Dry The Hands Please

Merry Xmas~

Happy holiday to everyone. Still busy buying presents and gifts for your loved ones? Or enjoying the company of your closest friend, doing things together like shopping, jogging or even on a vacation? Either way, you all deserve it after a long busy work throughout the year. It's the season of giving and sharing and I believe that it should be celebrated.

So I have gone to Singapore where all the decorations and Christmas sales are on frenzy. During my buying spree in one of the nice shopping malls, I have noticed that their hand dryer is magnificent. The design matches with the landscape but it kept me thinking, is it an energy efficient product? When I try to check on the labels for any energy star rating, I was asked by one of the staff to leave it alone. Hmm...this event had motivated me to find out more on energy efficient hand dryer.

How Does It Work?

The basic utility of a hand dryer is to dry hands using an electric source. Hand hygiene is a very important aspect in preventing spread of communicable diseases.

Electricity consumption for regular hand dryers is around 2200 watts, and for energy-saving devices it is around 1600 watts. Earlier, these devices were switched on using a button. When the button was pressed, the device started blowing warm air for drying hands. But new-age hand dryers have infrared motion sensors installed in them. The device detects motion and automatically turns on when hands are placed for drying. Similarly, it automatically turns off when hands are moved away from the dryer, thereby preventing wastage of electricity.

Warm air is produced by a hand dryer using a heating coil made up of Nichrome, a hybrid of chromium and nickel. When air, having a temperature as that of the surrounding environment, is passed through the heating element, it gets warm. The heating coil is usually heated 50 degrees higher than the existing room temperature. The warm air is then blown out of the device through a tube or a vent facing downwards. Hands are placed in the path of warm air coming out of hand dryer for drying.The warmth and pressure of air coming out of the dryer is sufficient to evaporate water from wet hands. First, the air pressure blows off water droplets from the hands and then the warmth dries out the moisture from the hands. Traditional hand dryers need around 45 seconds to dry hands, whereas new-age dryers take around 15 seconds to do this task.

There has always been a debate about the level of hygiene maintained by hand dryers. The cause of concern was that these devices circulate same air again and again, thereby making no difference in terms of hygiene. This was definitely true in case of hand dryers used in earlier times, but with new innovations coming up, manufacturers have tackled this issue by making use of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in their devices. These filters are 99.97% efficient in removing particles of 0.3 microns in size or smaller, from air used for drying hands. Thus, the amount of disease-causing germs in air blown out of the dryer is substantially reduced. Some manufacturers have even made it possible for air to be released at a speed of 400 mph which helps in sterilizing it before being released in the atmosphere.

Energy Savings

Usually we ask ourselves the same question before buying hand dryers for our facilities: Which is the best hand dryer in the market? The answer to this question still depends a little on what the needs of your facilities are.  There are a number of "best" hand dryers for each type of need and location. Is it a high speed hand dryer you are looking for or is an energy efficient hand dryer the key?  Do you need a hand dryer that improves the hand hygiene aspects of your washroom or do you need a quiet hand dryer that doesn't create loud noise in a sensitive area?

If you are more concerned about Energy efficiency then there are now lots of very low consumption products on the market with fast dry times and sub 1kw rated power. Some have realistic sub 15 second dry times using just 500 watts of rated power. The others remains very fast drying at an ambient 700 watt setting. There are few which realistically use between 4.4 and 6 watts per dry.

Factors to Consider

Hand dryers have been subject to much scaremongering from the paper towel industry about their hygiene, largely based on misleading test protocols. If hygiene is your main concern then there is only one product which incorporates a new cold plasma generator. The generator creates a charge which splits moisture to create Hydroxl radicals, which in turn break down the structure of bacteria and viruses. The product has been tested successfully on damp vitro skin on MRSA, E-coli, c-diff and salmonella and offers a complete unique benefit, not offered by any other hand drying method.

If noise is your main concern but you still want an effective dryer, then again there's a versatile solution that allows the motor to be finely modified to suit the requirements of the location and heat added where required. There are quieter hand dryers still however no one has yet produced a product that can be run at maximum dry speed which is also very quiet, so some compromise on performance is inevitably needed.

Other factors such as vandal resistance, motor life and looks also come into the decision making process and the industry has made great strides, but it is clear there is still room for one dryer that truly blows away the rest in every way!

In summary, restrooms need to provide some type of hand drying solution and the only two options are hand dryers or paper towels. Each restroom audience is unique and each may require a different solution. But from my opinion, I'll still go with hand dryer (and the most energy efficient one) because it doesn't pollute our planet with used paper towels.

