Using tubular flooring for upper floors can create a practical structural approach for many building projects. Tubular flooring can support elevated spaces while reducing unnecessary structural weight. However, builders must match the system with suitable loads, spans, connections, and building conditions.

Understanding Tubular Flooring

Tubular flooring uses hollow structural sections within an upper-floor framing system. Engineers can arrange these members to support floor panels, finishes, and imposed loads. Steel tubes provide strength while maintaining a relatively clean structural profile. Consequently, designers can use available floor space more efficiently.

Lightweight tubular systems can reduce the visual bulk of conventional structural members. Furthermore, tubular members offer consistent dimensions and predictable fabrication requirements.

Planning the Floor Structure

Every upper floor needs a carefully developed structural plan before construction begins. Engineers should calculate dead loads, live loads, span requirements, and connection forces. Occupants, furniture, partitions, equipment, and finishes contribute to the total floor load.

Before fabrication, engineers should examine the existing structure and supporting foundations. Additional loads can affect columns, walls, beams, and footings below. Therefore, engineers must verify the complete load path before construction starts.

Proper spacing helps distribute loads across the floor assembly. Meanwhile, accurate calculations help prevent excessive deflection, vibration, or unwanted movement.

Selecting Suitable Tubular Sections

Different projects require different tubular profiles and dimensions. Engineers should select sections according to structural calculations rather than appearance alone. Square, rectangular, and circular tubes can serve different design purposes.

Rectangular and square tubes can simplify framing and connection details. Circular tubes can provide efficient strength but may require specialized connection methods.

Builders should use certified materials that meet applicable structural requirements. Fabrication should follow approved drawings and specifications.

Designing Strong Connections

Connections determine how effectively tubular members transfer loads throughout the floor. Weak or poorly detailed joints can undermine an otherwise strong structural system. Engineers should design every connection according to expected forces.

Welded connections can provide rigid joints when fabricators follow approved procedures. Bolted connections can simplify installation and allow easier field assembly. However, each connection type requires suitable detailing, inspection, and quality control.

Practical connection designs can simplify installation, inspection, and maintenance. Careful detailing can also reduce construction delays and unexpected fabrication problems.

Installing the Upper Floor

Construction teams should establish accurate reference points before installing tubular floor members. Precise measurements help maintain correct alignment across the entire floor. Workers should confirm supporting surfaces before placing each member.

Once the tubes reach the site, crews can position them according to structural drawings. Temporary supports may stabilize members during installation. Afterward, workers can complete permanent connections according to the approved sequence.

Floor decking can follow after crews secure the primary tubular framework. Decking should match the structural design and intended floor loads. Approved concrete, boards, or composite panels can complete the assembly.

Managing Vibration and Deflection

Upper floors need adequate strength and comfortable movement. Excessive vibration can create discomfort during normal activity.

Engineers can control deflection through suitable member sizes, spacing, spans, and support conditions. Floor finishes can also influence perceived vibration and movement. Consequently, designers should evaluate structural performance alongside occupant comfort.

Longer spans require additional attention because strategic supports can improve floor performance. However, additional supports may affect room layouts.

Considering Fire and Corrosion Protection

Steel tubular members may require protection against fire and environmental exposure. Project conditions determine the appropriate protective system. Engineers and building professionals should follow applicable fire and building requirements.

Interior floors may require fire-resistant assemblies depending on occupancy and building classification. Exposed steel may also need corrosion protection in humid environments.

Proper drainage matters when tubular members face moisture. Water trapped around connections can accelerate corrosion over time. Designers should prevent water accumulation and provide suitable protective measures.

Evaluating Construction Costs

Tubular flooring can offer cost advantages when designers optimize material use and fabrication. However, project costs depend on several factors beyond steel quantities. Fabrication, transportation, welding, decking, labor, coatings, and installation affect the final budget.

Standardized member sizes can simplify procurement and reduce waste. Moreover, early coordination can prevent expensive revisions.

Builders should compare the complete installed cost against alternative floor systems. Teams should evaluate performance, installation time, maintenance, and durability.

