Necessary for every Indian kitchen, a spice rack is a place from where all the magic begins! Whether you are a seasoned chef or a basic cook you need your essential spices at all times. But leaving a mess of jars and bottles behind every time can put off anybody’s mood. A stylish spice rack can help you reduce your clutter, add a trendy and smart look, and make all your spices available to you at an arm’s length.
You do not have to fear about adding to your collection of spices when you have ample of organized space available. Not only does it help you in organizing but it can give you additional space to experiment and expand as your skills grow. Nurture your cooking and continue to add spice to your cooking and your kitchen with our top stylish spice racks and give your kitchen an edge. Continue reading for more!

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10 Stylish Spice Racks That Will Add An Extra Oomph To Your Kitchen.jpg

Add that extra oomph to your kitchen with our selection of stylish spice racks. Small things make all the difference!

10 Stylish Spice Racks That Will Add An Extra Oomph To Your Kitchen

A kitchen sink is one of the most important elements in any kitchen. From simply washing your hands to washing vegetables to pans, the sink handles all the tough tasks. One uses the kitchen sink nonchalantly every day. To be able to deal with all the hard work the kitchen sink needs to be aesthetically pleasing yet durable, in sync with the overall décor yet efficient. But the question arises, how do we choose the best kitchen sink.
Following is our buying guide to help you narrow down your options –
Buying Guide:
The factors to consider while choosing a kitchen sink –
Material The material choice for the kitchen depends on first, the kind of use that the sink is going to be subjected to; second, the kind of aesthetics that you want to impart to your kitchen. The most durable materials available in the market today are stainless steel followed by quartz granite composites. These materials are long-lasting and are made to absorb sound made by the utensils. However, there are other materials that one can choose from depending on personal preference like copper, cast iron, porcelain, etc.
Size and Shape While buying a sink its size is an important factor to consider. It can be in relation to the size of the countertop or the kind of usage. It is generally advisable to go in for a standard 24”x18” sink to do perform all tasks comfortably.
In addition to the size, the shape of the sink also matters. One can choose from an array of sink shapes available in the market, but the preferred shapes are rectangular or square bowls with rounded corners.
Bowl Style The kitchen sinks come in different bowl styles vis-à-vis single bowl, single bowl with drainboard, double bowl (symmetrical and asymmetrical). The choice of bowl style depends on the type of use or the size of the family that the kitchen caters to.
Top mount or under-mount The type of installation that the sink requires is one of the major deciding factors. The installation process would also depend on the fact that the sink is being installed in a new kitchen or is being fitted into an available cavity.
Top mount sinks are essentially drop-in kinds which are easier to fit into an existing cavity while the under-mount sinks are stuck to the undersurface of the cavity. Apart from the installation, there is a slight difference in the aesthetics and practicalities that both processes provide.
After gauging the various determining factors, listed below are our top 10 picks for the best kitchen sinks –

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10 Best Kitchen Sinks (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide).jpg

Are you looking for a kitchen sink for your new kitchen? Or revamping the kitchen a bit? Here is our buying guide and pick of the 10 best kitchen sinks for an efficient kitchen. Let's check them out right away!! 

