NATURE CURES

• Even within the home, one is surrounded by an alarming array of toxic pollutants which could affect our well being.
• Natural materials create a more natural and low stress environment , in contrast to manmade laminates.
• Maximum use of natural elements like sun and wind, appropriate use of colours, furnishing materials, lighting system, regulated use of mechanical and electronic gadgets etc together make up a healthy home.
• Improperly maintained gadgets and some of our own habits, increase the level of pollutants indoors, affecting air quality and ultimately our health.
• Sources of indoor pollution are building materials, water supply systems, chemical cleaner/toiletries, paints , pesticides in the vegetables we buy, vinyl carpets using adhesives, synthetic products and from footwear.
• Harmful effects range from skin rashes, burning in eyes, respiratory discomfort etc.
• Avoid chemical air fresheners. Instead use baking soda or other natural fresheners.
• Choose toxic free upholstery,furniture, carpet and curtains that do not contain brominated flame retardants,stain repellant or wrinkle resistant treatments.
• Use fragrance free detergents and fabric softeners.
• Have lots of houseplants. They clean the air by asorbing the chemicals and converting them into food and enegy. 2-3 houseplants per 100 sq ft of room space is recommended.
• Allow natural regulation of indoor humidity.
• Use real wood rather than processed particle board.
  

Healthy home is wealthy home

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• The air indoors is now thought to be more polluted than what it was earlier. The culprits remain the same, but new ones are getting included in the list. Some major pollutants that affect indoor air quality are: contaminants like moulds, mildews, allergens, odours, cooking fumes (oil), certain building materials and furnishings, household products and outdoor pollutants that remain in the air like carbon monoxide.
• In order to have a house with good indoor air quality, it is important that we take a look at the things to avoid. Certain building materials emit volatile components into the air that causes allergies, irritation of the eyes and respiratory problems. Some of these toxic pollutants or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene are found in commonly used products.
• Apart from pollutants that affect the air quality, lack of ventilation also creates unhealthy interiors. Natural ventilation can be facilitated by proper placement of doors and windows.

• Ideally, south and east facing windows let in cool air. Also, big windows on one side of the house when complemented with smaller openings on the other side facilitates cross-ventilation. If opening windows or doors in the evenings and nights becomes a problem due to mosquito menace, invest in mesh screens. Louvered shutters or doors aid in ventilation of air. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to vent pollutants to the outside. Kitchens can also be ventilated with electric chimneys. Have electric fans to help circulation of air. Air conditioners must be frequently cleaned for improving the quality of air.
• Earlier, paints were made from petroleum based solvents. Today, paints with low VOCs are made using water as a solvent. These paints contribute to healthy interiors as offgassing (emitting of toxins) is reduced to the bare minimum. Be aware of this when selecting paints for your house.
• Wooden boards like plywood, particle boards and medium density boards often use formaldehyde based resins to hold the wood components together. The strong fumes of the (VOC) volatile organic compounds results in watery eyes if it comes in contact with the eyes. Check the adhesive used before taking a call on the choice of boards.
• Wall-to-wall carpets are like a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, mildew dust mites and also animal hair. With such allergens rampant on these carpets, it is advisable not to have them in homes. Otherwise, regular, thorough and professional cleaning is required. Smaller carpets are easier to clean and are therefore more desirable. Carpets of wool and other synthetic fibres are harder to clean than cotton.
• Furnishings of cotton are easier to clean and maintain. This reduces the problem of dust allergens considerably. Choose furnishings that can be washed and dried rather than those which can only be dry cleaned. Dry cleaned articles may emit certain chemicals that can cause short-term allergies.
• Indoor air quality can be considerably improved by keeping plants in the rooms. Study has proved that certain plants can combat specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs). On the whole, plants like spider plants, philodendron species, Boston ivy and rubber plants are good air purifiers. Ensure that the moist top soil is free of moulds. Since plants are major dust collectors, wipe or wash the leaves regularly to keep them dust free. Also, use organic pesticides like neem cakes rather than chemicals.
  

