Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha's distinct skill to pick the right leaders for the right role has made Emmvee develop a highly skilled and dedicated set of managers and employees. Also, his ability to create an affiliation with different industry stakeholders has made Emmvee not only develop a wide range of suppliers from across the world but has made the company a more reliable, transparent, and customer-centric organization.

The rise of 'Solarizer' solar water heaters

Emmvee which started with the manufacturing and marketing of thermal and PV products soon recognized the increasing demand for solar water heaters and started manufacturing them at their production facility located at Bangalore Karnataka.

Today Emmvee under the brand name 'Solarizer' has grown to be the largest manufacturer of solar water heating systems in India and Europe. Emmvee has installed more than 5, 00,000 solar water heaters in homes and institutions which include some of the most prestigious names in India and across the world. It caters to leading distribution and installation companies across the globe including Europe and India.

Expedition into PV module manufacturing

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha despite many domestic challenges embarked his way into the production of solar PV modules in the year 2007.

In a short span of time, Emmvee became one of the leading manufacturers of PV modules developed at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bangalore, India with a production capacity of 500 MW. In the last thirteen years, Emmvee has manufactured and supplied more than 1.5 GW of PV modules in India and across the world.

Major projects executed

Emmvee over the years has built a strong expertise in developing and maintaining solar projects of different scales. It has commissioned more than 200 MW of solar projects in India and across the world. It has developed many solar PV rooftop projects, large scale solar PV power projects, and land to PPA, EPC projects, and O&M projects for DCR & Non-DCR requirements.

Some of the key projects executed:

Accreditations and Certifications

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha over the years has built a strong brand legacy of providing world-class quality products and excellent customer support. Emmvee has received numerous accreditations and certifications from some of the leading institutions across the world:

Awards and recognition

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha's strong business acumen and contribution towards developing a strong renewable energy ecosystem have been recognized by numerous national and international organizations such as:

New business horizons and product innovations

Emmvee's constant urge to provide its customer with the best quality products has made us implement many new and innovative manufacturing processes.

Many of these processes have received international recognition and have contributed to putting the whole Indian solar manufacturing industry on the global map.

International business expansion

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha in his 28 years of entrepreneurship journey has beaten all the odds to script a number of revolutionary precedents. Emmvee is one of the first Indian solar PV manufacturers to start International operations by setting up an office at Berlin, Germany to distribute their PV modules in Europe.

About Emmvee

Emmvee is an intelligent solar solutions producer born from an idea to implement green energy to better use. We aim at providing universally designed products to support all kinds of contemporary and sustainable living. Amidst our industrial product range, Photovoltaics and Solar Water Heating Systems are our strongest since inception in 1992.

Emmvee is a leading manufacturer of solar products with a substantial market share in India, Europe, Africa and Middle East. All our premium solar products are entirely manufactured in India with the help of multiple production units established in Karnataka, India.

Emmvee has expertise in the field of development of large scale project and EPC in India and Europe. Emmvee has successfully installed and commissioned solar PV projects 14 MW in North of Germany and 13 MW rooftop and 150+ MW ground-mounted in India. In 2018, Emmvee has accomplished a milestone of 1.5 GW of module supply. Also, it is an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 as well as OHSAS 18001:2007, IEC61215 and IEC61730 accredited organization and our products maintain quality standards as they are constantly monitored throughout the manufacturing processes. Emmvee modules are certificated by UL and BIS and also have a saltwater mist corrosion certification. It caters to leading distribution and installation companies across the globe including Europe and India. All photovoltaic modules and systems are successfully connected and are programmed to generate high yield to our customers worldwide.

Product: PV Module manufacturer, solar water heating system, EPC, Solar power plant developer, turnkey service provider, O & M, Rooftop Solutions etc.

Company Contact Details - Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Private Limited,#13/1, International Airport Road, Bettahalasur Post, Bengaluru - 562 157, India

Media Contact: Saritha T[emailprotected]+91-91481-94490Manager - Marketing & BrandingEmmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1359753/solar_manufacturing_industry.jpg

SOURCE Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd.

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Mr. DV Manjunatha MD & Founder of Emmvee Group, One of the key person to shape the Indian solar manufacturing industry - PR Newswire India

Winter is coming. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a colder winter this December - January, it's time to stock up the necessary appliances and gadgets that will keep you warm in the chilly weather.

Water geysers

Biting cold winters mean chilled freezing water in the taps, and nothing can beat the comfort of warm water during this season. Use of water is something you can't avoid - be it washing your hands, working in the kitchen or showering. As the name suggests, instant water heaters have a high heating rate and come with a smaller storage tank, making it ideal for kitchens and not for baths. If you are planning to install one in your bathroom, consider the storage water geysers (popular capacity being 15 and 25 litres) that do take slightly longer in heating but provide continuous hot water (for the said capacity).