Coordinating Building Systems

Upper-floor framing must accommodate electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and other building services. Early coordination prevents conflicts between structural members and service routes. Designers should reserve suitable spaces before fabrication begins.

Workers should never cut or modify structural tubes without engineering approval. Unauthorized changes can reduce strength and compromise the load path.

Architects and engineers should coordinate ceiling heights, floor thicknesses, and service clearances. This approach helps maintain functional spaces without creating unexpected construction changes.

Prioritizing Professional Engineering

Using tubular flooring for upper floors requires proper structural engineering and careful construction practices. Experienced professionals can evaluate loads, connections, materials, and site conditions. Their calculations help ensure that the completed floor meets its intended performance.

Building owners should check local regulations and permit requirements before construction begins. Compliance protects occupants and supports smoother project approval.

Finally, contractors should follow approved drawings throughout installation. Engineers should review field changes before implementation. This disciplined approach protects the structure and reduces avoidable risks.

Conclusion

Using tubular flooring for upper floors can provide an efficient option for suitable building projects. The system can combine strength, practical fabrication, and efficient space planning. Success depends on sound engineering and installation.

Careful coordination can improve project efficiency and control construction costs. Most importantly, qualified professionals should verify structural decisions before construction proceeds. With thoughtful planning, tubular floor systems can support safe, functional, and durable upper-level spaces.

The post Using Tubular Flooring for Upper Floors: A Practical Guide appeared first on Planned Living.

Finding your first apartment in the city feels like a major milestone.

Most young professionals start with small studio units or shared bedspaces. Often, these rentals look dull, cramped, or outdated. You might feel tempted to spend a fortune on high-end furniture.

However, budget styling allows you to transform your space without breaking the bank. A budget of ₱5,000 can go a long way in the Philippines.

You just need to know where to shop and what to prioritize. Many affordable hubs like Taytay and Dapitan offer unique pieces for cheap. Online platforms like Shopee and Lazada also provide endless DIY options.

Start by looking at your floors.

Old, stained tiles often ruin the vibe of a bathroom or kitchen. You can fix this easily with stick-on vinyl tiles. These adhesive sheets cost very little per piece. They come in various patterns like marble, wood, or Moroccan designs. Installation requires only a pair of scissors and a steady hand. Simply clean the original surface thoroughly before applying the stickers. This one change instantly upgrades the room’s aesthetic. It feels much cleaner and more modern for just a few hundred pesos.

Lighting plays a massive role in how a home feels.

Most rentals come with harsh, white fluorescent bulbs. This “hospital lighting” makes a space feel cold and uninviting. Switch these out for warm LED lighting immediately. Warm white or “soft amber” bulbs create a cozy, premium atmosphere. You can also buy affordable floor lamps or clip-on spotlights. Place them in corners to create depth and eliminate dark spots. Soft glow hides minor imperfections in your walls or furniture. Consequently, your cheap rental starts to look like a boutique hotel room.

Living in a small room means you must think vertically.

Floor space disappears quickly when you add bulky cabinets. Instead, use multi-functional open shelving to keep the floor clear. Open shelves provide storage without closing off the room visually. You can find lightweight wooden or metal shelves in local markets. Mount them above your bed or near your window. Use these shelves to hold books, plants, or office supplies. This setup creates a dedicated workspace in even the most cramped room. It keeps your essentials within reach but out of the way.

Next, consider the power of textiles and fabric.

New curtains can change the entire mood of a studio. Avoid heavy, dark fabrics that make the room feel smaller. Choose light-colored linens or sheer fabrics to let natural light inside. Visit Taytay Tiangge for the best deals on ready-made curtains and pillowcases. You can buy beautiful throw pillows for under ₱100 each. These small additions add pops of color and comfort to your bed or sofa. Texture makes a room feel “finished” rather than just occupied.

Wall decor does not have to be expensive.

