The VOC index of the paint shows, how many harmful volatile organic compounds it contains, which vapor from the product even for years after the painting. (Statutory maximum value: 30 g/l) Therefore, a paint with minimal VOC or VOC free should be purchased, especially if it will be used in children’s room.
Outdoor fall decor
Autumn pine tree
Delft tile
The invention of Delft pottery in the mid-1600s was a response to the popularity of Chinese porcelain products imported by the Dutch East India Company. The tin-glazed earthenware was a cheaper alternative of the expensive import goods. In the 1640s the Delft potters started to use personal monograms and factory marks, and the tiles became works of art this way.
The white glazing imitated well the whiteness of porcelain. The hand painted pattern has mostly a wonderful shade of blue, but brown is also frequent. Delft products first copied the patterns of Chinese imports, but later motifs of Dutch life appeared, for example tulip, windmill, sailing ship and farming scenes. The pattern featured a merman wearing a top hat is produced since 1650 until today! Large patterns consisting of several pieces are preferred also, mostly as kitchen backsplash.
As wealth spread in the mid-class, tiles were more and more popular in homes. Most of them were around fireplaces and in kitchens because they could be easily cleaned. Delft tiles reached other countries in Europe also. In England, the new technique of transfer printing allowed for Delft-style tiles to be mass produced.
Some Dutch company manufacture these products by the original methods, this way they can be ordered newly, not just antique pieces are left. Really spectacular focal points can be created by using them, almost in any room. Ask for help of an interior designer for this.
Monochrome
Mini gardens 4.
Sea glass
Until the 1960s, it was common for some companies and turists in coastal towns to dispose of empty glass in the water. These broke aparts during flouncing and the sharp shards (commonly triangular shaped) were smoothed roundish by water, sand and rocks. Glass have a frosted patina, because of corrosive effect of salty water. This process takes about 20 years. Sea glass can be found almost in every color of the rainbow, but turquoise, brown, green and white (clear) are the most common. They are perfect decorating elements for a waterside theme interior.
Interior design – Home staging – Real estate investment
Interior desing = planning, makeover and furnishing the property for customizing it to the requirements and style of the owner(s). The owner sets the budget.
Home staging = furnishing/refurnishing the property (which is frequently inhabited) for fitting it to the taste and requirements of the more customers-to-be. The staging contains smaller makeovers but the spent amount on it should be maximum the 5% of the property’s value.
Real estate development/investment = buying a property in bad condition, then reselling it after a full makeover. It should be done in a way that the property fits the taste and requirements of the more customers-to-be. The spent amount and the profit after selling have to be conciliated.