Havells Opal 3L Instant Water Geyser: Rs 3,299

Keeping aesthetics of a modern kitchen in mind, the Oval has a compact design. This 3 litre instant water geyser comes with a shockproof ABS outer body and is also equipped with an extra thick SS inner tank of superior 304 L grade. With power consumption of 3000W, it also has energy-saving features. It is equipped with a fire retardant power cord to offer maximum safety of its users. Havells says the range ensures quicker water heating and is also equipped with the twin indicator lamp to know when the water is hot enough for use

Crompton Solarium Qube 15 litre: Rs 7,050

For years water geysers have had a long cylindrical design. But if you are looking for something compact and squarish, the Solarium Qube is worth considering. It comes with a durable body that offers toughness and high heat resistance. To prevent the tank from corrosion, Solarium Qube is equipped with polymer-coated water tanks. This 5-star energy-efficient rated storage water geyser has 1200 gm heating element for faster heating and can heat the water to 45 degree Celsius in 10 minutes. And the 8 bar pressure rating can withstand extreme pressure making it suitable for high rise buildings. This geyser is available in 15 litre and 25 litre capacity.

USHA Aqua Tide 15 L: Rs 12,095

This one is a digital temperature control storage water heater, which Usha claims has a self-learning intelligence feature that senses temperature usage over a period of time and automatically sets the temperature of water to be heated. This BEE 5-star rated energy-saving product comes with IntelliValve, which releases pressure when the temperature exceeds the limit and prevents water backflow. The Programme Memory function preserves the last setting, in case of abrupt power off, Eco function saves electricity and the Error Code Display flags off functional alerts. Aqua Tide is available in 15 litre and 25 litre storage capacity.

Jaquar VERSA DIGITAL HORIZONTAL 40 Litre: Rs 14,100

For those who enjoy showering under hot water for long should consider this high storage capacity geyser. The Versa Horizontal is useful for homes with low ceilings or false ceilings and the 8 bar pressure rating makes it ideal for high rise buildings. Designed for use with shower panels or bathtubs, it has a digital panel and is accompanied with a cordless remote.

Orient Aquator IoT storage Gassline Water heater 25 litre: Rs 14, 490

The Aquator IoT storage water heater is a smart IoT Based water heater which can be operated using the smart Orient app. The app can be used for bath schedule, temperature and even turn it on or off when not at home. Other features onboard include soft touch control with LED display, Eco Mode for switching the product to lower energy consumption and smart model for faster and longer heating of water. BEE 5 Star rating means lesser energy consumption. Orient claims it is suitable for working in hard water conditions and equipped with Ultra Diamond Glassline tank for durability. It has a shock-proof, water-proof high grade plastic body, withstands up to 8 bar pressure (suitable for high rise buildings which prevent from tank leakage and withstands high pressure), has PUF insulation for better heat retention and ensures hot water for a long time. The geyser is available in 6 litre, 10 litre, 15 litre and 25 litre storage capacity.

Room Heaters:

It's the cosiness of the home that helps one relax. As the temperature starts to dip, room heaters can come handy in creating the nook with the perfect temperature.

Usha Carbon Heater CH 3408: Rs 6,440

Claiming to be ideal for night-time use with low luminescence, it generates infrared heat that spreads evenly across the room and also helps alleviate pain from sore muscles. The thin carbon rods are for an even heat distribution resulting in deeper penetration of heat into the skin tissues. The dual operation mode enables the heater to be used in both the horizontal and vertical positions. Featuring thermal cut-out for overheating protection, it also has up to 180 minutes of timer.

Lifelong LLFH02 Flare-X 2000 Watt Fan Room Heater: Rs 1,124

Coming from the home-grown home and kitchen appliance company Lifelong, this fan room heater 2400 RPM copper winded motor for quick heating and can be used both vertically and horizontally. It has an adjustable thermostat setting for temperature control along with cool, warm or hot wind selection knob for heat settings. It also has a built-in overheating protection. The throw range of 10 makes it perfect for a small to medium-sized room.

Orient OFCC09B3A Oil Filled Radiator: Rs 12,190

Unlike rod heaters, oil-filled room heaters don't burn oxygen and do not reduce humidity. Orient Electric's OFRs is equipped with S-shaped fins for uniform heat distribution. Added safety features onboard include 360-degree trip-over safety to prevent spillage and triple overheating protection. According to the company, the oil heater can warm up any room, any size while saving on energy. This is a 9 fin oil room heater with powder-coated metal body.