Dirty Clothes Need To Be Washed Efficiently

Manggala oli veesum...deepavali nal valthukkal~

How is everyone's weekend? I am sure it's much better than the previous day. In my hometown in Singapore, this is the season which we celebrate Diwali, a Hindu celebration of light & prosperity in the new Hindu calendar year. I have actually enjoyed the vast riches of our multi-racial environment, where people from all religions celebrate and pray for each other's health & well-being. I get to enjoy the Indian's delicacies such as Tosai, Chapati, etc. and the fire-crackers during the night.

During my visit to one of my Hindu friends, I saw them pouring colorful powders and it got stuck to my clothes. When I asked them out of curiosity, they said that it was a shower of love (friendship or relationship). So there was I, sitting and enjoying a sumptuous Indian meal, with my once-white colored shirt turned into colorful ones, I started looking at them and was thinking: Wow they surely need a big washing machine to wash all those clothes. That got me question myself, is there any ways to do it efficiently? Well, there are some washing machines out there that's energy efficient but what I would like to share is how we can do it differently to save on the energy bills.

How To Save Energy In The Laundry Room

Ninety-percent of the cost of running a washer goes to heating water. Only 10% goes to electricity which is needed to run the motor. Here’s how to save money while getting your clothes clean.

Use cold water. You can save a bundle by washing your clothes in cold water, which is a perfectly efficient way to clean most clothes. Washing a load in cold water costs only about 4 cents, compared to washing in hot/warm water for 68 cents. Annually, you’ll save $40 with an electric water heater and $30 with a gas water heater. 

Run full loads. It takes as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a full one, so you’ll save money by only washing full loads. 

Buy a front-loading machine. They use two-thirds less water than top-loaders, reducing water and heating costs. 

Spin faster. The faster you spin clothes in the washer, the less time they’ll need in the dryer. If you have the option, chose a faster spin cycle.

Clean lint filters. Remove lint after every load, and clean ducts annually. Your clothes will dry faster, using less energy.

Warm it up. If possible, locate your washer in a warm laundry room rather than in a cold basement. The warmer the air coming into the washer, the less energy your machine will use to heat it up.

Go gas. Drying a load of laundry in a gas dryer generally costs 15 to 33 cents less per load than an electric dryer (32 to 41 cents).

Let nature help out. When the weather is warm, cut your energy costs by drying clothes outside on a clothesline.

Update your machine. And lastly, if you don’t already have an Energy Star-certified washer, it’s time to get one. These energy-efficient machines use 15 gallons of water per load, compared to 23 gallons for a standard machine. If a gallon of water costs you a cents (the Malaysia average), you’ll save $24 a year.

Choosing A Washing Machine

So if you are still planning to make a purchase on a new washing machine, might as well buy an energy efficient with the energy star label on it. It shows the annual energy savings that you can enjoy while using your new equipment.

Washing machines are rated for both energy efficiency and water efficiency. This information is represented on separate energy rating and water efficiency labels. If you’re looking to improve your household’s energy efficiency, purchase a washing machine with at least a 3.5 star energy rating and higher. The following tips can also help you to choose a more energy efficient model.

• Look for washing machines that have a cold water wash cycle. Many people now use the cold wash cycle for the majority of their washing, as this can reduce washing machine energy use by up to 80%.
• Consider a front loader washing machine, as they use roughly 50% less water than top loaders and are generally more energy efficient.
• Choose a washing machine with both hot and cold water connections. This means that the washing machine will import hot water from your water heater rather than heating it in the washing machine, which is more cost effective if you have a gas, off-peak electric or solar water heater.
• Look for models with load sensing technology, as these can adjust the amount of water they use to suit your load size.
• Look for models with a programmable timer or delay start function, especially if you are on a flexible electricity tariff, to enable you to run the machine at cheaper off-peak rates.

I hope that the information that I'd shared in this article will help you make some savings in your energy bills. After all, we are responsible for our future and Mother Earth.

Security!!

annyeonghaseyo modu~

How is everyone's weekend? Hope you are all doing well. As for me, it's been a tiring week. I'd just completed my presentation at the BEX-Asia, a leading green building trade-show in South East Asia and was very happy that many people came to gain more perspective on the latest gadgets and technology to make a greener place to stay. What makes me more impressed was there were many youngsters who made their way into the exhibition. This is a positive feedback that our younger generations are also well aware of the sustainability living on this planet.