Many yuppies fall into the trap of buying framed prints from malls. Instead, visit Dapitan Arcade for rustic wall hangings or mirrors. Mirrors are a secret weapon for small-space dwellers. They reflect light and create the illusion of more square footage. Lean a tall mirror against a wall to double the visual space. Alternatively, hang a cluster of smaller mirrors to act as an art piece. This trick works wonders in narrow hallways or dim corners.

Organization is the final step in budget styling.

Clutter makes even the most beautiful room look messy. Invest in woven baskets or plastic bins that fit under your bed. Hide your laundry, shoes, and extra supplies inside these containers. Use uniform labels to keep everything neat and easy to find. When every item has a home, the room feels larger and more peaceful. You save time every morning because you know exactly where things are.

Remember that styling is a marathon, not a sprint. You do not need to buy everything in one weekend. Start with the lighting and the floors first. These two changes offer the biggest visual impact for the lowest cost. Add shelves and decor gradually as you find pieces you truly love. This approach prevents impulse buys and keeps your budget on track. You deserve a beautiful home regardless of your current income level. With a little creativity, your rental will become a place you love.

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Building a Tiny Home with Cargo Containers

Modern architecture embraces unique materials to solve housing shortages. Many people now choose a cargo container to build a sustainable home. These steel boxes offer a strong foundation for innovative living spaces. Designers transform cold metal shells into warm, inviting residences. This trend reflects a growing desire for minimalist lifestyles. Builders appreciate the structural integrity of industrial shipping units. You can find these containers in various sizes for different needs. They provide a quick start for any construction project.

Standard shipping units measure twenty or forty feet in length.

Small families find these dimensions perfect for a cozy lifestyle. You save significant amounts of money on traditional building materials. Recycled steel reduces the environmental impact of your new house. These units withstand harsh weather conditions with ease. Their stackable nature allows for creative vertical expansion. Owners often customize the interior with modern insulation and wood. Large windows bring natural light into the narrow corridors. Smart storage solutions maximize every square inch of the floor.

Planning your tiny home requires careful attention to local laws.

Many cities have specific zoning rules for non-traditional structures. You must obtain permits before placing a unit on your land. Local inspectors check for safety and proper utility connections. Foundation work ensures the container remains level and stable. Concrete piers or slabs provide a solid base for the weight. Proper drainage prevents rust and water damage over many years. Architects help navigate these technical requirements for a smooth build.

Interior design plays a vital role in making small spaces livable.

High ceilings create an airy feeling within the metal walls. Light colors reflect sunshine and make rooms look much larger. Multi-functional furniture serves several purposes in a single area. A dining table might fold into the wall at night. Lofted beds free up valuable space for a home office. Compact appliances fit perfectly into a small kitchenette. Skilled carpenters build custom cabinets to fit the unique dimensions. Every corner serves a specific function in this efficient layout.

Insulation remains a top priority for metal housing projects.

Steel conducts heat and cold very rapidly throughout the seasons. Closed-cell spray foam provides an excellent thermal barrier for walls. This material also prevents moisture from condensing on the metal surface. Proper ventilation keeps the air fresh and dry inside. Roof gardens can offer natural cooling during hot summer months. High-quality windows prevent energy loss in the winter time. Efficient heating systems keep the small space warm and comfortable. Comfort depends heavily on these invisible engineering choices.

Living in a Tiny Home Cargo Container encourages a simpler way of life.

You must choose your possessions with great care and intention. Clutter disappears when space becomes a precious limited resource. Many residents report lower stress levels after downsizing their lives. Reduced utility bills provide extra money for travel and hobbies. Cleaning the entire house takes only a few minutes each day. This freedom attracts young professionals and retirees alike. Minimalist living focuses on experiences rather than physical objects.

Sustainability attracts environmentally conscious builders to this specific method.

Repurposing old steel boxes saves them from the scrap yard. Solar panels easily mount onto the flat metal roof surfaces. Rainwater collection systems provide water for gardens and toilets. Low-flow fixtures reduce overall water consumption in the household. Using recycled materials for floors adds a rustic charm. Off-grid living becomes a realistic goal with these compact structures. You reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a modern home.