Bajaj RHX-2 Halogen Room Heater: Rs 1,549

Bajaj's Halogen room heater is equipped with two halogen tubes and high-grade reflectors for efficient heating. Offering two heat settings -- 400W and 800W, it has chrome-plated heat reflector plating made with CRCA material for even heating across the room. Bajaj says it also has a durable mesh grill that ensures the safety of hand against direct heat and the outer body is built with durable ABS material.

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool : Rs 61,900

Serving dual purpose, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool can clean indoor air and helps in maintaining the desired room temperature. Using thermostat heat control, the heating functionality is automatically switched to standby mode once the desired temperature is reached, and the machine automatically switches back on once it senses a drop in the temperature. As an air purifier, it automatically senses the indoor air pollution and activates the machine to purify throughout the whole room, capturing 99.95 per cent of ultrafine particles and destroying formaldehyde continuously. The Cryptomic technology onboard destroys formaldehyde continuously at a molecular level transforming potentially harmful gas into small amounts of water and carbon dioxide.

Others:

Electric bed warmer: Rs 899 onwards

If you don't wish to turn on the room heater, you can warm your bed using an electric bed warmer. Starting at Rs 899, there are plenty of electric warmers that you can add to your bed. It is also believed that heat and warmth help in reducing pain and alleviate the discomfort of sore muscles and aches. Some even have dual controllers where the heat can be customised to manage the individual comfort of two people in one bed.

Under Door Stoppers: Rs 350 for two piece

Another way to keep the cold at bay is by adding under-door stoppers. Smart Saver 36 Inch Under Door Draft Stopper is a double-sided insulating device for doors and windows the fabric draft stopper sleeve holds foam cylinders on opposite sides of a door, creating an airtight, draft-proof seal. It is useful and effective to ensure the home is warm. It can also keep dust or even polluted air out. And most importantly are easy to install.

Also Read: Cold storage chain for COVID-19 vaccine in works; govt ropes in airlines

Also Read: COVID-19 crisis: Night curfew in Ahmedabad extended till further notice

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Appliances, gadgets that will keep you warm this chilly winter - Business Today

Before a winter storm strikes, you should have a communication and disaster plan.

GREENSBORO, N.C. Winter Weather Preparedness Week runs from December 6 12 in North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging all North Carolinians to plan and prepare now, before potentially dangerous winter weather arrives.

All North Carolinians should be prepared for inclement weather throughout the year, Governor Cooper said. This year has shown us just how unpredictable North Carolinas weather can be.

Governor Cooper is also urging residents to monitor changing weather conditions by listening to local media, update their plans and supply kits, and pay close attention to winter weather watches, warnings and advisories.

During the winter season, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, icy roads, and other serious problems.

Before a winter storm strikes, you should have a communication and disaster plan. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has made preparing for disasters and emergencies a little bit more complicated this year. But, everyone, especially those who are at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus, should prepare now for the effects a winter storm can have on personal and public health.

Here are some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prepare your home before a winter storm hits.

Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.

For older adults, keep an easy-to-read thermometer inside your home.

Create an emergency car kit.

Listen to weather forecasts, and check your supplies.

For more information on how to prepare for winter storms and other hazards that affect North Carolina, visit the ReadyNC website.

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Winter Weather Preparedness Week: Tips to prepare for the winter season amid COVID-19 pandemic - WFMYNews2.com

The environment has been a topic of discussion for the last few decades, with global warming being a huge concern for scientists and world citizens alike.

Here are some eco-conscious renovations that will not only impact the environment positively but will also help you increase your home value:

1. Solar panels

Solar panelsare a great way to reduce the amount of electricity you use. Electricity is expensive to manufacture, and this cost is felt by consumers. In addition to this, the burning of coal to produce electricity has a disastrous effect on the environment.

Adding solar panels to your home may be expensive at first, but down the line, you will have saved much more than your installation costs. Solar energy will help you use way less electricity, driving your electricity bill down. You can also add a solar-powered water heater/geyser to further drive down costs. And of course, the best part about solar energy is that its free, the environment doesnt have to suffer, and load shedding will no longer be a huge concern for you.

2. Rainwater catcher

Water consumption is a huge part of environmentally friendly living. The rising temperature of the earth has led to water shortages in some parts of the globe, with Cape Towns Day Zero being a prime example of a global warming induced drought.

Installing a rainwater catcher is an excellent way to put less pressure on the countrys water supply and save water, reduce soil erosion and pollution from fertilizers or pesticides, save money and improve plant and soil health.

3. A vegetable garden

A well-maintainedvegetable gardencan improve your home value, as long as it isnt overdone. Anything thats too over-the-top will take a lot of money to upkeep, and that can be off-putting to potential buyers should you decide to sell your home.

Adding a small patch of vegetables in your garden is a good way to reduce your food costs and grow your own organic food, which is not only good for your health but will do wonders for the environment too.