10 Best Kitchen Sinks (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide)

A kitchen sink faucet is one of the most abused kitchen accessories. One working in the kitchen tends to use it in all possible manners. While the purpose of the kitchen sink is to aid in the routine work but the look of the faucet makes quite a difference in the overall aesthetics of the kitchen. There is a scrupulous range of choices available in the market. The faucets vary in range, material, finishes, color, etc. to best suit the general aesthetical flavor of the kitchen. This range of choices makes it difficult for us to choose but one perfect sink mixer for our kitchen. To clear the confusion following is our buying guide to select the best kitchen sink mixer for your kitchen –
Buying Guide:
The determining factors to consider while choosing a kitchen sink mixer are –
1. Material and Finish When choosing a kitchen sink mixer, the base material of the faucet is an important determinant. The common base materials offering maximum durability are stainless steel and brass. The materials can go with both traditional as well as contemporary looks depending on the surface finish and colour.
The most common and preferred finish available in the market is chrome high gloss finish. However, for a traditional or rustic feel, one can consider polished brass finish for the faucets.
2. Water coverage area This is an important factor in choosing a kitchen sink mixer. The water coverage area would determine the ease of workability. Conventional faucets have long arched spouts, pull-down spouts, and/or 360° swivel spouts to enhance the water coverage.
3. Sink mixer knob Style One is quite clear in the head with regards to the knob style of the faucet that they are looking for. There are two styles of knobs that the faucets are administered with – Single handle and two handles. The single handle knob style works on a single lever and one has to ascertain the position at which the required temperature of the water to be discharged. A two-handle knob style works on two separate knobs connotating to hot and cold water separately. Every person has a preference as to the kind of knob they want for the kitchen sink mixer.
With the advances in technology, companies have started developing touchless faucets as well, which work purely on sensors. A go-to for future scenarios where the stress would be more on touchless systems.
4. Installation type and space availability The type of installation one visualizes leads to picking up either a Pillar cock or a wall mount faucet. The pillar cock essentially is table mount and the inlet connections are supplied from under the surface of the countertop. A wall mount installation requires water inlet pipes to be embedded inside the wall.
Apart from the personal preference regarding the choice of the type of faucet, it is essential to work out the space available to accommodate the faucet choice. One should avoid going in for a pillar cock if there is a constraint of space.
After gauging the above factors, listed below are our top 10 picks for the best kitchen sink mixers –

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10 Best Kitchen Sink Mixer (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide).jpg

Are you looking for a kitchen sink mixer while setting up your new kitchen? Or redoing the kitchen accessories a bit? Here are our buying guide and a pick of the 10 best kitchen sink mixers to consider while looking for sink mixers.  Let's check them out right away!! 

10 Best Kitchen Sink Mixer (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide)

The kitchen plays a very important role in our daily lives. It is where we wash dishes, cook food, store leftovers, etc. Most of us don’t realize that our kitchen sink is also a source of clutter. This is why we often struggle to clean it.To make your kitchen sink clutter-free, you should start by cleaning it regularly. Next, you should invest in some kitchen sink accessories that will help you to have a clean and hygienic kitchen.So, We have researched and summarized the top 10 mandatory kitchen sink accessories for your everyday need that will make your sink area clutter-free and spotless. Let’s take a glance at them.

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10 Kitchen Sink Accessories To Make your Kitchen Clutter-Free and Organized.jpg

Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, these kitchen sink accessories will help keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized.

10 Mandatory Kitchen Sink Accessories for a Tidy and Organized Kitchen

Hobs are one of the most important accessories in your kitchen. It is that element that puts cooked food on your table. Hobs are improvised versions of traditional stoves. Like the stoves, these are also available with a lot of variations and compared to the traditional steel stoves these are a tad bit heavy on the pocket. With the variety available in the market and the consumer’s eye for aesthetic appeal in the kitchen, one is bound to be confused while choosing the perfect hob top for your kitchen. Fret not! Here is our 7-point buying guide highlighting the essential features to consider while looking for a hob top, followed by a list of a pick of 10 best kitchen hobs to make your choice easier.
Buying Guide:
1. Size of the hob The size of the hob matters to a great extent in your selection of the model as per the space availability in the kitchen. There are varied sizes of hobs but the most common size available is 60 x 60 cm.
The size of the hob may further determine the type and size of the chimney that you will be going in for in the future.
2. Burners The required number of burners in a hob top is determined by the requirement and type of usage of the consumer. The number of burners in a hob range from 2 to 5, with a variation in their powers.
Another criterion to consider when it comes to burners is to check if they have a triple or double ring, this determines the type of flame that the burner gives.
The most common material that the burners are constructed in is brass.
Tip: Try to identify models that come with an additional drip tray with the burner. This helps in cleaning the area easily helping in better maintenance of the hob top.
3. Ignition type Both auto ignition and manual ignition are available in the market. The auto-ignition function in stoves is operated through a spark plug powered by a battery or in certain cases electricity. The type of ignition the consumer wants is a personal choice.
Consumers have started preferring auto-ignition as it is hassle-free and independent of any external source for lighting up the flame. But do test it before you rest it in your kitchen.
4. Pan support The pan support is a very important component of the whole assembly. It is the element that supports the pans over the burner. Before taking the final call check the material (preferably coated cast iron) and the stability it provides to the vessels. These can generally be removed for better maintenance of the stove.
5. Flame failure protection Hob top essentially works with inflammable gas and fire. Flame failure protection feature is a pertinent feature as it helps in cutting off the gas supply if the flame goes off on its own.
6. Type of installation The hob tops can be in two ways – countertop or built-in. In the countertop format, the hob top is simply kept on the counter while in the built-in type a cut out is made in the counter and the hob is then installed in the cutout. To provide the user with the flexibility for installation type, many models are hybrid. That is they can be used both ways.
The choice of the type of installation also depends on the personal take and aesthetic vision of the user.
7. Warranty This is an important consideration when choosing a hob top, it helps in covering a lot of issues that arise during the period of usage of the product. Read the documents about the warranty carefully before settling in for a brand or model.
Following are the 10 best kitchen hobs that we picked –