Customization options allow for total creative expression during construction. Some owners paint the exterior with bright, bold colors. Others use wood siding to hide the industrial metal look. Glass sliding doors connect the indoor space with nature. Outdoor decks expand the living area into the backyard. You can join multiple units to create a larger complex. These modular designs adapt to changing family needs over time. A guest house or studio fits easily on a small lot. Creativity knows no bounds when working with these steel blocks.

Financial freedom remains the biggest draw for container home enthusiasts.

Most people build these houses without taking a massive mortgage. Low entry costs allow for faster ownership and peace of mind. You spend less on maintenance compared to a traditional mansion. Tax rates often stay lower for smaller residential structures. This economic advantage helps people achieve their life goals sooner. Saving money on housing opens doors to other exciting opportunities. Investing in a tiny home is a smart financial move.

The future of housing looks toward efficiency and modularity. Cargo containers lead the way in this architectural revolution. They prove that small spaces can offer high-quality living standards. People across the globe adopt this style for its many benefits. You can build a dream home with a modest budget. Innovation continues to improve the comfort of these steel dwellings. This movement shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Embrace the tiny home life for a brighter future.

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Pet proofing a small apartment presents unique challenges.

First, assess your apartment. Identify potential hazards.

Next, secure hazardous areas. Close off dangerous rooms.

Window safety is crucial. Ensure windows are secure. Use screens carefully.

Furniture arrangements matter. Avoid unstable furniture. These can tip over. They can injure your pet.

Floor coverings require attention. Remove loose rugs. These cause tripping hazards.

Storage solutions are vital. Use vertical storage.

Food and water bowls matter.

Pet toys deserve consideration.

Finally, remember regular checkups.

Remember, pet-proofing is an ongoing process. Regularly inspect your apartment. Identify and address new hazards.

Keeping pets enclosed protects them.  Furthermore, it protects your property. Secure fencing is essential. This prevents escapes. It keeps your pets safe. Additionally, it protects wildlife.

Consider using pet gates.

These create safe zones. They restrict access to certain areas. This protects your belongings. It protects your pet. Baby gates work well. They are readily available.  Choose appropriate fencing. Consider your pet’s size. Consider your pet’s breed. Height matters. Material matters. Durability is essential. This ensures long-term safety. This is a worthwhile investment.  Use playpens. These provide safe spaces. These are great for puppies.

Gates require special attention.

Use self-closing gates or Adjustable Dog Cages. These prevent accidental openings. Use secure latches. These are childproof. These are pet-proof. This adds an extra layer of safety.

Additionally, utilize pet carriers. These offer secure transport. They also provide safe spaces. Pets find these comforting. They offer a secure haven. Use carriers during travel.

Moreover, train your pet. Teach basic commands. “Stay” and “Come” are essential. This improves control. This enhances safety. Positive reinforcement works best. This builds trust.

Regularly inspect enclosures.

Check for damage. Repair any weaknesses. This prevents escapes. This maintains safety. This is essential for pet safety.  Finally, supervise your pets. Even secure enclosures need supervision. This prevents accidents. This provides peace of mind. This ensures your pet’s safety. This is crucial.

Remember, responsible pet ownership includes containment. This protects your pet and protects your property. And also protects the community. Pet safety matters  This article provides a comprehensive guide. It helps you pet-proof your small space and emphasizes safety. It prioritizes your pet’s well-being. Follow these tips carefully. Create a safe and happy home. Your pet will thrive. Enjoy a happy life together. Your pet deserves it. You deserve peace of mind.

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Building a new home is a significant investment, and it’s essential to consider features that will add value, functionality, and comfort.

While aesthetics are crucial, the most successful home designs seamlessly blend style and practicality. By incorporating must-have features from the planning stage, you ensure that your home stands out for years to come. Here are some must-have features to consider when building your new home:

1. Open Floor Plan

An open floor plan remains one of the most desirable features in modern homes. This layout connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas, creating a spacious and cohesive environment. It enhances natural light and airflow while promoting interaction among family members. Open floor plans also offer flexibility for entertaining guests.