Anyway, after that exhibition, I heard of a new movie that everybody was talking about, Train to Busan. Wow~ I am speechless. It is one of the best zombie movie I'd ever seen. The movie had expressed many emotional moments during some of its scenes. I won't share much at here but one thing for sure, you will shed some tears at the end of the movie.

So after the movie in the cinema, I heard a commotion where there were people fighting in the malls. Luckily the securities were able to separate both of them. It actually surprised everyone and this actually happened in a mall. What if it happens in our own backyard? Shouldn't we take more precaution for the safety of our love ones. You would think more of the security after watching an "undead" movie.

Well, we have a few gadgets that can be used at home for security reason and also energy efficient. There were a few companies that presented their products in the BEX exhibition and I'll be glad to share some ideas with the readers.

Home Security

Your home is your castle, and it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Keeping it safe and secure is a top priority of many homeowners. Thanks to advances in smart home technology and home automation security products, you can now monitor your home’s cameras, security solutions and more, no matter where you are in the world.

Alarms, camera, motion sensors and more – the options are endless when it comes to keeping tabs on what’s happening in your home. You can now have peace of mind all at the touch of a button. Best part is, you can install most of this automated home security technology yourself, so you don’t need to shell out thousands to a security installation company or contractor.

How to be a SMART Security?

1) Danalock Bluetooth Z-Wave Smart Lock

You’ll never have to worry about forgetting your key again after installing a smart lock. Quickly and easily installs, allowing you to open your door via smartphone and grant others access no matter where you are in the world.

Key features:

• Easily installs into current deadbolt hole in just 5-10 minutes
• Works with both Android, iOS and other major devices
• Sleek design blends with any home décor style

2) Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit

Keep your home and family secure with this complete smart home monitoring kit. Automate your home’s electronics, lights and keep track of who’s coming and going with setup that takes as little as 15 minutes.

Key features:

• Secure your home without the monthly monitoring costs of a traditional home security system
• Notifications let you know who’s coming and going
• Monitors smoke and carbon monoxide levels to help keep your family safe
• Use your iOS or Android device to control lights, appliance and electronics while on the go

3) Mother & 4-Motion Cookies Versatile Sensors

No one knows the importance of staying connected with your family more than moms, and this kit lets you do just that – and more. Keep track of the comings and goings in your home, motivate your family to do healthier activities and any other task you can think of.

Key features:

Sensors can alert you to break-ins, serve as medication or activity reminders, and let you know when the kids come home

• Keep track of who’s in your home with Cookies
• Batteries last up to one year
• Compatible with Windows, iOS and Android devices

4) Dropcam Pro Wifi Wireless Video Monitoring Camera

Who hasn’t wondered what the family pet is up to all day when they’re not home? Sneak a peek with this WiFi-enabled device and never wonder again!

Key features:

• Complete setup in under a minute
• Night vision, zoom and 130 degree diagonal field of view ensure nothing escapes your sight
• Secure offsite recording (additional cost) allows you to review and edit footage up to a month old

5) Oplink Connected Alarm Shield

Get peace of mind your home and belongings are secure with this affordable home security system. Get real-time alerts and notifications for multiple locations no matter where life takes you.

Key features:

• Includes door and window sensors, motion sensor, remote controls and siren
• Arm or disarm the system via your smart phone
• Enjoy free self-monitoring or upgrade to premium monitoring (monthly fee)

6) Water Leak Detection System

Prevent small water leaks from becoming a big, expensive problem by getting alerts to problems as soon as they begin. Help protect your family’s health by preventing the growth of mould by monitoring humidity and temperature levels.

Key features:

• Sensor battery can last 10 years or longer
• Easily installs in less than an hour
• No-cost monitoring alerts through push notifications email, and text message

7) Home Door & Window System

Secure and monitor your home remotely with this door and window sensor. Easily add additional sensors for peace of mind around your whole home. Check your home’s status online or through your mobile device.

Key features:

• Notifications let you know when your home’s entryways have been opened
• Up to 3 years of battery life
• Quick and easy installation

8) Single Cylinder Bluetooth Enabled Deadbolt

This smart lock turns your iPhone into your key, and is also compatible with the range of Weiser SmartKey locks and keys, so you can easily integrate it into your home’s current lock system. The mobile app lets you manage your keys and lock from almost anywhere.

