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Dr. Aisha Khan

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The work-from-home revolution has been gaining stature since the coronavirus pandemic when millions of workers were legally obligated to remain in place – in turn, accelerating a totemic shift in the way we work. The popularity of remote working has made it difficult for employers to bring their staff back to the office; it cannot be denied that working from home provides more comfort for many than the office. What, then, can employers do to address their workspaces and make for a more comfortable working environment?

Ergonomics

The most important consideration for rendering your business premises employee-friendly is, of course, safety. There are airtight regulations in place to protect the nation’s workers from hazardous elements and situations, overseen by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). While the most immediate hazards that come to mind relate to working from height, with dangerous tools, or with electricity, a far more common and pernicious risk presents in the form of musculoskeletal disorder.

Ergonomics are a key provision for administrative and office workers, where something as innocuous as poor posture can lead to a wide variety of debilitating and painful conditions. Comfortable, ergonomic seating is the bare minimum an office should offer to ensure employee comfort.

Temperature

Temperature is another key thought regarding office comfort, often being the most noticeable facet of an office environment when it comes to workers. Cold offices are distracting to a fault, especially where small space heaters are inefficient and ineffective at improving things for individuals. Hot offices, meanwhile, are stuffy and uncomfortable – with similar distracting tendencies and little opportunities for individual recourse.

The best solution would be an integrated AC system that can regulate temperature across spaces and rooms. Sensors from a wholesaler like RS Americas would enable the system to run relatively autonomously, while numerous smaller units would allow more granular control of temperature from space to space.

Lighting and Color

The visual aspect of the office cannot be ignored, either. Employees need adequate and comfortable light in which to work – and fluorescent lights are not enough to provide a comfortable and engaging environment. Natural light should be utilized where possible, as should warm task lighting for a comfortable desk experience.

Layout

On a more essential level, how you lay out your office space can have a dramatic impact on the comfort and productivity of your staff. The efficacy of a given layout schema will depend on the nature of your business, but there are some general considerations you might take into account to improve things for your workers.

Cubicle offices fell very much out of fashion in the 21st century, but there is something to be said for providing your workers with individual private spaces to work and focus. The trick is in offsetting private working spaces with communal environments for collaboration and social engagement; as well as partitioning off individual office spaces, you might also consider creating breakout spaces with comfortable sofas and hot desks, where workers can choose to spend their day instead of between partitions.

Do you want to redecorate your home and add a personal touch? Or are you trying to add creative freshness to your room?

Whatever the reason, a floral decoration will transform any interior space into a magical space. Hence, using birth flowers for interior decoration remains an infamous trend.

Similar to birthstones and gems, birth flowers are personal. Birth flower chartsoften assist us in developing artistic decor ideas. Certainly, the sky becomes our creative limit on special occasions.

Today, we will explore interior decoration ideas using birth flowers. If that sounds colorful and interesting, let’s dive in together!

Birth Flowers: Significance and Purpose

Birth Flowers Significance and Purpose.jpg

Since ancient times, unknown flowers have held symbolic significance across various cultures. The vibrancy, smell, bloom, and seasonal species have specific traits or distinct representations.

Birth flowers are similar beliefs to birthstones. Personal, colorful, vibrant, and, in this case, fragrant.

The twelve months of our English calendar have one birth flower each. Their deeper notions and distinct meanings make them more beautiful.

Therefore, whether it is a special occasion, anniversary, birthday, or funeral, these flowers make a great gift. However, there is more to the purpose of these floral beauties than being a gift!

Flowers make beautiful home decor props, irrespective of the season. Their vibrancy, freshness, and fragrance amplify our indoor atmosphere.

Also, using the birth flowers on bedding, curtains, paintings, and wallpapers serves a decorative purpose.

Birth Flowers for All Twelve Months

Birth Flowers for All Twelve Months

It is time to explore the names of these not-so-famous birth flowers. Each month of the year has two different flowers. Rest assured that we have an answer to the brewing ‘WHY?’ on your mind.

Our diverse cultural history does not align with the names of specific flowers for specific months. The unavailability of certain floral species in different countries also contributed to a safer resolution.

Thus, every month has two flowers.

Here are the names of the birth flowers for every twelve months of the year.

  • January: Carnation and Snowdrop
  • February: Violet and Primerose
  • March: Daffodil and Jonquil
  • April: Daisy and Sweetpea
  • May: Lily and Hawthorn
  • June: Rose and Honeysuckle
  • July: Larkspur and Water Lily
  • August: Gladiolus and Poppy
  • September: Aster and Morning Glory
  • October: Marigold and Cosmos
  • November: Chrysanthimum
  • December: Narcissus and Holly

Five Creative Ways to Use Birth Flowers for Decoration

Now that we know the different names and purposes of birth flowers, it is time to use them for decoration. Here are our top five artistic ideas to incorporate flowers into interior decorations.

Let’s take a detailed look.

