The technique of trompe l’oeil involves realistic imagery, mostly through the use of paint, to create an optical illusion whereby the painted scene appears to be a three dimensional part of the interior. It has been used to great effect in cathedrals, churches, palaces and even public houses as well as in regular domestic settings. George Washington was even said to have been fooled by such an image when entering a room and bowing to what he thought was a person. The individual turned out to be a figure in a trompe l’oeil.

The door stickers, of which just two are shown here, are created on opaque white fabric which has been given a satin finish. They can be adjusted to the size of any door by simply cutting down to size to fit the required dimensions. Wall paper glue will keep them in place. Whilst not strictly in the tradition of painted optical illusions, the photographic door stickers still provide an eye-catching focus to an interior space and do indeed make a room looking bigger and more interesting.

You can browse through a collection of door stickers that are available for purchase, here: Trompe l’oeil Door Stickers.

H/T: Crookedbrains.

A basic format of the typical energy efficient window is the double glaze design. This acts in the same way two layers of clothing do by maintaining temperature, usually heat. However, with double window panes, both warm and cold air is contained which is beneficial for all seasons. Triple window panes provide the same benefits and work in exactly the same way but with additional efficiency.

There is more to insulated windows than just the panes of glass. Gas can be added in-between the panes which provides a great deal more insulation that would be found otherwise. Such gasses include argon and the rather Superman-esque sounding krypton.

Energy efficient windows can also be purchased with special coatings which improve the efficiency of the glass. These are often referred to as low-emission coatings. Infra red light which is a primary source of heat, is reflected thereby aiding the retention of heat in the interior. In the warmer months this also has the effect of preventing the home from overheating by keeping the heat outside.

Another benefit of low-emission coatings is the prevention of ultraviolet light doing damage to fabrics and upholstery in the home. Whilst it won’t stop it entirely, the coating can reduce the fading of materials that are hit by sunlight on a daily basis, such as an expensive sofa or curtains. One can even find tinted windows that will reduce energy costs even more.

The final element which is often overlooked when buying energy efficient windows is the material of the frame. In most cases, insulated windows will come with either fiber glass or vinyl frames but for a more aesthetic look, wood composites can also do the job just as well and are widely available.

The frog doorbell is made from solid bronze and has been given a lovely antique finish. As well as the frog head doorbell plate, there is also an easy-to-install lighted button. This means that even after dark, visiting fingers will easily be able to find the doorbell.

This decorative bronze frog doorbell is made by artisans in the state of Pennsylvania. The frog’s expression can almost be considered one of excitement and happy surprise. Depending on the type of people who usually visit your home, this might be entirely appropriate. Unfortunately, at the time of making, this frog isn’t able to consume those who post junk mail through our doors.

If you want to add a touch of animal humor to your entrance way, then this frog doorbell will be a perfect addition.

You can buy him here: Bronze Frog Doorbell Button

Basswood, also known as Lime, is one of the most preferred types of wood in the construction of wood blinds by Hunter Douglas. This is due not only to their strength and durability but also to its distinctive grain. Wood is also one of nature’s best insulators which makes it ideal for those with energy saving concerns. Not only this but a good quality wood also adds a touch of warmth and cosiness to the ambiance of a room.

Hunter Douglas wood blinds are a good choice for small rooms as well. Curtains can often add weight to a smaller interior which detracts from the interior feel. They’re also suitable for hot and cold climates and insulate in different ways for each temperature range. For bathrooms too, wood blinds can be very beneficial although due to the increased damp found in these types of interior, faux-wood is probably more advisable.

The great thing about good quality wood blinds is their appearance. Whether viewed from indoors or outdoors, the basswood blinds will add an inviting and homely nature to your domestic environment. They are inviting and often contrast extremely well with existing wooden furniture.

Have a closer look at one of my favorites: Hunter Douglas 2” Classics Country Woods Blinds

It’s had some very good reviews. Positive factors included easy instillation, good privacy, quality construction, easy daylight modification, attractiveness and ease of cleaning. They come in a number of different colors too as well as some with electric gizmos.

Although it’s not technically an item for the home interior, rather for the exterior, I thought it impossible not to include as part of a savvy homeowner’s must-have accessory. The stone doorknocker can be attached to the main front door, or alternatively, screwed onto an interior door to provide a humorous element to a part of the home.

Why not attach it to the bathroom door? When the kids are using up all the hot water, you can give the door a good thud! Perhaps place it on the outside of the home study room, where your partner can signal that it’s time to take a rest from writing that all important thesis or novel.

The stone doorknocker is as much a decorative item as it is a usable accessory. It’s an ideal item for use in any location where a talking point is intended to be enjoyed.

You can purchase this contemporary door accessory from the following location: Stone Doorknocker

Price: $98

The beauty of woven bamboo window shades lies in their natural structure and feel. Each blind and shade will have variations in pattern, tones and color which will add a dynamic quality to a room. These can be matched with existing furnishings and themes. Depending on the type you purchase, some woven bamboo blinds and shades can be traditional in feel and look. Others can easily be installed in a more modern environment where the shade will contribute to the ambiance of the interior. Designers and home owners alike buy the woven bamboo window shades for their earthly qualities which in a way bring the outside to the inside.