4. Geothermal heating and cooling (Geothermal HVAC)

Geothermal heating and cooling involves the use of the earths geothermal energy for the purpose of heating and cooling a home. This is made possible through the use of a system of buried pipes that work with the earths underground temperature.

Geothermal HVAC requires a minute amount of electricity to run, and this process of heating and cooling your home has a very low carbon footprint, meaning its great for the environment, unlike regular air conditioners.

This heating and cooling system will ensure that your home stays perfectly cool in the summer and warm in the winter at a really low cost.

5. Low-flow water fixtures

Low-flow fixtures are plumbing additions that helpconserve a significant amount of water.Installing these in your home will reduce water consumption by 20%, helping you use less water and save money in the process.

If you are looking to renovate your home and increase your homes value, consider adding eco-friendly additions that will not only be beneficial for the environment but will be beneficial for your pockets too.

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Eco-conscious renovations that will increase property value - Roodepoort Record

Escape of water is a particular problem in blocks of flats, accounting for up to 50% of the annual total claims reported each year by leaseholders. On the following pages we look in detail at the issues surrounding water damage and talk to two companies that specialise in leak detection.

According to the Association of British Insurers, escape of water resulted in 860 million in claims pay-outs in 2011 and 2012. This is a particular issue for flat owners because not only their property but their neighbours flats can be badly damaged by leaking water; and it is easy for water to soak into the structural components of blocks, potentially causing hidden problems that may only be discovered months or even years later. Where water damage claims are common across particular blocks, insurers will commonly apply increased excesses/deductibles, higher premiums or may even withdraw cover altogether.

Perhaps surprisingly, the number of claims made for damage caused by escape of water is higher in newer properties (pro-rata). A block of flats built after 1990 is nearly twice as likely as an older property to report this type of damage, according to flat insurer Deacons analysis of claims. So what can flat owners do to minimise the risks and keep insurance at affordable levels?

Deacon director Nigel Feast says: Regular maintenance checks are a good idea. Youd be amazed how quickly a small drip or pinhole in a hose can turn into a four-figure claim to repair a kitchen and the ceiling of the flat below. Yes, the insurance may cover it, but that wont prevent the distress or disruption that inevitably follows water damage within a home. And, if there are repeated incidences, you will find that either premiums or excesses will be increased. Like other brokers, Deacons ability to minimise penalties from insurers on behalf of clients is limited. While we do our best, our ability to do this is limited if the same building continues to suffer this kind of damage. Nigel explains. His advice is to make sure your building is checked regularly to help prevent water-related accidents occurring (see our checklist on page 37 for more on how to prevent leaks).

To look in detail at the problems caused for flat owners by leaks and to consider the insurance industrys response to these issues Flat Living has set up a water damage forum in collaboration with two leading insurance brokers Residentsline and Midway. The first forum was held in May and was attended by a range of property experts including representatives from the insurance sector as well as block managers and those working in companies specializing in leak detection and prevention.

Longer term, should the insurance industry insist they would only insure new builds with timber frames and plastic plumbing if they had leak protection installed, it would force developers to sit up and take notice.

Arriving home after a long weekend to find a puddle of water in your single level bungalow is a nuisance. Arriving home at your flat on the fifteenth floor to find a leak is a potential calamity. In the best case scenario, you get out the mop and clean up, hopefully without suffering too much damage to your ceilings or floors. The worst case scenario is that water will have found its way through walls and floors from somewhere above. The source may be only one floor above, but water may be coming from several levels above its point of discovery. Ceilings, walls, flooring and furnishings all along the leak path may require repairs. There may be hidden damp spaces leading to mould and mildew and necessitating disruptive, time consuming repairs and restoration. Water damage has been known to cost well in excess of 200,000 (Source: Zurich Insurance) to put right. Liability disputes between leaseholders and the management company are a possibility and increases in insurance premiums are likely.

Lets be clear, water leaks are not an everyday occurrence. The average home owner may go years between the leaking water heater and a broken water pipe. Single family home owners often accept the risk and consequences of the occasional leak. But for anyone living in a high rise residence, the occasional leak for the individual flat expands proportionately to the number of flats in the stack. The problem is particularly acute in blocks where owners are absent for months at a time. Leaks may not be discovered until they reach an occupied level and the cost of repairs will be much higher.

Potential water sources are plentiful: sinks; drains; toilets; baths and showers; hot water heaters; dishwashers; washing machines; chilled water dispensers; wet bars; poorly maintained roofs and windows; drip irrigation systems for roof or balcony plantings; and hot and chilled water circulation for air conditioning can all cause problems. Mechanical systems are not infallible. Vibrations can loosen fittings; plastic parts can become brittle and metal parts may corrode. Structural seals crack and fail. Sooner or later something will leak.

