it's never too early to ring in 2012, the Year of the Dragon, by sprucing up your abode with a few mythical fire-breathing lizard-centric decor items. Now I fully, realize that incorporating dragons into your interior decor scheme may be a bit more tricky than, let's say, rabbits. Still, there are some tasteful, handmade/eco-friendly options (most found at Etsy) for Chinese Zodiac-themed decorating out there that won't leave your living space looking like a dim sum palace, head shop, or role-playing teenager's bedroom circa 1985. And we wouldn't want that would we?
Ron the Dragon Bookend by Zuny @ emmohome.com ($56)
Binth Pixel Dragon Print @ fawnandforest.com ($28)
Jonathan Adler Ceramic Dragon Sculpture @ jonathanadler.com ($350)
Oolong Tea Tin Clock @ ReigrucheStudio's Etsy shop ($20)
Vintage Rice Grain Sack with Dragons Pillow @ etsy.com ($43)
2012 Year of the Dragon Calendar @ BaseMint's Etsy shop ($26)
Dragon Salt and Pepper Shakers @ etsy.com ($10)
Article taken off mnn.com
The girl with the dragon throw pillow: Chinese New Year decor
Get into the spirit of 2012, the Year of the Dragon, by outfitting your lair with these handmade, fire-breathing serpent-themed items (and no, they won't make your home look like a dim sum restaurant).
Sure, the Chinese New Year doesn't officially kick in until Jan. 23 but it's never too early to ring in 2012, the Year of the Dragon, by sprucing up your abode with a few mythical fire-breathing lizard-centric decor items. Now I fully, realize that incorporating dragons into your interior decor scheme may be a bit more tricky than, let's say, rabbits. Still, there are some tasteful, handmade/eco-friendly options (most found at Etsy) for Chinese Zodiac-themed decorating out there that won't leave your living space looking like a dim sum palace, head shop, or role-playing teenager's bedroom circa 1985. And we wouldn't want that would we?
Ron the Dragon Bookend by Zuny @ emmohome.com ($56)
Binth Pixel Dragon Print @ fawnandforest.com ($28)
Jonathan Adler Ceramic Dragon Sculpture @ jonathanadler.com ($350)
Oolong Tea Tin Clock @ ReigrucheStudio's Etsy shop ($20)
Vintage Rice Grain Sack with Dragons Pillow @ etsy.com ($43)
2012 Year of the Dragon Calendar @ BaseMint's Etsy shop ($26)
Dragon Salt and Pepper Shakers @ etsy.com ($10)
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