1. Fresh Flowers in Glass Vessels

Fresh Flowers in Glass Vessels

Flower vases are a decorative prop found in almost every household. However, if that seems too boring for your taste, replace the vase with quirky, designer vessels.

Choose a gorgeous piece of china, a ceramic pen holder, patterned glass, or a self-painted glass bottle to serve as a holder for your natal flower.

A bouquet of vibrant red, pink, yellow, or white roses, lilies, or chrysanthemums in a glass vessel will transform your interiors in no time.

2. Birth Flower Garland Decoration

Birth Flower Garland Decoration .jpg

Making garlands from your birth flower is another beautiful idea for artistic home decorations. You can combine your birth flowers and weave them into long garlands to personalize your bedroom decor.

You can adorn the door handles, stair handrails, bed railings, and chairs and make overhead chains using these garlands.

Carnations, roses, marigolds, and narcissus birth flowers will make beautiful and fragrant garlands.

3. Birth Flower Printed Curtains and Beddings

Birth Flower Printed Curtains and Beddings .jpg

Are you worrying about the unavailability of fresh flowers? Rest assured that we have got you covered! Incorporate your birth flowers into printed curtains, bedding, carpets, tablecloths, and other fabrics.

Using floral prints for home decor opens a new door with countless options. You can select or customize any shade of a specific color to match the overall interior theme.

Undoubtedly, room fresheners and vaporizers will happily take care of the fragrances.

4. Plant Your Birth Flower in Bedroom Balcony

Plant Your Birth Flower in Bedroom Balcony

Do you love gardening? Or are you planning to get started and adopt a few plant babies? Well, what better than decorating your home with live plants of your birth flowers?

Start by planting a small pot of marigolds, roses, violets, chrysanthemums, or primroses on your balcony. Planting one of your birth plants is a good start.

With time, the plant will transform your home decor with freshness, color, and fragrance.

5. Create Seasonal Wreathes

Create Seasonal Wreathes

Wreaths make beautiful decorations during Christmas. However, if you want to, they can be hung on any occasion of your choice. Decorate your homes with birth flower wreaths and keep them on for a month.

Whatever the occasion, wreaths will adorn walls, doors, hallways, and mantels.

Collect a few dried leaves, pine cones, seasonal birth flowers, and other decorative embellishments. And you will all be set to create a seasonal wreath of your choice for home decoration.

Summing It Up

Flowers are undoubtedly a fresh, colorful, meaningful, and fragrant prop for home decoration. Also, their significance multiplies when we attach a sense of personalization to them.

Using birth flowers as artistic home decoration bridges the link between beauty and creativity. But creativity knows no boundary. Therefore, we can use floral prints on fabrics, walls, paintings, cutlery, and more for interior decoration.

We hope the above ideas inspire you to be experimental and imaginative with your indoor decoration.

What is your birthday month, and how would you like to decorate your home with birth flowers? Comment below and share your ideas with us.

The art of crafting handmade wooden kitchen products is a blend of skill, passion, and an appreciation for the timeless beauty of wood. From wooden cutting boards and utensils to bowls and spatulas, each piece is an expression of craftsmanship and functional art. Here’s a closer look at the key elements that contribute to the artistry of handmade wooden kitchen products:

Material Selection:

  • Wood Varieties: Choose wood species known for their durability, unique grain patterns, and compatibility with kitchen use. Popular choices include maple, walnut, cherry, and oak, each offering distinct visual and tactile qualities.

Craftsmanship:

  • Hand-Crafted Precision: Handmade products require a skilled artisan’s touch. Precise cuts, expert joinery, and meticulous attention to detail distinguish these pieces, highlighting the mastery of the craftsman.

Design and Functionality:

  • Form Follows Function: Embrace a design philosophy where the form complements the function. A well-designed kitchen product not only serves its purpose effectively but also enhances the overall cooking and dining experience.
  • Ergonomics: Consider the ergonomics of handles and the overall shape to ensure comfort during use. A harmonious blend of form and function results in products that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Unique Artistic Elements:

  • Inlays and Carvings: Elevate your creations with artistic embellishments such as inlays or hand-carved details. These elements not only add visual interest but also showcase the artisan’s creativity and dedication to the craft.
  • Wood Grain Embrace: Celebrate the natural beauty of wood by incorporating and highlighting its unique grain patterns. Each piece becomes a canvas that tells a story through the natural lines and knots in the wood.

Finish and Protection:

  • Natural Finishes: Use food-safe finishes that enhance the wood’s natural color and grain without compromising safety. Oils like mineral oil or beeswax provide protection while allowing the wood’s character to shine through.
  • Durability: Prioritize finishes that withstand the rigors of kitchen use, ensuring longevity and resistance to moisture, heat, and every day wear.

Sustainability:

  • Responsibly Sourced Wood: Emphasize the use of sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood. This commitment not only aligns with environmental values but also adds a story of responsible stewardship to your creations.

Personalization and Customization:

  • Tailored Offerings: Allow customers to personalize their kitchen products. Whether through engraved initials, custom sizes, or choice of wood, personalized touches create a unique connection between the artisan and the end user.