The pictures in this post show a few of the woven window blinds made from bamboo that you can find on the market. All these pictured can be found on the website below which has a great track record of instillation and delivery.

Shop here: Woven Bamboo Window Shades and Blinds

They range in price from $52 through to $164 for the highest quality.

When it comes time to choosing a door, one of the main considerations should be its thickness. The thicker it is, the more stable it is likely to be. Not all internal doors are made of solid, real timber, so be careful and make sure you gain a full understanding of what you’re buying.

If you opt for hardwoods, then check the pattern of the grain. Is the color what you want? Oak for example is a beautiful type of wood but remember there are different types depending on its origin. English or European oak differs very much from American white oak.

Salvage yards are a great place to find a wide selection of internal wood doors. However, you do need to check as to whether the door is in good condition, regardless of it being new or reclaimed. Ensure that it’s not cracked or warped.

Beware of doors that have been commercially stripped. This technique is carried out to remove paint by dipping the wood in caustic baths. Unfortunately this can lead to shrinkage and distortion. You’ll find the joints loosened and the grain raised.

It’s best to avoid cutting doors down to fit an opening. By doing this you risk spoiling their original design and also weakening them. For example, you might want to trim the bottom off a door to allow room for a new floor covering but such actions are irreversible and the antique door is likely to outlive flooring materials.

The same applies when trimming the sides during damp weather or after certain forms of building work. As the seasons change and indoor heating is used, the wooden panels in doors naturally shift and can result in cracks. It’s worth giving antique wooden doors a considerable period of time to acclimatise before adjusting or trimming.

Awning

Awning windows open from the bottom and are common instalments in the upper levels of a home, including the roof. They are perfect choice for letting in large amounts of ventilation and light. These types come in all sizes from the very large to the very small depending on the location desired.

Bay

Bay windows protrude out from the plane of the wall. This allows a room to be transformed both physically and in the amount of light that is allowed in to the interior. In many cases, the side windows can be opened to allow increased ventilation. These types are mostly used for kitchens and living rooms but can be applicable for almost any room in the home.

Casement

Casement windows are probably one of the most common types you’ll find. They open outwards horizontally. Their ease of use and manoeuvrability means they can be placed in hard to reach places such as above sinks and large appliances in the kitchen.

Double-Hung

Double-Hung windows are two panes placed one above the other. They are opened by sliding either window, up and down. These types are very common in old houses and in many cases are much admired for their old-world charm. Great for ventilation, they are ideal choices for the home office or bedroom.

Fixed

Fixed windows are basically those that cannot open and are designed to stay in place without any movement. These are common on the side of houses where windows overlook an inner staircase. Small glass panels above larger windows or doors are also fixed.

Hopper

Hopper windows open vertically from the bottom with the opening at the top. They also open inwards rather than outwards. These are mostly used in basements because they are a good barrier, when open, against the dust, leaves and water spray found at low levels. The compression seal most types of Hopper windows have means they are also highly energy efficient.

(from left to right: Awning ~ Bay ~ Casement ~ Double-Hung ~ Hopper)

Jalousie

Jalousie windows are comprised of a series of slats, or louvers, that overlap one another. They can be manually open and closed to varying degrees to allow extra or decreased ventilation. These types of windows are more popular in warmer climates. Unfortunately, in most cases, the seals are not air tight and so are not advisable for use in more northern areas of the country.

Oriel

Oriel windows are similar to bay windows but are usually found on upper levels of a building. Unlike bays, the protrusion outwards does not reach all the way to the ground. They are supported by brackets or cantilevers and are mostly small in nature.

Palladian

Palladian windows are named after the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. These are comprised of three windows where two smaller ones sit either side of a larger one which is almost always arched. Most ordinary residential Palladians use the double-hung type of window.

Rotating

Rotating windows are the most versatile type of structure you can find. They open from either side as well as from the top or the bottom. Their center pivot means they are ideal windows for adjusting light and ventilation in an interior, plus are very easy to clean if located on an upper level.

Single-Hung

Single-Hung windows are identical to the Double-Hung except for the fact that the upper of the two windows is fixed and cannot move.

(from left to right: Jalousie ~ Oriel ~ Palladian ~ Sliding ~ Windowscape)

Sliding

Sliding windows are panes that move sideways along grooves or tracks when opened and closed. These are particularly useful when large windows are desired and allow in a lot of light.

Windowscapes

Windowscape windows are the largest of the lot and are basically entire walls made from glass. These are popular for holiday homes, beach huts, condos and sunrooms.

Named “Hand-Le”, the interesting human hand door knob was created by the Dutch product designer Naomi Thellier de Poncheville for the London Design Festival.

As visitors to the festival exclaimed upon seeing the “Hand-Le”: “We thought the Dutch to be very friendly people but this is taking the welcoming handshake a little too far”.

The hand door knob needs a good shake or twist when moving from room to room, so it’s probably not suitable for a granny flat. Would you like a door handle like this?

See: Coroflot.com