To be an interior designer one needs to have an understanding of high elegance and refined taste. Thats why an interior designer tries to produce work of high quality, establish solid foundations for the designs and gives advice on what makes for distinguished and comfortable dcor which will lend that elegance to the interiors of a home, office or building. Samer Al Alawi, is a well-known Saudi designer both within the Kingdom and abroad. We met Alawi and talked to him about his passion for interior designing. Here are some excerpts:

How do you see yourself as an interior designer: a traditionalist or modernist? I dont believe that I a traditionalist or modernist. Ever since I started my work, I have been guided by one word: innovation.

Your work has received mixed reviews. Why is that?

Well, for one thing, innovation in general attracts attention and can be controversial. My designs appeared at a time when the facades of Saudi homes had been standardized. My designs on the other hand were unique and creative. I designed both the interiors and exteriors of mansions and villas in the Kingdom, for which I became famous as the first Saudi external designer.

Interior design usually develops with the individual. Tell us about the distinctive touches in your designs. Have you really been very innovative in this highly aesthetic field? I think interior design is a reflection of the development of the individual and his taste, and his exposure to the world. Innovation in interior design is predicated on technological developments. It will keep developing.

How can your expertise enrich your work? Experience is of paramount importance of course. It can hone your skills. But you also need skilled labor who can translate ideas into reality. What are the prominent features of your work? From the start, I have been guided by two principles: to be audacious and to be awe-inspiring.

What are the colors that are most prominent in this years work? Do you have a preference for certain colors? First, I dont feel comfortable with the concept of a years prominent colors. Interior design is not like the fashion world. Artifacts could include a painting or some very heavy or costly pieces that we use to decorate our homes and which must be endurable. As for my preferred colors, I can tell you this: I dont like to use fixed colors. It is the client who inspires me with what colors I must use. I should understand his likes and dislikes, in order to be able to give him a good product.

Some people say that you were able to harmonize incompatible colors in your work. I do mix contrasting colors. I believe there is no such thing as incompatible colors. Actually this is the place where the particular ability of the designer shows itself.

Do you think the size and partitioning of the space affects those who live in the place? Absolutely. When you intelligently control the areas you make the tenant happy. A designer should have the basic skill of having a good understanding of a clients character and his personality traits. Actually I believe that the decorator can be a psychotherapist for his clients if he gives them the right design.

What do you think of the classic versus modern dichotomy in furniture styles? Do you think it exists? How can you combine these two widely different styles without creating any incompatibility? Purely classic furniture pieces are uncomfortable and impractical. But you can make a classic piece of furniture and apply technology to obtain a modern feel. Of course those who prefer purely classic styles in guest mansions or royal palaces, especially in Europe, wont accept this approach. Each client has his own taste, and I believe the designer can work on his ideas to get the customers satisfaction.

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Samer Al Alawi: An architect whose motto is innovation

To be an interior designer one needs to have an understanding of high elegance and refined taste. Thats why an interior designer tries to produce work of high quality, establish solid foundations for the designs and gives advice on what makes for distinguished and comfortable dcor which will lend that elegance to the interiors of a home, office or building. Samer Al Alawi, is a well-known Saudi designer both within the Kingdom and abroad. We met Alawi and talked to him about his passion for interior designing. Here are some excerpts:

How do you see yourself as an interior designer: a traditionalist or modernist? I dont believe that I a traditionalist or modernist. Ever since I started my work, I have been guided by one word: innovation.

Your work has received mixed reviews. Why is that?

Well, for one thing, innovation in general attracts attention and can be controversial. My designs appeared at a time when the facades of Saudi homes had been standardized. My designs on the other hand were unique and creative. I designed both the interiors and exteriors of mansions and villas in the Kingdom, for which I became famous as the first Saudi external designer.

Interior design usually develops with the individual. Tell us about the distinctive touches in your designs. Have you really been very innovative in this highly aesthetic field? I think interior design is a reflection of the development of the individual and his taste, and his exposure to the world. Innovation in interior design is predicated on technological developments. It will keep developing.

How can your expertise enrich your work? Experience is of paramount importance of course. It can hone your skills. But you also need skilled labor who can translate ideas into reality. What are the prominent features of your work? From the start, I have been guided by two principles: to be audacious and to be awe-inspiring.