Automated home solutions: A smart life

• Driving her way to office Malini remembers she has left the gas burner turned on, quietly she takes out her mobile, dials a code number and the gas burner of her house is turned off, and all this takes a few seconds.
• Home Net System offered by Honeywell takes care of the optimal control of temperature , lighting, gas and home appliances, among others.
• Also the availability of complete security solutions, includes high-tech integrated systems for burglary and fire prevention and entry control for visitors. The
• Home Net also has the radio alarm buttons which can signal security or residential units instantly in case of emergencies.
• The system provides home owners with information on energy, water and gas consumption enabling better monitoring of resources.
• The Home Net System will enable home owners to be at peace when they go out, knowing that the system will alert them of any unexpected situations
• Legrand, electrical products manufacturers, has introduced ‘In One’ which offers home owners the options to manage their electrical appliances through a network. The system works on the principle of customisation of lighting arrangement . Every individual situation demands a specific lighting set up which requires different lighting modes, “In One by Legrand can keep in its memory the customised lighting set ups for any specific occasion , for example the lighting situation for a family dinner or for a party arranged for your son’s birthday can all be switched on at the press of the button of remote.” .
• The best part of ‘In One’ is the fact that it can be installed without going for a wiring change.
• When everything in your house gets automated the ugly looking wires hanging from the roof tops too need a makeover.
• Sterlite Optical Technologies, the optical fibre and telecom cable manufacturer has come up with Fiber to the Home (FTTH) technology enabling the use of optical fibres instead of the usual copper cable — for cable TV, telephone and for the Internet .
• This single optical fibre carries the traffic for all the telecom and video applications and saves the cost of laying and maintaining three cable networks. Automated home Monitor water and cooking gas consumption Customise the lighting arrangements Optical fibres instead of the usual copper cables
  

AESTHETIC SEATING AREAS IN THE HOME

Seating areas in your living space have to be planned according to the demands of comfort and entertainment. They are usually designed keeping style and space as the main criteria .

Carefully chosen furniture will help you achieve a designer seating area that impresses visitors. Remember to guard against impulse purchases and shop for furniture that is according to scale and beauty.

Try to find a common theme for each of the areas.

With the above caveats in mind, take a look at the spaces that can be enhanced into designer seating areas. Living room You could have one large seating/conversation area or two seating arrangements depending on your entertainment requirements. Area rugs help to demarcate these areas. Placement of furniture must be around a focal point like a large window, an entertainment centre or an elaborate painting. Paramount to a designer look is the style of the furniture. A traditional style looks luxurious and rich. Traditional furniture goes best with this style. Sofas and arm chairs with rich upholstery, hand woven Persian carpets, an ornate centre table, side tables, table lamps, and some well-placed plants give a look of exclusivity to the seating area. A few ornaments of brass or wood can reflect this theme. A classic style looks elegant and subtle. Armchairs, sofas, swivel chairs and futon chairs in dark leather give a discreetly rich look. Club chairs, which are actually luxuriously stuffed leather armchairs with low backs, are affluent and classy. Wooden panelling, bold wall hangings and floor lamps look well in place with this theme. If you go in for club chairs, consider having matching ottomans . They can serve as seating options for extra visitors . A contemporary style is the easiest theme to handle. Straight line modern furniture or delightfully funky seating options give a sensational look to your seating area. Brightly coloured mushroom chairs, swivel armchairs and metal/hardwood frame sofas with leather/fabric upholstery are contemporary and comfortable . Metal floor uplighters, quirky sculptures and bright area rugs complete the picture. If you decide on two seating areas in the living room, the larger seating area must be able to seat at least six people . The smaller seating area can have a chaise lounge or a love couch for relaxed seating . These genre come in all the styles discussed above. Alternately, you could have two armchairs with a side table in the centre. An elegant table lamp will transform the seating area into a reading corner. Dining room Generally, conversation lingers over the dining table. The seating arrangement becomes important and the focus of the room. A formal dining room with highbacked chairs is stylish and impressive. Fabric slipcovers add elegance to the theme. A low dining table with colourful cushions in lieu of chairs, gives an informal ambience. Elegant accessories like candelabras , crystals and fresh flowers enhance the seating area.

