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Consumers prefer practical over pizzazz in smart home technology
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIn the future, we will not be minding the machines; the machines will be minding us. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, manufacturers paraded a host of new smart devices designed to track our behaviors and vital signs and then respond or alert us when action needs to be taken.
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Modern traditional tops the list of 2015 kitchen trends
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe buzz at this year's Consumer Electronics Show is once again all about the Internet of Things, including a new array of smartphone-operated appliances. But according to designers, aesthetics — not gadgets — is what is on the minds of consumers looking to upgrade or renovate their kitchens in 2015. Topping the list is the trend toward "modern traditional," a cross between urban sophistication and country comfort.
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A look back at the best facility lighting options for 2014
Pamela Tresp Facilities & GroundsThe ladies out there will remember that the most popular episode on Oprah Winfrey's show was her annual "favorite things" episode. While I'm certainly not Oprah and not giving any product away, I do want to share some of my favorite things from this past year used in various commercial/industrial facilities. Hopefully, some of this information will be of value and maybe spark some ideas to make your life easier.
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Home renovations: Are heated bathroom floors a good fit?
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesExperts and economists are optimistic about the housing scenario in 2015, and they have reasons to be after the tough past few years. Along with the overall economic recovery and an improving job market, there are other positive signs to boost the market as well.
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New role for interior designers: Home health specialist
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesHomeowners want their homes to support their health and well-being, and they are willing to undertake renovations to improve their home environment. But they are not always certain which steps to take or which products to buy to address their concerns.
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Winter design ideas for home interiors
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWhether homeowners want to replicate a white winter inside or make their home warm and cozy, winter décor is a big decision to make. Interior design sites are witnessing record hits as more people spend time online to research a new look for their house this winter, something that is stylish yet cozy, eclectic and smart.
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Millennials settling down, baby boomers staying put
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsTwo factors drive the housing market: the economy and demographics. At the moment, both are trending in favor of realtors and builders. Industry experts are forecasting a stronger housing market for 2015, with millennials and boomers being major players.
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Coming clean: Homeowners choosing shower over tub
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesAre they in or are they out? By some accounts, homeowners are done with bathtubs. Others say the bathtub is making a comeback. Although a case can be made for both trends, the shower is the washing environment of choice for the majority of Americans.
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What design professionals don’t do in 2015 may be the key to success
Fred Berns Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe holiday season is a good time to look ahead, as well as back, as you think about your interior design business. As you plan ahead for 2015, consider what you can do to take your design business to the next level. But it's also important to ponder what you won't do, to avoid mistakes and missteps that could sabotage your success.
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Passive Paul meets Aggressive Homeowner Harriet
Roger Daviston Facilities & GroundsPassive Paul wakes up and starts his usual day, always moving against himself but not seeing it that way. He constantly doesn't resist anything that homeowners tell him. He finds it extremely uncomfortable to confront others, and he would rather not say much and just let things go.
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