The key to damage prevention is early and accurate detection and there are two basic leak detection strategies:

The response is twofold: Isolate the water supply if possible and notify a person who can initiate repairs.

Excess flow detection can be achieved simply and effectively by using a home water monitor. This is an electronic device that automatically shuts off the water supply if the water flow continues beyond a pre-set period. The monitor is set so the owner has time to fill a bath or take a shower, but if water continues to flow beyond the time limit, a solenoid valve is triggered to isolate the water supply. The timer automatically resets whenever the flow drops to zero of its own accord.

The cost is around 300 for a monitor to fit a typical 15mm home water pipe, complete with controller and isolating valve plus about 100/140 for installation. While it is possible to retrofit these devices, the installation costs are somewhat lower when plumbing is exposed during construction.

Planning where to install isolation valves and determining who has override permission may be problematic. Also consider that some devices like dishwashers and washing machines have their own timers which periodically shut of internal water flow and thereby reset the Home Water Monitor. Flow monitoring devices only work for supply lines. Drain and structural leaks are not detected.

To detect the presence of water in a place that should be dry, a variety of water sensor cables and point detectors (probes) are readily available on the commercial market. Sensor cable works by detecting a puddle of water anywhere along its length and the more sophisticated systems will report the leak location as well. Cable can be used to trace along a pipe or surround a potential source of leakage. Point detectors are useful to monitor individual devices like a dishwasher, or within inaccessible areas such as behind a refrigerator. As with flow monitoring devices, sensor cables typically activate a solenoid isolation valve if water is detected and may also include an audible alarm.

Water leak detection systems using sensing cables or point detectors are most commonly used within large or higher value properties and are typically installed during the construction or refurbishment stage. An alarm panel is at the heart of the system, monitoring the water sensing point detectors or sensing cables positioned under, or adjacent to, any pipes or mechanical plant using water within the apartment.

Once a leak has been detected, the panel will sound an alarm to alert the resident. Relays in the panel can also be linked to the building maintenance team or concierge should the apartment be unoccupied. The panel will indicate the room name or zone number where the leak has been detected. This directs the plumber or maintenance team to the source of the problem. The probes and sensing cables dry within seconds, allowing the system to be reset once the area has been cleaned.

Systems can be designed ranging in size from a simple, single point detector and panel for 220 to multi-floor, building-wide, complex digital systems. A flat with about six point detectors, several metres of sensor cable and a control panel will cost between 300 and 700. Retrofit is possible, but wiring costs from the various detection points to a central alarm panel may add significantly to the installed cost. Prewiring during new construction is less costly. Wireless communication to the central panel is an emerging trend, with a new product from Aquilar anticipated shortly.

Sensor placement is key. If point detectors are used and the leak misses the detector, then early notification is lost. Sensing cables and probes will detect the smallest amount of water, however their position is very important and systems must be designed by a specialist. Where a company such as Aquilar is consulted, a detailed design will give residents a range of options to optimize detection:

Whenever a leak is detected or an isolation valve is triggered, the building maintenance engineer must be notified. In buildings with Building Management Systems, a simple relay tie-in is sufficient, with the alarm being logged and handled alongside other BMS notifications. In remotely-managed buildings, most water detection systems offer landline dial out, cellular based SMS texting or Wi-Fi connectivity to send alerts to both owners and facility teams.

Early water detection and a quick response is not unlike buying insurance. You as a building manager, owner or individual tenant may be lucky for many years. On the other hand, something as simple as a corroded pipe may lead to hefty repair costs if not detected early and promptly corrected. A small investment in the right equipment now can pay for itself many times over in damage prevented.

The AquiTron AT-HW leak detection system is suitable for most types of home, but is especially suitable for multi-level apartment blocks. The system consists of a simple user friendly wall mounted controller which wirelessly communicates to the low voltage valve drive and isolating solenoid valve and simply installed by a plumber. Ideally, each flat would have a system installed, providing peace of mind that any damage caused by a leak would be minimised because the main cold water supply would be shut off. This also provides a comfort factor for other owners on lower levels.

The benefits of the AquiTron Home System include:

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Water damage to flats is a costly nightmare How to help ... - Environmental Expert

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Tech specialist. Social media guru. Evil problem solver. Total writer. Web enthusiast. Internet nerd. Passionate gamer. Twitter buff.

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Top 10 Best Wireless Programmable Thermostats 2020 - Best gaming pro

Is the farmhouse kitchen not on your 2020 remodeling agenda? Some homeowners find it outdated and boring. So is it canceled once and for all? We think not!

A farmhouse kitchen design with new and modern updates can lighten up your space, unlike any other design. Its a popular myth that only traditional-style homes can have a country kitchen.