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10 Best Kitchen Hobs (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide).png

Looking to buy a new hob top for your kitchen? Or looking for a switch from a traditional stove to a contemporary one? Here is our pick of 10 best kitchen hobs to help you in making a choice. Let's check them out right away!! 

10 Best Kitchen Hobs (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide)

The chimneys have been present in the kitchen area for quite a long while. With improvisations in technology cam in the manual cleaning chimneys and now we have auto clean chimneys. These efficiently remove fumes and smoke from the kitchen and are also low on maintenance. The plus is that all these chimneys are more or less noiseless with a maximum sound intensity of around 58 dB. These chimneys are becoming popular quite speedily because of the efficiency and hassle-free functions. But, how does one decide the model best suited for their kitchen? To help solve the query, here is our buying guide outlining the features to look for, followed by our pick of 10 best auto clean kitchen chimneys.
Buying Guide:
1. Size of chimney Chimneys come in two size variations 60 cm and 90 cm. The selection of the appropriate size of the chimney depends on the number of burners your hob top has.
A 60 cm chimney is ideal for a stove with 2 to 4 burners and 90 cm for 3 to 5 burners. The idea is that the chimney hood should completely cover the hob area to be able to work efficiently.
2. Suction Power A kitchen chimney primarily works on the principle of suction of air from a space and is represented by /hr. It is important to consider the suction power of the chimney you select as it will determine the efficiency of the fumes and smoke eliminated from your kitchen.
It is generally considered that the higher the suction power the better, but the brands have specifications pertaining to the area of the kitchen for all the models. Therefore, the kitchen size should be considered while weighing in the suction power of a selected model.
3. Type of filter Essentially there are 3 types of filters – baffle filters, cassette filters and carbon filter. But baffle filters are the popular choice amongst manufacturers and experts.
4. Ducted and Ductless Chimney The choice for a ducted or ductless chimney to a large extent depends on the availability of the space. While ducted chimneys are costly but more efficient, ductless chimneys are suited for kitchens which cannot accommodate the duct pipe (for practical or aesthetical reasons). The benefit with a ducted chimney is that the filtered air is let out of the kitchen via the duct as opposed to the ductless chimneys, where the filtered air is recirculated in the kitchen.
With these features in mind, the following is our list of 10 best auto cleaning kitchen chimneys –

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10 Best Kitchen Auto-cleaning Chimney (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide).jpg

Looking for an auto clean chimney for your kitchen? Or looking for an upgrade from manual kitchen chimney? Be it for a new kitchen or a renovated one, these are the 10 best kitchen auto clean chimneys. Let’s check them out!

10 Best Kitchen Auto-Clean Chimney (Expert Reviews and Buying Guide)

A drawing tablet is an artist’s companion in the creative field. It is the perfect gadget for an artist’s ideation and doodling in a digitalized manner. Spending time bridling the creativity on a digitalized platform gives wings to imagination and ideas. So, the market today offers various kinds of drawing tablets each suited for different users with different configurations. Welcome to the digital nomad haze, where I have narrowed down the lane for our readers to grab the unbeaten and unexampled tablet for themselves without any halfway house with these top 5 chosen drawing tablets:
Also, check out <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/product_buying_guide/2521-7-best-tablets-architects-and-designers" target="_blank">7 Best Tablets for Architects and Designers</a>
and <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/product_buying_guide/2520-top-10-dream-gadgets-every-architect-would-desire" target="_blank">The Top 10 Dream Gadgets every Architect would Desire</a>

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The Top 5 Best Drawing Tablets for Professional Artists.jpg

 If you're in search of the best drawing tablets out there, look no further! Our top 5 list will help you make a smart purchase.