Storytelling and Branding:

  • Artisan’s Journey: Share the story of the artisan and the journey of each piece, from selecting the raw material to the hands-on crafting process. This narrative adds depth and authenticity to the product.
  • Branding Identity: Develop a distinctive brand identity that communicates the values of handmade craftsmanship, quality, and the artistry behind each creation.

In essence, the art of handmade wooden kitchen products is a fusion of functionality, aesthetics, and the timeless appeal of natural materials. Each piece is not just a utensil or accessory; it’s a manifestation of the artisan’s dedication to their craft and a testament to the enduring beauty of wood in the heart of the home.

Sponge painting is the fastest and most efficient way to brighten your space. Sponge painting is creating beautiful textures on the walls using sponges. The result can be quite rewarding in terms of the experience as well as the enhanced aesthetic appeal of your home.

There is no dearth of sponge painting ideas that can bring out the beauty of your space. Also, there can be many variations of the textures depending on the tools and techniques you use.

In this blog, we are going to talk about some of those techniques that can help you in creating beautiful textured effects on your wall. So, let’s get started!

Techniques to Create Textured Effect in Sponge Painting

Who would have thought that just a few paints, a few sponges, and a creative mind could bring out something so eye-pleasing that you would never want to leave the space?

Believe it or not, sponge painting has so much potential that it can produce mind-blowing results. Here are a few techniques to create a textured effect for your walls.

1. Dragging Technique

Dragging Technique

Dragging is a technique in which you create different patterns by dragging the sponge in different strokes. You can select a pattern and work towards it by dragging your sponge along it.

Simply press the sponge in a few places and move it gently to other places. It will create a stunning contrast and give out a grainy look. It is the simplest and most widely used sponging technique. It can give a flowy texture to the wall. It all depends on the movement of the sponge.

To do this, you can apply a coat or two of paint on the wall and then simply drag a sponge along it in patterns. You can be as creative as you want, be it wavy lines, or a simple straight one, there are a plethora of options to explore here.

2. Twisting Technique

Twisting Technique

Twisting is yet another beautiful texture technique that can result in a gorgeous interior. All you need to do is twist your sponge in a few places while working on your wall. The pattern will depend on the way you twist it and how strongly or gently you press the sponge on the wall.

With twisting you can create a random yet unique look for your wall. You will need to apply a base coat on the wall and let it dry completely. Now with another paint of choice, you can make patterns using the sponge. Use a sponge with bigger holes, it will make the pattern appear more prominent.

3. Combining Colors Technique

Combining Colors Technique

In this method of sponge painting, you can simply choose different colors and use different sponges for it. Create the base coat and let it dry for a day or two. Now use small paint buckets of various colors and sponges of various shapes and sizes.

You can take your creative liberty here and move your sponges in criss-cross, or zig-zag patterns to create the design. Use different colors and use your judgment to check which colors go together. Now you can make patterns using these colors in designs.

Techniques that Use Other Materials to Create Textures

Texture painting has evolved to a great extent in recent times. Besides sponges, other materials can be used to give appealing textures to the walls. Some techniques involving other materials to create patterns or textures are as follows.

1. Ragging or Rag-rolling Technique

Ragging or Rag-rolling Technique

Ragging as the name suggests, is a technique that uses rags to create patterns on the wall. A base coat is applied on the wall and after it dries, rags are used to create patterns on the wall. You can use contrasting light and dark shades of the same color to make a definitive pattern on the wall.

Rag rolling on the other hand uses a roll of rag to create the patterns. The process is similar to ragging although the patterns are quite different from each other. It is advised to avoid unrelated colors altogether for this process, as it may give your wall an old look.

2. Stippling Technique

Stippling Technique

Another popular technique used in texture painting is stippling. Stippling is a method by which a grainy pattern is made on the wall with the help of hard bristles. It gives the space a rich and cozy look.

Stippling involves applying a base coating of the paint and then running the stippling brush over it to create the pattern. It may be time-consuming and require a meticulous placing of the brush every time, although the mesmerizing result is worth all the time and effort.

3. Frottage Technique

Frottage Technique

The frottage technique involves the use of plastic or paper to create the texture on walls. In this method, firstly the base coat is applied, and then a wrinkled ball of paper is used to create patterns.

This technique gives your wall a beautiful finish and brings out a vibrant look. You can use sponge and paper side by side to create different patterns.

It will give your space a unique and fresh vibe. You can use multiple colors and mix and match a few shades to bring out a visually appealing surface.

Conclusion

A beautiful space gives you happiness, contentment, and increased productivity. It can instantly uplift your mood and contribute much to your overall well-being.

Sponging is one of the few techniques that can help you create this beautiful space. There are various techniques that you can use to incorporate textured effects in your sponge painting such as dabbing, twisting, or dragging to name a few.

Using sponge painting to create a textured effect can be a vibrant and colorful adventure that you can plan with your family or friends. The result of which would be an artistic canvas of your strokes.