What are the colors that are most prominent in this years work? Do you have a preference for certain colors? First, I dont feel comfortable with the concept of a years prominent colors. Interior design is not like the fashion world. Artifacts could include a painting or some very heavy or costly pieces that we use to decorate our homes and which must be endurable. As for my preferred colors, I can tell you this: I dont like to use fixed colors. It is the client who inspires me with what colors I must use. I should understand his likes and dislikes, in order to be able to give him a good product.

Some people say that you were able to harmonize incompatible colors in your work. I do mix contrasting colors. I believe there is no such thing as incompatible colors. Actually this is the place where the particular ability of the designer shows itself.

Do you think the size and partitioning of the space affects those who live in the place? Absolutely. When you intelligently control the areas you make the tenant happy. A designer should have the basic skill of having a good understanding of a clients character and his personality traits. Actually I believe that the decorator can be a psychotherapist for his clients if he gives them the right design.

What do you think of the classic versus modern dichotomy in furniture styles? Do you think it exists? How can you combine these two widely different styles without creating any incompatibility? Purely classic furniture pieces are uncomfortable and impractical. But you can make a classic piece of furniture and apply technology to obtain a modern feel. Of course those who prefer purely classic styles in guest mansions or royal palaces, especially in Europe, wont accept this approach. Each client has his own taste, and I believe the designer can work on his ideas to get the customers satisfaction.

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Sami Al Alawi: An architect whose motto is innovation

February 18, 2014|3:58 pm

Archbishop of Newark, N.J., John J. Myers.

Archbishop of Newark, N.J., John J. Myers is now under fire for making a lavish $500,000 addition, including a hot tub and elevator, to his $800,000 future retirement home despite Pope Francis calling on bishops to stop living "like princes" and become a "poor church for the poor."

Before the additions began the home that Myers had used mostly as a weekend residence was a 4,500-square-foot building on 8.2 acres of land featuring five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a three-car garage and a large outdoor pool in Hunterdon County, N.J., reports The Star-Ledger.

In preparation for his retirement in the next two years when he turns 75, a three-story, 3,000-square-foot addition is being built replete with an indoor exercise pool, a hot tub, three fireplaces, a library, an elevator, and other amenities listed on blueprints and permits filed with the Franklin Township building department, according to The Star-Ledger.

The minimum $500,000 the addition is expected to cost does not include architectural costs, furnishings and landscaping.

The lavish spending comes on the heels of the suspension of the bishop of Limburg, Germany, in October for spending $42 million to renovate his residence and other church buildings, and Myers' critics say it appears he has not been paying attention to Pope Francis' directions.

"Archbishop Myers obviously is not paying any attention to the pope," noted Charles Zech, faculty director of the Center for Church Management and Business Ethics at Villanova University's business school who has studied bishops' spending.

"The pope is calling on clergy to live a simpler lifestyle and to be in touch with their people. This is extreme, way beyond what you'd expect to happen. I can't believe the parishioners of Newark are going to allow this to happen," said Zech.

Parishioners, however, are appalled by the lavish spending on digs for Myers.

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Newark's Archbishop Under Fire for Making Lavish $500K Addition to $800K Retirement Home Despite Pope Wanting 'Poor ...

BOISE City design review rules would all become voluntary, under legislation being pushed by a North Idaho lawmaker, and developers in Idaho couldnt be told to make structural changes in buildings theyre proposing just for esthetic reasons. Weve got to allow participants in a market to act like a market, to reflect choice, Rep. Ed Morse, R-Hayden, told the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday. His comments followed more than two hours of testimony both for and against the bill, with cities, local planning officials, architects and others opposing the bill, and business interests including the Idaho

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BOISE City design review rules would all become voluntary, under legislation being pushed by a North Idaho lawmaker, and developers in Idaho couldnt be told to make structural changes in buildings theyre proposing just for esthetic reasons.

Weve got to allow participants in a market to act like a market, to reflect choice, Rep. Ed Morse, R-Hayden, told the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday. His comments followed more than two hours of testimony both for and against the bill, with cities, local planning officials, architects and others opposing the bill, and business interests including the Idaho Retailers Association backing it.

On a divided voice vote, the panel approved the bill, HB 480, and sent it to the full House for debate. Morse acknowledged after the meeting that both the cities of Hayden and Coeur dAlene oppose his bill, but said property owners in his district support it.

The measure is the latest version of a concept Morse has been working on for some time, initially spurred by the city of Boises design review requirements on a new multi-story state parking garage thats being built near the state Capitol, in a designated historic district of mostly residential buildings.

Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur dAlene, thanked Morse for bringing the bill. I have several commercial buildings in the town that I live in, said Sims, a car dealer. She said one is more than 40 years old but has had four additions; the other is four years old, and shes faced substantial costs due to city requirements.

Ive had to add 643 feet of sidewalk that nobody has ever stepped a foot on theres no sidewalk leading to it or leading from it, Sims said. I have 20 trees that shade absolutely nothing. I have grassy swales that take up 20 parking spaces.

She said, I think some control and some concern for the property owners and the businesses that may or may not come to your community is critically important.

Originally posted here:
North Idaho rep wants cities to back off design review rules - Tue, 18 Feb 2014 PST

BOISE City design review rules would all become voluntary under legislation being pushed by a North Idaho lawmaker, and developers in Idaho couldnt be told to make structural changes in proposed buildings for aestheticreasons.

Weve got to allow participants in a market to act like a market, to reflect choice, Rep. Ed Morse, R-Hayden, told the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday. His comments followed more than two hours of testimony both for and against the bill, with cities, local planning officials and architects opposing the bill, and business interests including the Idaho Retailers Association backing it

You have viewed 20 free articles or blogs allowed within a 30-day period. FREE registration is now required for uninterrupted access.

S-R Media, The Spokesman-Review and Spokesman.com are happy to assist you. Contact Customer Service by email or call 800-338-8801

BOISE City design review rules would all become voluntary under legislation being pushed by a North Idaho lawmaker, and developers in Idaho couldnt be told to make structural changes in proposed buildings for aestheticreasons.

Weve got to allow participants in a market to act like a market, to reflect choice, Rep. Ed Morse, R-Hayden, told the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday. His comments followed more than two hours of testimony both for and against the bill, with cities, local planning officials and architects opposing the bill, and business interests including the Idaho Retailers Association backingit.

On a divided voice vote, the panel approved the bill, House Bill 480, and sent it to the full House for debate. Morse acknowledged after the meeting that the cities of Hayden and Coeur dAlene oppose his bill, but said property owners in his district supportit.

The measure is the latest version of a concept Morse has been working on for some time, initially spurred by the city of Boises design review requirements on a new multistory state parking garage. The structure is being built near the state Capitol in a designated historic district of mostly residentialbuildings.

Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur dAlene, thanked Morse for bringing the bill. I have several commercial buildings in the town that I live in, said Sims, a car dealer. She said one is more than 40 years old but has had four additions; the other is four years old, and shes faced substantial costs due to cityrequirements.

Ive had to add 643 feet of sidewalk that nobody has ever stepped a foot on; theres no sidewalk leading to it or leading from it, Sims said. I have 20 trees that shade absolutely nothing. I have grassy swales that take up 20 parkingspaces.

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Idaho lawmaker wants businesses, not cities, in charge of commercial design - Wed, 19 Feb 2014 PST

vinyl flooring introduction and installation

By: alfafondacioni

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vinyl flooring introduction and installation - Video

Topflor Flooring Installation Instructions
Topflor Flooring Installation Instructions, pvc flooring, vinyl floor, sports flooring, badminton court, installation guide, any questions on http://www.topflor.cn.

By: Top flor

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Topflor Flooring Installation Instructions - Video

Milltown, WI (PRWEB) February 19, 2014

If there's a drawback to being a dog-agility enthusiast, it's that there really isn't much online information available on the subject. Surf the internet and you'll find a few sales pitches, a couple magazines, some organizations, but few answers to specific questions.

One of the most important questions you should ask as a dog agility trainer is, "what type of flooring should I use to train my dogs?"

Before we answer that, let's look at those flooring options that are NOT great for the sport.

1.) Rubber. Perhaps the biggest misconception out there is that rubber (rolled or interlocking tiles) provides some sort of spongy, super surface that provides great traction while also providing comfort for animals and trainers alike. This notion is false. Rubber, while a great surface for protecting floors from heavy equipment like treadmills or weight benches, does not provide much fatigue relief at all. In fact, a rolled rubber floor isn't much softer than the concrete floor it covers. And while rubber may be easy to clean (usually a damp mop will do the trick) it is NOT waterproof. Also, because most rubber floor products come in black (they are made from recycled tires) they show dirt immediately. In short, rubber has it's place but that place is generally not in a dog training facility.

2.) Vinyl/Plastic. Another seemingly great choice for flooring your training facility would be vinyl or plastic. It's waterproof, easy to clean, it looks nice...However, like rubber it is generally an unforgiving surface. Products made of these materials are also often slippery making for a treacherous area for both trainer and dogs. Slippery = no good for training dogs.