The Top 5 Best Drawing Tablets for Professional Artists

The minimalist design is simple and clean, it doesn’t have to be boring and monotonous. Also, it never goes out of style when executed well. Choose the pieces that are built to last, and look fabulous. From lamps to colorful throw pillows, statement furniture to attractive wall art there is numerous options of minimalist designs for the up-gradation of your home.
These decor items make the space more welcoming and visually appealing. The result of the design should be warm, beautiful, stylish, and inviting.
Let’s get started and shop our favorite modern finds-

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10 Minimalist Home Decor Items To Give Your Home A Modern Upgrade_1.jpg

Add a touch of class to your home with this minimalistic collection of home decor items!

10 Minimalist Home Decor Items To Give Your Home A Modern Upgrade

A bedroom is a personal space that adapts to an array of moods and emotions. From dark and somber to bright and joyous, a bedroom can translate a huge range of emotions. The lighting in the bedroom is a contributory factor to a large extent. Introducing a nice decorative light in the bedroom can help in adding sparkle and life to it. The decorative lights are like soothing packets when you are feeling low or agitated; is a perfect way to resonate joy and celebration. With a variety of decorative lights available in the market, it becomes an arduous decision to make. To help you make a wise choice following are 10 picks for decorative lights that will add a hint of sparkle to your bedroom –

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Add a Sparkle to your Bedroom with these 10 Decorative Lights.jpg

Turn your bedroom into a sparkling paradise with these 10 beautiful and decorative lights!

Add a Sparkle to your Bedroom with these 10 Decorative Lights

Every one of us desires a comfortable space or corner to sink in after the day’s work and chores. Stretching on a recliner in front of your television set with a hot cup of coffee is the perfect scenario to imagine after a tiring day. Reclining sofas are a great piece of furniture to completely unwind after a hectic day, during a stressful phase, or simply relax. Reclining sofas allow for complete rest in an almost horizontal posture. If you are someone who is a Friends fan, then you might have certainly fancied buying the recliners that Joey and Chandler had bought. But, the question arises, how do you choose a recliner or on what factors does the choice depend upon. Following are a few points that should be kept in mind while looking for reclining sofas –
<ol>
<li>Requirement and preference Checklist</li>
</ol>
Drafting a checklist of your requirements and preferences is the first step that will help you decide on the right reclining sofa for you. There is a massive variety in the reclining sofas, depending on the features, seating capacity (single-seater, double seater, or triple seater), mechanism, fabric, style, lumbar support, storage, so on and so forth. To not get confused with the variety of choices one gets in the market today, a preference checklist is an important step to consider.
<ol>
<li>Style</li>
</ol>
Like any other element reclining sofas are also available across an array of styles – traditional, modern, chic, rustic, etc. One should be mindful of the style of recliner your spaces would complement and vice versa.
<ol>
<li>Space availability and dimensions</li>
</ol>
Space availability is an important aspect when considering a reclining sofa, therefore, take note of the room size and existing furniture before taking a look at your options. With reclining sofas, it is important to take note of the space availability especially to allow for the open ability of the recliner. At this point, one should plan the placement of the recliner too.
Not just the room dimensions, the dimensions of the sofa matter too. Therefore, it is advised to measure the sofa according to your requirements and fit before buying it.
<ol>
<li>Framework</li>
</ol>
The framework is the main structural element of a reclining sofa. The material and the joints used to make the recliner will determine the overall strength and load-bearing capacity. Therefore, one must look into the materials (wood, plastic, metal, etc.) used to make the recliner in addition to the type of joinery and hardware used.
<ol>
<li>Padding</li>
</ol>
One should ensure that the reclining sofa should be adequately padded for your comfort. In addition to the density of the foam, it is imperative to check whether the reclining sofa is completely padded or not. It is important to note the type and location of cushioning provided in the recliner following your desired comfort and support.
<ol>
<li>Upholstery – Colour and material</li>
</ol>
The Colour and material of the upholstery are equally important and should correspond with the personal requisites. One the colour and fabric should complement the language of the other elements in a space, second, the material of upholstery should be such that it delivers maximum comfort.
Several materials are being used for upholstering the reclining sofa vis-à-vis leather, leatherette, velvet, microfiber, linen, so on and so forth. While the material choice is being made, the finish should also be kept in mind.
<ol>
<li>Type of Operations</li>
</ol>
Reclining sofas offer two types of operations – manual and automatic. Based on personal preferences, one can choose to go for either of the two. Most importantly, one should check for the smooth functioning of the controls.
<ul>
<li>Manual – The recliner operates in conjunction with the weight of the person sitting on it with the help of elements such as a pocket spring.</li>
<li>Automatic or Electric – The recliner operates with a push or pull of a button or lever, with the aid of electricity. However, in case of the absence of power, the recliner can also be operated manually.</li>
</ul>
To help you in making a choice, the following are the 10 best reclining sofa options to consider for ultimate comfort –