Key features:

• Unlimited guest keys at no extra cost
• Compatible with iPhone 4S and above
• Fits most standard doors with no addition holes required
• Does not need power or Internet connection

9) Z-Wave Multi Sensor

Compatible with several popular home automation systems, this sensor detects motion, temperature, lighting, and humidity in its immediate area.

Key features:

• Z-wave technology
• Suitable for indoor/outdoor use
• Up to 2 years battery life

10) Voice-Activated Wireless Intercom

Stay connected up to 1000 feet away with a portable intercom system that lets you connect up to 12 units for whole home coverage.

Key features:

• Secured single or multi-channel connection
• No wires necessary
• Battery powered

Return On Investment

Return on security investment has become a hot topic. Before we get into the raw numbers, it would be naive to not mention home security and home safety. While we can not put a price on your family’s safety, we can all agree that it’s more than the price of a new door, new counters or new deck. Therefore, if you have faulty home security or are thinking of upgrading your current security system, we’d always recommend completing this project first. But before you want to invest in an energy efficient security and smart at the same time, you will to take these into considerations:

• Identify your information assets: Assets can be a resource, personal security, or personal data. Losses in the areas of confidentiality, integrity or availability can have a specific dollar value or be intangible, as with loss of reputation.
• Identify threats and vulnerabilities: Anything that causes an unwanted outcome is a threat. 
• Do an asset valuation: Once you've identified your assets and the threats and vulnerabilities that beset them, it's important to go through an asset valuation process. You can create a matrix and value your assets simply in terms of high, medium and low value to the security system investment. For each asset, consider what the total cost, initial and ongoing.

Energy Efficient Shower Head

Whassup y'all~

How is everyone? Looks like to haze is back. The weather is so humid and dusty, making many people fall to sickness, including me. I am doing my preparation for the upcoming BEX Asia Expo in Singapore and this hazy days doesn't make things go smoothly.



So after a busy day, working out on my papers, I have decided to have a nice bath in the hotel (not Marina Bay Sands as I can't really afford it) and it is very relaxing. Then I have a thought, is the shower head an energy efficient tool that can control the water flow? Well let's find out, shall we?

What is Energy Efficient Shower Head?

At first glance , this may seem to be a crazy concept…but bear with me…just think about how long you spend in a shower. With the water and electricity that you use in a normal shower, you could reduce that as a monthly cost by using one of these energy saving shower heads. By using less water (hot and cold), you would be able to effectively reduce the amount of electricity need to power that hot water, as well as the water usage.

How much does it save?

Electricity and Water Savings Table

Ordinary Shower Head Flow Rate	Water Savings Litres	Electricity Savings kWh	Monetary Savings Rands
15 litres per minute	37 800	873	RM 250
18 litres per minute	45 360	1 053	RM 296
20 litres per minute	50 400	1 170	RM 329

The above figures are based on a shower head that reduces the flow to 7 litres per minute and the cost units on electricity and water are based on 2011 figures. If you limit your shower to 7 minutes and setting the geyser at 60°C, and use a low flow shower head that will reduce the flow rate from around 20 litres / minute to between 7 litres per minute and 9 litres per minute, you can save 35 litres of water per shower.

Do the maths on this and you will see that if 4 people shower every day for 30 days, that's 140 litres of water per day, 980 litres per week and 3920 litres per month, just by using energy saving shower heads. On the electricity energy side , this would amount to at least half of that water saved being hot (1960 litres) and that would also reduce electricity consumption significantly.

The Good, The Bad & The Not-So Ugly

How to strike a balance between conservation of water, energy efficient management, conservation of money and conservation of liberty? So I list down the pros & cons of an energy efficient shower heads and you make your call.

PROS

• Easy to install.
• Saves you money on your monthly water bill.
• Will also save you money on your electric or gas bill (depending on how your water heater is powered).
• Inexpensive.
• Gives you the peace of mind knowing that you are taking steps to create a more energy-efficient home.

CONS

• Some models may not offer the same high-pressure water stream associated with traditional shower heads.
• There's often times a time lag from when you adjust the temperature and the water changes.
• Because low-flow shower heads combine water with air, the droplets cool faster than traditional shower heads.

The Verdict

Living better is a trade off between conflicting desires: to do better by the planet, and have all the comforts that come with destroying it. Nothing sums that up better than the aim of the eco shower heads which is to have as strong a stream as a regular shower, while using less water.

Showering – even if it is from a grimy, lime-scaley, rusty old showerhead – is like getting a head massage. If I can get that feeling while saving water, bingo and I’ve been taking eco showers for years, unintentionally.