Farmhouse kitchen is more about personal expression than you would think. With a few tweaks and our farmhouse kitchen remodeling ideas, you can make your kitchen look fresher and a little more transitional. Furthermore, the farmhouse kitchen takes inspiration from simple pleasures of life. Nature and your surroundings play a huge role in a farmhouse kitchen.

If you are ready to take the plunge into remodeling your kitchen space, check out our dreamy and trendy list of farmhouse kitchen ideas. The ideas we have covered are sure to inspire you to redesign your sanctuary that you call kitchen.

We personally love how much this style has evolved over time. As new trends emerge, the farmhouse kitchen has adopted elements of other popular kitchen designs. Its common to find farmhouse kitchens in 2020 that borrow elements of Scandinavian, contemporary, and even modern styles.

In fact, the farmhouse design can be played in a way that it transforms your kitchen into your sanctuary. You can either stick to the black and white terra-cotta floor tiles or go for the classic wooden floors.

Either way, a fresh neutral palette for your cabinets can bring the entire design into cohesion. Shaker cabinets with clean lines and fresh neutral colors like gray and tan can be a great aesthetic choice.

While you can stick to the barn-style door, recessed cabinet doors, apron sink, and Roman shades on your windows, its important to add international style chairs. You can also add a Carrera marble island or even a stainless steel sink for a modern touch. The idea is to get the best of both worlds to make the kitchen space fit your needs best.

Here, we recommend keeping the color palette light. In return, you can add more pops of color throughout the room. Meaning you can add those gold or copper undertone of faucets or hardware for that old-world charm.

On the contrary, long pendant lights are still trending so you can incorporate those, as well. You hang them low to accentuate those high ceilings. Even sconces, for that matter, are a classic choice for a country-inspired kitchen.

Decorative items such as popular art, sculptures, flea market finds on exposed shelves can add that modern touch. Another farmhouse kitchen idea is to have a themed pantry with wicker or woven baskets and mason jars.

*This article is posted by and in partnership with VKB Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Columbia, MD.

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Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel - The DC Post

You cant stop coughing. Your body aches. You have no energy. With wintry weather upon us, its that time of year again but with a hellish update. Is this a cold or flu? Or is it Covid? You start scrolling through your favorite online health sources for the answer.

You dont want to spread your germs around the house either way; being sick is a serious bummer, but as any single parent can tell you, having to be a caregiver when youre miserably sick is a bigger bummer, and being sick during long-anticipated time off from work might be the biggest bummer of all.

Powerful, ozone-free air purifiers can help with improving your homes indoor air quality and not infecting other household members. So can reducing the number of shared surfaces in your home and there are so many of them since cold and flu viruses can live on plastic, metal and other common household materials for hours and days between wipe downs.

Hands-free faucets can reduce germ spread in shared bathrooms. \ Brizo; Photographer: Gary Sparks Photography, Inc. \ Wellness by Design (Tiller Press), J. Gold

Easy Hands-Free Replacements

There are many home products you can replace with hands-free models. Some are simple, do-it-yourself projects for someone with handy person skills. Others are more involved and would better fit into a wellness design remodel. Since youre probably not motivated to have a slew of tradespeople in your home right now, here are a few DIY-friendly, hands-free projects you can tackle (or ask your partner to tackle if he or she lives in your household or pod).

Sensor vent fans reduce mold, mildew and germ spread by operating without touch. \ Broan-NuTone, LLC \ New Bathroom Idea Book (Taunton Press), J. Gold

Smart technology switches the vent hood on at the right time and level to defeat cooking odors and smoke. \ Photo: Signature Kitchen Suite

Appliances and Fixtures

While many appliances are replaced only during remodels, dishwashers and freestanding appliances are often done on their own.

Smart shower systems add convenience and hands-free operation to your daily routine. \ Photo: Moen Incorporated

Smart Home Technology

Voice control has become a strong trend in the smart home technology sphere, and it can be extremely helpful in several ways. Reducing infection through eliminating surface contacts is definitely one of them. Creating security, convenience and accessibility are additional benefits, particularly for those with physical challenges.

Circadian lighting systems take hands-free technology to the next level by supporting healthy sleep cycles. \ Service Tech, Inc./CEDIA member company \ Wellness by Design (Tiller Press), J. Gold

Final Thoughts

There are many other design elements that can be replaced with hands-free versions, like cabinetry that opens with touch latches or electronic mechanisms instead of knobs, grooves or pulls. There are also entry door systems being developed for residential use that will operate without keys or germy touchpads. These all have the potential to enhance wellness, though you should always research their pros and cons before being swayed by the sexiness of any smart home systems.

Author: Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach, wellness design consultant and the author of three books on design and remodeling. The latest, Wellness by Design: A Room-by-Room Guide to Optimizing Your Home for Health, Fitness and Happiness, (Tiller Press) published September 1.