2. Energy Efficiency

Building with energy efficiency in mind reduces long-term utility costs and promotes environmental sustainability. Consider energy-efficient windows, high-quality insulation, and energy-saving appliances. Solar panels and programmable thermostats can further boost your home’s efficiency, making it a smarter, greener choice.

3. Ample Storage Space

Effective storage solutions keep your home organized and clutter-free. Design built-in cabinets, shelves, and closets with ample space for everyday items. Include a pantry in the kitchen and consider adding a mudroom near the entrance for coats, shoes, and bags.

4. Smart Home Technology

Smart home features increase convenience and security. Install a smart thermostat, lighting systems, and automated door locks to easily control your home’s environment. Security cameras, video doorbells, and remote monitoring systems provide peace of mind, whether you’re home or away.

5. Spacious Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it should be functional and inviting. Invest in high-quality countertops, a large kitchen island, and plenty of storage. Include a dedicated area for food preparation and make room for modern appliances. A spacious kitchen layout ensures you have enough room to cook, entertain, and enjoy family time.

6. Multipurpose Rooms

Incorporate multipurpose rooms to maximize your home’s functionality. Create a space that can serve as a home office, guest room, or playroom. This approach allows for flexibility and ensures that your home adapts to your changing needs.

7. Outdoor Living Spaces

Extend your living area with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A patio, deck, or covered porch creates a relaxing spot for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening. Include features like an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or lounge area to make the space even more enjoyable.

8. High-Quality Flooring

Choosing the right flooring adds durability and beauty to your home. Hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl are popular choices that withstand daily wear and tear. Select flooring materials that complement your overall design theme and meet the demands of each room’s use.

9. Natural Light and Ventilation

Maximize natural light to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors help illuminate your home while reducing the need for artificial lighting. Proper ventilation keeps the indoor air fresh and prevents moisture build-up.

10. Master Suite Retreat

A master suite should serve as a private retreat within your home. Include a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom with luxury features like a soaking tub or a double vanity. Creating a comfortable master suite adds a touch of elegance and relaxation.

11. Functional Laundry Room

A well-designed laundry room makes household chores more manageable. Include countertops for folding, ample storage for cleaning supplies, and space for hanging clothes. Adding a utility sink also provides extra convenience for washing larger items.

12. Garage with Extra Space

A garage should offer more than just vehicle storage. Design a garage with extra space for a workshop, tools, or sports equipment. This additional area can serve as a hobby space, providing room for various projects and activities. And is a must-have when building a home.

13. Mudroom and Drop Zone

A mudroom or drop zone near the entryway keeps your home organized. Include hooks, cubbies, and benches for shoes, bags, and coats. This feature keeps your main living areas tidy and provides a designated space for everyday items.

14. Enhanced Bathroom Features

Consider upgrading your bathroom with spa-like features. Include rain showers, heated floors, and ample counter space. Double sinks and built-in storage make morning routines more efficient, while modern fixtures add a touch of sophistication.

15. Accessibility and Future-Proofing

Design with the future in mind by incorporating accessibility features. Wider doorways, step-free entrances, and a main-level bedroom cater to various needs. Future-proofing your home ensures it remains functional and comfortable for years to come.

Incorporating these must-have features creates a home that combines comfort, style, and practicality. By planning thoughtfully, you can build a space that reflects your lifestyle, meets your needs, and stands the test of time.

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Stepping into the world of Home Colors

Choosing the right colors for your home can be a thrilling yet challenging task. The right  colors possess the power to reflect your personality, enhance the ambiance, and even influence your mood. This blog will guide you through four main aspects of selecting the perfect home colors, ensuring your living space encapsulates your unique style.

The significance of Colors in a Home

The importance of choosing the right colors is more than just aesthetics – it’s about creating a harmonious living space. Home colors play a pivotal role in setting the tone and feel of a room. For instance, brighter shades invigorate and energize a room, while cooler tones offer a serene, calming feel. Therefore, taking the time to choose your colors consciously helps in curating your desired environment.