Eco shower is good but without good water pressure, I seriously doubt that it would deliver a good shower experience. It all depends on the home owners if they want to save more money on their electricity bill or they prefer to have an enjoyable showering moment. But with the new technology coming in as fast as you count 1,2,3, why not try having the best of both worlds?

Efficient Sound System

Howdy ladies & gentlemen~

It's been long since my last post. I was actually busy with schedules on some of the energy management projects in Asia. I had traveled many places in Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia. Most of my time were spent in the office because of the client's urgency to use the energy management system. But let me tell you one thing: Nothing beats a nice sweet home with a good warm milk listening to classical music. 

Of course you need a great sound system to enjoy the full potential of the music. I believe many home owners also have their own sound system, not only for listening to music but also to watch movie, playing blu-rays, etc. With the ever growing technologies in a fast pace and the increase of electricity bill, we certainly can afford a nice sound system that is energy efficient.

What is a Sound System?

A sound system, also known as a sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or more distant audience.

In some situations, a sound reinforcement system is also used to enhance or alter the sound of the sources on the stage, typically by using electronic effects, as opposed to simply amplifying the sources unaltered.

It can also be used as a Home Theater System. The typical home-theater setup includes a TV set with cable or satellite hookup, a DVD/CD player, a receiver, and two to eight speakers.

The receiver, or AV receiver, is the hub of the typical AV system. Several types of receivers are available in the marketplace. First is a basic stereo receiver, which may include an AM/FM tuners, 2-channel audio amplifier, pairs of external speaker terminals, and connections for external CD and MP3 player connections. Second is a more full-featured home theater receiver, which combines all of the features of a stereo receiver with the capability to process surround sound, connect to the Internet, and switch and distribute a variety of audio and video signals throughout your home.

Planning a home AV installation is an important first step in choosing a receiver that will support the user needs. Do you only want to connect audio components like a CD player? Or, are you considering a home theater and need connections for your television, a Blu-ray Disc or DVD player, a cable/satellite Set-Top Box, ? Will you be installing surround sound speakers? Do you want to connect to the Internet through your receiver? Answering these questions will help you determine what to look for in your home electronics purchase.

Here are some typical inputs and outputs that can be found on AV products:

• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface): A single-cable digital AV interface commonly found on consumer products for the transmission of high definition and standard definition video and multi-channel surround sound audio. HDMI also supports the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) interface, which when implemented properly can allow various home theater components to communicate and control each other.
• DVI (Digital Visual Interface): A digital video interface that is compatible with HDMI (via a plug converter). DVI cables do not carry audio signal content, so separate cables are needed for audio signal connection between devices.
• Composite-video: A single-cable analog video interface used for the transmission of standard definition video signals. Composite video cables do not carry audio signal content, so separate cables are needed for audio signal connection between devices.
• Component-video: A three-cable analog or digital video interface used for the transmission of standard definition and high definition video signals. Composite video cables do not carry audio signal content, so separate cables are needed for audio signal connection between devices.

Surround sound is a movie recording technique that, when paired with a home theater surround speaker system, puts the viewer in the center of the action with sounds that move front to back, and side to side. Surround sound isn't about louder sound, rather, it is more about sound that envelops the listener by creating ambience and providing directionality to off-screen sound effects.

Surround sound is created by multiple speakers linked by a receiver. However, the easiest path to take is a home-theater-in-a-box system. These systems include a receiver, built-in surround sound decoding, speakers, a subwoofer, and a Blu-ray Disc or DVD player.

Basic speakers fall into a number of different categories, but each is designed to carry a specific range of frequencies. Knowing the frequencies a speaker carries helps to pick the ideal type for the user listening needs.

Bookshelf speakers reproduce a full range of frequencies, making them very versatile. Two bookshelf speakers can be used as the sole speakers with a conventional stereo system, or with a stereo TV. Two bookshelf speakers could also be used for the front or rear speakers in a surround system. Additionally, one speaker may be used as an economic alternative to the center-channel speaker in surround sound, if it is magnetically shielded so as not to interfere with the TV picture.

Front speakers come in a variety of sizes and reproduce a wide range of sound frequencies. They are typically used in a home theater system.

Center-channel speakers are dedicated to reproducing on-screen sound and dialogue. They are placed on top or just underneath the TV, and typically shielded so they won't interfere with the picture.

Rear speakers complete the surround effect by providing background sound behind the user. They add a sense of realism to surround sound.