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The Benefits of Hands-Free Products - Design Milk

Kaylas Cake is a trendy and charitable bakery that has just opened a location in Fullerton run by a staff of women, many of them being mothers.

The shop specializes in creating beautiful assortments of French macarons, cake in a jar and custom cakes. This is the third location for the company, with the others being in Downtown Disney and the Brea Mall.

Kaylas Cake was founded by Kayla Lee and Eunjoo Kang, a pair of sisters with extensive knowledge in baking and a dream to share their creations. Both have been described to be energetic and hardworking by an employee at their Fullerton location.

Both founders are mothers and value their family life greatly, as well as the lives of other mothers and their families. They strive to find a perfect balance between their personal career engagements and their life at home. This is why the company has hired a selection of mothers to help the business thrive.

Kayla's Cake founders Kayla Lee and Eunjoon Kang thank their customers, employees, partners and family/friends for making their storefront location possible. Photo credit: Kayla's Cake

Weve grown from three to thirteen moms in our kitchen, and we scheduled our kitchen hours so each of us can drop off and pick up our kids from school, reads their website.

As mothers, Lee and Kang are also dedicated to not only enhancing the lives of their own children, but also the lives of local children in need. Kaylas Cake has previously partnered with Downtown Disney and the Childrens Hospital of Orange County by donating some of their sweet treats to special guests at the Taste of Downtown Disney event and the CHOC Childrens Gala. Both of these events help raise funds for children in need of health care, health research and education.

The bakerys very own Kayla Lee shared the story about her roots in baking and how Kaylas Cake came to be.

I worked at a hotel in Los Angeles, but I began to make custom-ordered cakes on my own. The business grew so we rented local kitchens and created Kaylas Cake from there, said Lee, the namesake of Kaylas Cake.

The female-owned and run company now serves coffee beverages exclusively at the storefront location in Fullerton.

7 different flavored macarons from Kayls's Cake in Fullerton. Photo credit: Diana Robles

Weve hired experienced baristas that know what they are doing with our new machinery, continued Lee.

COVID-19 has obviously proven to be a trying time for everyone. Small businesses were amongst those who were heavily impacted.

The most challenging part of the pandemic was that we were unable to provide for our talented team. We have experienced bakers, and have hired many college students from local colleges like Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College. Everyone needed their jobs and having to put them on hold was so hard, stated Lee.

The remodeling of Kayla's Cake began in March of 2020. It features new flooring, lighting, paint and this blue and white counter space. Photo credit: Diana Robles

Lee also mentioned that the remodeling of the Fullerton location started just a week before stay-at-home orders were put into place.

Kaylas Cake has been offering online mail orders for boxes of macarons since 2019, and it has become particularly useful in 2020, in the era of the coronavirus.

Regardless of these hardships, amongst others, the company opened its Fullerton shop on October 24. It welcomed its very first Fullerton customers with a special promotion: buy a coffee, get a macaron free.

With the holiday season already upon us, the gift of sweet pastries is something everyone can enjoy. With its seasonal macaron flavors such as peppermint, gingerbread and snowman, Kaylas Cake is definitely in the holiday spirit.

Christmas decorations are alreaady up at the Fullerton location of Kalya's Cake. Photo credit: Diana Robles

Our macarons are made with premium ingredients, so when someone receives them as a gift, they know that the gifter cares, said Lee.

Lees official recommendation for all first-time Kaylas Cake Fullerton visitors is any of its all-new coffee drinks. These include espresso, cortado, americano, cappuccino, latte and bonbon style beverages. Visitors have the option to order these hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened and substitute milk with an alternative (almond milk or oat milk).

Kaylas Cake is currently working on bringing a student discount, which may be valid at any of its locations. Until then, all locals can visit the bakery at its new storefront at 1311 S Gilbert Street in Fullerton, CA. For more information, follow the Kaylas Cake Instagram or visit its website.

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Small Business Spotlight: The trendy and charitable Kayla's Cake in Fullerton staffed by local moms | Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922 - The...

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. The real estate market is booming. But be careful, not everyone is building dream homes with a solid foundation.

More than 20 homeowners whove spoken to Fox 4 over the last two years say their problem is simply they trusted the wrong person to build their house.

Fox 4 uncovers that those homeowners represent a small fraction of about 2,000 complaints filed with state and local construction agencies against multiple contractors within the last two years. complaints range from code violations to unlicensed work to misconduct. A third of the complaints filed in Collier County were unfounded by the county's licensing board.

The state agency - Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation - has closed more than half the cases. Even if cases are closed, wounds for customers are still wide open.

Dan McAtee and his wife Tina signed a contract with Rhino Custom Homes in 2018 to build their dream home. Two years later, theyre still waiting to move into what was supposed to be part of their happily ever after.