3.) Carpet/hardwood. These products get destroyed quickly by animals and are a nightmare to keep clean. Enough said.

Believe it or not, the best flooring for dog agility training is foam. Not just any foam, of course. Kids mats from the local box store will be shredded in no time. However, dense EVA foam that is designed specifically for dog training provides everything you're looking for for your facility. It is waterproof and easy to keep clean. A high-traction, commercial grade carpet top provides excellent traction and is resistant to dog claws. Superficial scratching and tears will happen, to be sure. But the quality and performance of the floor will remain unaffected for years. Dog Agility mats are simple to install. Puzzle tiles that simply piece together, they require no adhesives. For a wall-to-wall installation, you simply cut them to fit with a sharp utility knife. Also, if one tile gets damaged, you can simply replace it and carry on. Not so easy with a roll of rubber or hardwood floor.

Greatmats provides an easy-to-use online room designer that allows customers to create their room layout to scale and to determine the number of floor tiles they will need for their area by simply typing in the dimensions.

About Greatmats: Headquartered in Milltown, WI, Greatmats is a leading online dealer of residential and commercial specialty flooring options. Greatmats is 100% solar powered and has been named one of Inc magazines top 500 fastest growing sites three years in a row. They hold a Triple-A rating with the Better Business Bureau. For further information, contact Greatmats at 877-822-6622 or visit http://www.greatmats.com.

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Greatmats Introduces Dog Agility Training Mats

1131 East Lexington, El Cajon, CA, 92019 - New Carpet Installation
New carpet installation 2-18-2014.

By: Steve Collins

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1131 East Lexington, El Cajon, CA, 92019 - New Carpet Installation - Video

If you're like me, fumbling around the supermarket looking for obscure items is a pretty commonand frustratingoccurrence. Lighting giant Philips has developed a solution: smart lights.

The company yesterday introduced a system that connects in-store LED lights with consumers' smart phones. Using a downloadable app, people will be able to locate items on their shopping lists or get coupons as they pass products on the aisles. Retailers can send targeted information such as recipes and coupons to consumers based on their precise location within stores, while gaining benefits of energy-efficient LED lighting, says Philips.

The beauty of the system is that retailers do not have to invest in additional infrastructure to house, power and support location beacons for indoor positioning. The light fixtures themselves can communicate this information by virtue of their presence everywhere in the store," said Philips Lighting's Gerben van der Lugt in a statement.

The company is demonstrating the retail lighting system at the EuroShop retail trade show in Dsseldorf, Germany, this week. Philips is already testing it with an undisclosed number of retailers.

The system uses Visual Light Communications (VLC) to talk with consumers' smartphones. Unlike the wireless protocols Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, which use radio waves to send information, VLC relies on the store lights to transmit data to the camera on a smart phone in fast pulses. The lights blink at frequencies that are undetectable by people, according to LEDs Magazine.

There are already a number of other efforts aimed at adding communications and sensors to LED light fixtures. Last year, researchers at the University of Strathclyde in the U.K. demonstrated LED lights with optical communications, which they call Li-Fi. That setup was able to operate at gigabit-per-second speeds, according to a BBC article.

Startup ByteLight has developed a system similar to Philips retail lighting network. It also uses light pulses to communicate with consumers smart phones in stores. Other companies, such as Silver Spring Networks, in Redwood City, Calif., have developed street lights with sensors and radios that allow city managers to remotely monitor traffic density or air quality.

The New York Times today reported that the airport in Newark, New Jersey, is operating smart lighting systems with cameras that make it easier to monitor the facility. The lights allow personnel to spot long lines, look at license plate numbers, and potentially send alerts about suspicious activity.

But these smart lighting systems, while powerful, are raising concerns about privacy and whether new policies are needed to address this emerging technology. There are some people in the commercial space who say, Oh, big datawell, lets collect everything, keep it around forever, well pay for somebody to think about security later, Justin Brookman from the Center for Democracy and Technology told the Times.

In the case of Philips' retail lighting application, consumers would have to download an app, which indicates their willingness to have their movements tracked. But as lighting and other everyday items such as thermostats and streetlights are equipped with sensors and wireless networking, it raises new questions about what is an acceptable amount of monitoring and data collection.

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Philips Creates Shopping Assistant with LEDs and Smart Phone