Subwoofers are designed specifically for bass output. They are usually placed on the floor and are "powered," which means that they have a built-in amplifier that requires an electrical power connection in addition to speaker wires. A subwoofer is critical for 5.1 surround sound.

Energy Efficient Sound System

A certified home audio equipment is up to 60% more efficient than non-qualified equipment. You can find a wide range of audio products with the ST ENERGY STAR label, such as:

• Shelf speaker systems
• Sound bars
• MP3 speaker docks
• Audio amplifiers
• AV receivers

Children's Haven

Bonjour à tous~

Happy Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends. It's the time again for forgiving and friendship rekindle. So I have visited some of my friends and colleagues and I'm impressed of what they did with their kampung house, especially their playrooms.

We all have been wanting to have a home, which we can design and decorate based on our own imagination. Imagination is greater than knowledge- by Albert Einstein. But as we keep improving our home for a better lifestyle, have we considered about our kids who stay with us?

I brought my kids to many places for holidays such as Universal Studios, Legoland, local theme parks, Lotte World, etc and most of it comes with a themed rooms that cater to our needs. So I thought, why not we make this idea at our house for the kids? Well, there are so many ideas out there, thanks to the Internet, but of course we want to build it in an efficient way. So let's see what are things that can be used for building such a room.

Designer Wallpaper

Forget about old-fashioned wallpaper with dated floral designs or fairy-tale murals. The hottest trends for playrooms include designer wallpapers that would look just as home in any other part of your home. You can experiment with color and bold designs a little more freely, such as bright oranges arranged in geometric lines or blue hot air balloons all in a row across the sea blue sky.

Don’t feel like you have to cover the whole room with this wallpaper. Covering only one wall is fashionable and helps make a greater impact. Paint the remaining walls a complementary color, or even paint each wall a different color that ties the decor together.

Decals are a good choice if you want to create a patterned wall but don’t want to ruin the drywall with wallpaper. Decals are easily removable, so they won’t damage the wall and they allow you to change the look on a whim. Picking up the right wallpapers can also save energy by reducing light intensity and air-conditioning temperature setting.

Grey & Yellow Colour Scheme

You can design your playroom in any color scheme you wish. However, the combination of grey and yellow is particularly popular right now. You can go big with the color scheme by painting the walls grey and hanging yellow curtains (or vice versa), or you can create a neutral palette with a white wall and then place accessories in the grey and yellow color scheme. A grey couch with a yellow chevron rug and yellow pillows would look lovely. Other accessories to consider include colored fabric bins for toys, lamps, shelving, and toys that are displayed on shelves. Of course with this colour, the playroom will look spacious and it's bright enough to reduce the lumens needed to light up the room.

Poufs

Poufs are like oversized bean bags, but they are a bit more stylish than the neon or tie-dyed versions you may have had in college. They are perfect for seating for a kids’ playroom because they are soft and comfortable. Kids will love plopping down in one to read or take a rest from play. They are also malleable without being damaged, so they will withstand kids jumping on them in a way that a sofa would not.

Choose fabrics like microfiber that will enhance your design while also being resistant to stains and spills. Choose oversized poufs to accommodate the adults as well as the kids. Place a couple strategically throughout the playroom, either to complement seating like a couch or to replace it. With the right choice, it may have good ventilation and will need less fan power to cool down the room.

Timeless Design

You don’t have to limit yourself to kids’ motifs when decorating your playroom. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Children quickly outgrow their interests, and you don’t want to have to redesign your playroom every couple of years (if not more frequently). Choose a Hello Kitty theme now, and you’ll likely be trading it out with One Direction in another year or so.

Instead, choose a more “grown up” design that will remain stylish over time. Make the room accessible and comfortable for children, but choose a design that is more attractive to a larger audience. Choose solid colors for the walls, colors that won’t look out of place with the design in the rest of your home, and designer furnishings. Make sure you include functional pieces, as well, such as plenty of shelving for toys, ottomans and low shelving, and baskets and fabric bins.

You can even add in some smart TV for their entertainment and educational view. Maybe some smart tablet embedded in the wall for them to use it as learning and playing at the same time.

Playrooms offer an opportunity to create a fun yet stylish space in your home. You can provide a fun place for your children to play while also helping to keep your home more organized, keeping toys out of common areas to reduce clutter. These hot design trends can give you some ideas for putting together your new playroom. You’ll create a space that looks just as stylish and put together as the rest of your home, and you can also have some fun with some different design choices.