Bedroom The bedroom is a place to relax and unwind. A tastefully designed seating area would work wonders here. A large window could be the focus of this area. A window seat can be built into a bay window and highlighted with cushions. A pair of soft armchairs, a chaise lounge or a rocking chair would look great in a nook. Side tables with reading lamps and shaggy carpets could be added for a warm look. Seating area in the bedroom can also be worked around an entertainment centre. Recliners, swivel armchairs or a love couch with a warm area rug makes for a stylish picture. A corner of the bedroom also makes a lovely seating area with a side chair and a book shelf. Other living spaces Nowadays, many homes have a cozy theater wherein the entertainment centre is installed. Home furniture like armchairs with ottomans and recliners are just right for this area. Beverage holders or side tables would be ideal. The study is another personalized place where one can read and relax. Armchairs are definitely in. You can have comfortable, low backed armchairs or wooden chairs with soft upholstery arranged around a focal point like a window, an art work or a luxurious carpet. The lobby can be made impressive with plush armchairs or settees. A hand woven rug can act as the focus of this area.

http://realestate.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1909941.cms

SOIL TESTING

• The plot should have a high soil density so that it may be able to bear the weight of the structure.
• The caring rays of the rising sun should reach the plot in abundance.
• One of the methods of testing the ground is as follows :

1. Make a 2 ft deep and wide pit on the plot and then fill it up with the scooped out mud.
2. If you have mud left over after filling the pit , then it is indicative of prosperity.
3. If the mud is just sufficient to fill the pit up to ground level, then it indicates no profit no loss.
4. If the mud is not sufficient to completely fill the pit and a part of the pit remains unfilled, then it indicates loss.
5. Water may also be used to fill the pit before filling it with soil. After filling the pit with water , walk 400 steps and then come back. If the water level is unchanged,the land is good, but if the water level falls considerably, then the land is unsuitable as per Vaastu tenets.
6. If ploughing the land turns up animal remains like bone and hair, points to the unsuitability of the land.
7. Presence of vermin and termites makes the soil hollow , thus rendering it unsuitable.

BRAHMASTHANA

• There are ten directions and each has its presiding Deity.
• The central area of the plot belongs to lord Brahma. ( Brahmasthana)
• In olden days , houses had courtyards in the middle.The trend was to keep the Brahmasthana open to the sky.It was believed that Lord Brahma lands in this area.
• Also symbolic of the navel of the Vaastupurush, this area should be properly cleaned and maintained well.
• The Brahmasthana should not have underground tanks, bore wells or any water body.
• Building Kitchens and toilets in this area also is a serious Vaastu defect.
• Electrical equipment such as generators, inverters and heavy transformers should not be kept here.
• Heavy pillars and columns in the Brahmasthana can lead to major health problems.
• One should not put heavy weights in this area , or position staircases and elevators.

IT'S ALL ABOUT LOBBY'ING.

• A hugely interesting space in a home is a lobby. Mostly in the center of the home, it is actually a take off from the olden times, where all rooms opened into the courtyard.
• A lobby is essentially an area to lounge in in. Depending on your lifestyle and hobbies, you should do up this space in a variety of ways.
• A TV could be set up here for the entire family to watch and relax. a large coffee table in front of the sofa would also be very convenient.
• A magazine and newspaper basket could take care of the reading material.
• The furniture could be a two seater sofa or even a single large recliner with a couple of matching chairs.
• a large antique mirror can be hung on the wall to visually enlarge the space.
• If the lobby is large, you could even make space for a study in one corner and also install your computer, in order to work from there.
• You could make huge ceiling sized racks and make it into a library as well.
• You could combine your TV with your music system or even make a home theater there.
• A small table with chairs could be set up for a round of scrabble or monopoly, with your family while watching TV.