Its not only a gut-punch, but I was expecting to retire at the end of last year, said Mr. McAtee.

Even after paying Rhino Custom Homes, more than 75 percent of the total cost for their new home, the McAtees say all they got for their hard-earned money was completed a concrete shell and a roof that had to be replaced because it had rotted.

When they confronted Rhino owner Mark Southwick about their rotted roof after they received this violation order from Charlotte County Code Enforcement, he replied Im calling inspector" and Ill get it taken care of right now." That was in February.

Southwick did not respond to my requests for comment within the last two weeks. The attorney who previously spoke on his behalf told Fox 4 he's no longer representing him.

In August, Southwick told the Charlotte County Licensing Board he did not oversee the build of the McAtee's home.

Board Member: With respect to the McAtee's home, _______ testified that the quality of the work was poor. What's your response to that, and do you supervise your job sites? Or do you have someone that does?

Southwick: I was not at that time. We went over all this before. I grew way too fast.

The McAtees say Southwick shouldn't have bitten off more than he could chew.

Were going to be out by about $200,000 at the end of the day - at least! said Mr. McAtee.

Since then, the McAtees have hired a new contractor, Vantage homes. Instead of retiring, McAtee says he is now working a few more years just to pay for his home, but also for Rhino Custom Homes not finishing the job they were paid to do in the first place.

Ben Bailey, Director of Charlotte County Community Development says the countys licensing board has revoked Mark Southwicks permitting privileges in the county. So, he cannot work under any permits issued by the county under his name or his company rhino custom homes.

Amira Fox, State Attorney for the 20th judicial circuit says shes working to assure homeowners that all Southwest Florida contractors finish the jobs they start in a timely manner. At the cost outlined in original contracts moving forward. Last month, she created a contractor fraud task force that spans across Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry Counties.

Homeowner complaints go beyond Rhino Custom Homes. Nearly 600 complaints from Southwest Florida were filed with DBPR between the beginning of 2019 and October of this year against hundreds of contractors.

Even more were filed in individual counties. Locally, complaints span beyond contractors allegedly taking money and failing to complete work.

During that same time frame, 782 complaints were filed with the Collier County licensing board against multiple contractors for issues including unlicensed and unpermitted work and failing code inspections. 47 percent of those cases have either been settled or closed. a third of them were unfounded. The rest are still pending or awaiting citation.

In 2019, Charlotte County received 398 complaints against individual contractors and 485 so far in 2020.

McAtee says the complaints mean nothing if contractors continue to get away scot-free.

Fox says prosecuting these cases was difficult because the Moneys Received by Contractor statute had holes in it. Her office could prosecute contractors using that law. Under it, they'd have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the contractor had no intent to complete a home or use the customer's money properly. Something Fox admits was difficult to do.

But, since homeowners have shared their stories with Fox 4 over the last two years, Fox says that law has changed.

Theres specifics now written in the statue. If you take the money, and you take a certain percentage from the victim, and then you dont perform within a certain amount of time, theres a presumption that youve committed a crime, said Fox.

Unfortunately, the new law went into effect at the end of last year, after the McAtees signed their contract with Rhino. So, it wont protect them.

The flip side, is the owners of Harden and Dukes Custom Homes Matthew Harden and Stephen Dukes have been charged with crimes.

Fox 4 cameras captured HD homes owner Stephen Dukes walking out of Sarasota County Jail in September after he and his partner Harden were charged with one count of scheme to defraud and 12 counts of misapplication of construction funds. Days later his partner was arrested, too.

Listed phone numbers for Dukes were disconnected, and one rang on end without ever going to a voicemail. Same thing for Harden, except someone answered the one number that wasn't disconnected, and said no one by the name of Matthew Harden lived there.

But, before it gets to an arrest, before you lose money, before signing on the dotted line, Bailey recommends doing your homework.

We have a lot of information on our county website. If you want to go in to look at the progress that the contractor has on all their permits, you can simply go in there, do a search, itll pull up all their permits, inspection history, whether or not theyve had any complaints, said Bailey.

You can search any contractor before signing on with them and get a list of all the subcontractors working on a particular permit and call them. Ask if the contractor has made any late payments.

The McAtees say they wish they had known about this before trusting Southwick.

But, despite waiting for a home they say should've been finished last year they're looking toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

Even though, were going to be out the money, at least were going to be able to get the house done. So, were focusing on the positive, rather than all the negative of the last year, said Mrs. McAtee.

According to DBPR, Southwick has agreed to voluntarily relinquish his contractor license with the state by March 15, 2021 to avoid any further administrative action. Homeowners who've filed complaints would then be eligible to receive compensation from the state's contractor recovery fund.

The McAtees are expecting a completed home in January.

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Fox 4 uncovers thousands of complaints filed against Southwest Florida contractors - Fox 4