Tips for Choosing Home Colors

Selecting the perfect colors begins with understanding your preference, along with considering the room’s functionality. Start by identifying a dominant color to set the mood of the room. Complement this dominant color with secondary and accent colors to create a balanced and unified color scheme. Remember to consider the lighting in the room, as it impacts how colors appear, both during daylight and at night.

The role of Color Psychology

Color psychology, in the context of colors, provides valuable insights into how colors can impact our feelings and behaviors. For instance, blue instills tranquility and peace, making it perfect for bedrooms or relaxation areas. Colors like red or orange, known for their energizing quality, could be great additions to a workout or entertainment room. Using color psychology to select your home colors can promote a positive and appealing living environment.

Respecting Color Trends vs. Your Taste

While staying updated with color trends can inspire your colors selection, it’s essential not to lose sight of your taste and personal expression. Trends may come and go, but your love for specific colors may be timeless. Incorporate both elements by using trendy colors in less permanent ways like in your accent pieces, while letting your favorite colors dominate the more permanent features.

Conclusion: Your Home, Your Colors

In essence, choosing the right colors is a unique journey that goes beyond just picking out paint samples. It’s about understanding the psychology of colors, considering the room’s functionality, and navigating between current trends and personal preferences. Taking the time to select the perfect home colors will pay off in a beautifully harmonious and vibrant living space – a personal sanctuary that is truly yours.

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If you plan to hang your precious plants here is a tip on how to basically prep your house plants for hanging.  First of all, you’d pot your plant using one of those black plastic(PVC) pots.  Why plastic, plastic(PVC) pots are way less heavy than regular pots and come in many different colors. Why black? The color of the pots will not stand out. Especially when you decide to create a walled garden,

Tools

The following are tools that you would need:  slightly thick wire the ones sometimes used as clotheslines, a pair of pliers, and a soldering iron or some pointed instrument to punch holes.

When working on lifetime (plastic) tables it is best to put your work on a piece of wood that way you may not damage your table.(fig. 1).

Procedure

The first thing we have to do is fix your pot in such a way that the back is facing you and the plant more or less droops forward or the other way.

Then get your soldering iron (optional) or a pointed stylus. and punch two holes from the back at an upward or 45-degree angle.(fig. 2)

Then cut a wire about 8 to 9 inches long and bend them leaving about an inch in between the two ends (fig. 3)

Next, bend the ends of the wire as shown (fig.4) this is so that when you insert the wire into the pot, the wires will not get tangled or will not puncture your plant  (fig. 5).

Once you have inserted your wire you may not bend the ends again as shown (fig.6) you may now hang your plant you may hang your plant individually or collectively to form a “plant wall”(fig. 7)

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More than just putting up shelves on walls and adding beautiful decors will help you maximize your home’s space. The space beneath the steps, while sometimes disregarded and left empty, is a clever approach to bring extra design and character to the entire area. Furthermore, when properly adorned, it has a lot of possibilities. Take a look at these understairs or spandrel ideas to dress up the space beneath your staircase.

Cram a home office into a small space

The most basic and practical understairs ideas would be using the place for storing books and other work items in a tasteful manner. Use a large table to set up your workspace. Then, for improved work efficiency, fill it with all of your must-haves, such as an office chair, organizers, a whiteboard, clocks, and a trash bin. The bottom staircases can then be customized for additional storage.

You can go green with a vegetation garden.

Plants are one of the most visually appealing and energizing additions to any home. Sort through your plant collection to make your home a greener, more sophisticated-looking refuge. To avoid a flat impression, use a variety of pot sizes and holders inside to keep the room aesthetically balanced.

Snuggle yourself into a reading nook.

Because it is stylish, functional, and cozy, a reading nook is one of the smartest ways to design a black space. So gather your favorite books and create a cozy reading nook beneath the stairs. Add an accent chair with an ottoman, a side table for your reading materials, much-needed lighting for a better visual, and a cozy carpet for added comfort and style to your space.

A tasteful Coffee Station.