VAASTU FOR PROSPERITY

Wealth need not always come in the form of money.There are eight aspects of Lakshmi that influence your overall personality and environment. Make sure you utilize them in a Vaastu friendly manner.

• The universe understands the language of money. Money could be health, motivation or an aid to improve your relationships.
• However, earnings alone do not decide the happiness and contentment in your life. You must also analyze other areas where you lack contentment.
• Ma Lakshmi is also called Ashtalakshmi, which means eight aspects of Lakshmi ; they are :

1. Riddhi lakshmi : leads to major achievements in your life. Houses abundant in nature and natural decoratives can help you attain this aspect.
2. Siddhi Lakshmi : Stands for education , talent and skills.The more openings your house has towards the north , the better your awareness, concentration and memory will be.
3. Kirti Lakshmi :The name, fame and respect that you gain from society. Enhance your east direction by keeping it tidy, uncluttered and beautiful.
4. Griha Lakshmi :A good level of understanding with your partner.The right partner can make your life beautiful.To gain this, apply the law of equality. Always counterbalance dark ,dull colours with light, sharp colours.Ensure that the doors are well oiled and do not make irritating sounds when opened or closed.
5. Shatru vinashini Lakshmi :Possibility of a life without enemies. Make sure that the main entrances are in light shades.Avoid black and blue. Also ensure that there are no water sources near the entrances.
6. Sanjivani Lakshmi : Health is vital for a happy life.Analyse the bedrooms and toilets in your house. Ensure free flow of subtle energies and use them well.
7. Kanti Lakshmi :This aspect signifies your personality.De clutter your house and office environments. Respect the rising sun. Get up when the sun rises and keep the east facing windows open.
8. Dhan Lakshmi : The North east direction gives you magnetic energy which can be transformed into money.There should be no obstruction or leakage of this energy.Create entrances in the north and beautify them with decoratives.

ENERGY FROM ALL DIRECTIONS

• As pr the doctrines of Vaastu,there are four major directions :

1. Ishaan or the North East.
2. Vayavya or the North West.
3. airitya or the South West.
4. Agneya or the South East.

• As per the Vaastu doctrine, positive cosmic energy moves from East to West, North to South and from Ishaan corners to Nairitya corners.
• To fill up the drawing room or reception with soothing positivity, follow the vaastu tips given below :

1. Enrich the abode with wisdom :
2. Grab financial prosperity :
3. Bo dominating :
4. Boost the Ishaan corner :
5. Use Vaastu friendly curtains :
6. Keep the area light :

SECURE YOUR HOME

• Exterior lights and motion detectors can reduce the darkness and thus deter a burglar.
• Simple security devices, such as door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts increases the amount of time it takes to break into your home.
• Invest in a burglar alarm : effective ones also ring at an outside service.
• However, don't make your home such a fortress that you are unable to escape in case of a fire or any other emergency.
• Doors must be made of metal or solid hardwood with equally strong frames.Even the most efficient lock, if placed in a weak door, will be rendered ineffective.
• Go in for deadbolts which can be locked with a key from outside and a thumb turn from inside. Go in for a reputed brand.
• Have windows secured with key locks and grills.

LAURIE BAKER ARCHITECTURE

To explore this style of costeffective and enironment friendly architecture, go to the following

url : http://in.geocities.com/c_ncr/costford/lauriebaker.htm

THE KUNDLI MANESAR PALWAL EXPRESSWAY

There was a good article on the effect of this expressway on the region. Key points :

• The area is slated to become one of the most popular regions after Noida and Gurgaon.

• The expressway will serve as a catalyst for growth and will lead to greater development in Sonepat, jhajjar, Gurgaon , Mewat and Faridabad districts through dynamic connectivity with Delhi and the NCR.
• The real estate rates in Kundli, Bahadurgarh, Palwal, Manesar etc places are expected to double, once the expressway becomes functional.