If you’re a coffee addict, turn your under-the-stairs space into a chic coffee bar. It will give your space an aesthetic boost while also emitting an enticing aroma. For the ultimate coffee shop-like experience, outfit your coffee haven with barstools, pendant lights, and utensil holders. You can also make more space by incorporating coffee-themed décor and color palettes.

Showcase a collection gallery.

Do you want to turn your living room into a museum-style gallery? What better place to show off your most prized possessions than in a safe and private setting? Arrange your wall and table pieces in a well-thought-out arrangement to avoid an overwhelming look. Follow the lines of the stairwell, or even hang your collection pieces on the stairwell itself. You can also incorporate more fashionable elements into your collections, such as wall arts, accent pieces, and so on.

Renovate a small entertainment area.

Depending on the size of your home, most staircases connect to the living room, making them an ideal location to add an extra entertainment area. Add sofas for space efficiency and throw pillows for added comfort to your empty space. Large indoor plants and wall decor can help to create a cozier atmosphere. A center table can also be added to host gatherings, eat, and play indoor games.

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The current trend for condo living is the limited living space. Assuming we purchase a bare condo unit, we would want to maximize floor area. This is so that actual living space may be a little bit comfy and spacious. One of the areas in your condo or home that you can skimp on is your bathing area. Although most condos have a Walk-in Shower already, these tend to take up much space.  We will show you to you how you Using a Walk-in Shower to save on space.

Most condo designs in the Philippines have a ample allotment for the shower area. This might be because there are still a lot of us who do their laundry manually and in the bathroom. But a big bath is such a waste in terms of actual usable living space. The solution to this is Using a Walk-in Shower to save on space that could fit in a corner. This may then free up more space for possible laundry space. We probably could fit in a washing machine with the space that can be saved.

Ultimately, all this additional space may end up in more usable living area. An extra desk for “work from home” jobs perhaps.  This could also be additional space for your kitchen or laundry cabinetry.  It could also be a reading nook.

As shown in the gallery below, most Walk-in Showers available are partitioned with glass. This provides good aesthetic in terms of design and functionality.

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A word of caution though, there are some condo or home units that have structural columns or walls that might get in the way. You might end of with usable space within the bathroom.  With a little bit of ingenuity, we can still use this space for storage as described above. In either case, what you can put in any free space within your unit definitely frees up space in another spot.

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Entertaining guests on your patio would be great since it is usually spacious. Aside from its appeal of not being enclosed, it is a breather for fresh air especially if you mix smoking with non-smoking guests.

Preparation Ideas: Decorating your patio.

• Keep your patio furniture scaled to the size of your space. Overly large pieces of furniture can crowd the area and make it difficult to maneuver around the patio. You should leave spaces for walking and mingling free of obstructions.
• Patio furniture should preferably be weather-resistant since it would be troubling to be taking indoor furniture from your patio when it rains.
• A griller whether fixed or on wheels is a great addition to your patio.  It gives you the option of cooking while entertaining. Just be sure that smoke from the griller has ample exhaust or doesn’t bother your neighbors.
• Lighting up your patio may help set the mood especially for evenings.  Do not set the lights too dark nor too bright.  Lighting that enables your guests to move around with ease is enough.
• Plants and flowers are a beautiful addition to a patio. If you want to create little areas of focal points, set a few large pots of flowers or plants around the patio, surround the large pots with smaller pots of colorful flowers to make it stand out, and grab your guests’ attention.

Entertaining guests on your patio: Patio settings

Your patio may be set in one of many ways and as many combinations here are some variations entertaining at home.

• Casual setting. You may set your outdoor sofa to circle a focal point so that you can entertain guests in a less formal way. You could set up a serving table where you can put drinks and finger food for your guests.
• Dinner setting. You would have a dinner table depending on the number of your guests. Usually, a ten-seater would do for a small party of close friends. You can either hire some help to serve dinner or you can do set up the table beforehand.
• Buffet setting. Set up a long table where you can place all the food you are serving making it a self-service. Then either set up a dinner setting like so or make it semi-casual by having smaller tables for four.

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