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10 Best Reclining Sofas for Ultimate Comfort.jpg

Looking for reclining sofas for ultimate comfort OR Rummaging through options for comfy seats for your entertainment room? We have got you covered! Read along for our pick of the 10 best reclining sofas.

10 Best Reclining Sofas for Ultimate Comfort

While doodling or sketching, many of you would have thought if the same sketch could be digitized in that instant, exactly as it is. I certainly have, at numerous times, while sketching and pondering over an idea. Like everything is turning smart, so have the pens. A smartpen is a technologically driven instrument. It helps to transfer the sketches, notes, doodles, etc. from paper instantly to your computer, tablet or smartphone. Certain smart pens come with a feature of voice recording also, so that with every note or sketch, you can attach a voice note.
Once transferred these notes, doodles or sketches are ready to be used whenever you want. What’s more? You can even edit the file that is stored to be used in presentations. They have sure started making things easy for us. For architects and designers, it’s more like a dream come true. It is gradually becoming a must-have gadget for architects and designers. In the following article, I will take you through 10 smartpens ideal for architects and designers –

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Best Smartpens for Architects and Designers (2).jpg

Discover the ultimate creativity and precision with our expert-curated list of the top 10 best smartpens for architects and designers.

The Top 10 Best Smartpens for Architects and Designers

Tablets are great tools for architects and designers because they allow them to create 3D models and drawings from their computers. They also enable them to collaborate easily with clients and colleagues.
Today, tablets are not just devices that were used to view and play. They are also devices that can perform a number of functions similar to a computer. Architects, designers, and others use these tablets to draw and design with the help of capacitative pens, read, browse through, check and sign documents and many more such tasks. They are handy tools to present their ideas to clients without carrying around a heavy laptop. These are portable in the sense that they can be carried from one place to another. With the advancement of technology, companies have come up with ways to convert tablets into laptops or vice versa so that they can provide ease of working.
Before you begin shopping for a new tablet, think about what features you really need. Here are some important questions to consider which will help you to make your best decision:
<h2>How Helpful is Tablet?</h2>
There are several reasons why architects and designers should consider using tablets instead of laptops. The main advantage of tablets over laptops is portability. Laptops are heavy and bulky, whereas tablets are light and compact. This makes them easier to carry around and use anywhere. Some tablets even come with a decent configuration camera, thereby aiding in any kind of documentation required during site visits, market surveys, material selection, and so on.
When purchasing a tablet for architectural work one should consider what features they require. If they are planning to use it as an accessory for meetings, visits, etc., then the specifications may differ from those used for drawing, sketching or modeling. Based on the functional needs, one should choose a tablet that meets their requirements.
<h2>Which one- Android, Apple or Microsoft?</h2>
With the number of options for tablets available, there are several operating systems available too. It is essential to make an informed decision regarding the OS of the tablet based on weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the varied operating systems (Android OS, iOS and Windows) and thereby the brands. Moreover, one should consider the options of applications available for each OS.
The pluses of each OS are –
iOS- The tablets or ipads offer a secured environment with quality graphics and processing. The refresh rate of ipads is usually very high, aiding in a seamless experience while working, presenting, gaming or media viewing. The OS offers integration across all Apple devices.
Windows – the tablets with Windows OS aid in the familiar feel of a PC and can be easily integrated with your PC.
Android – Is considered to be a more user-friendly and affordable OS for tablets. Moreover, there is a wider variety of tablets for this OS. The configuration of the tablet would make a whole lot of a difference in its performance.
While all the three platforms are quite in power with each other, therefore choosing the OS for tablets for architectural work can be purely based on personal preferences, budget and requirements.
The Specifications one must consider before buying a tablet –
<ul>
<li>Size and Weight –</li>
</ul>
For tablets, size and weight are important criteria as a tablet is meant to be portable. A tablet should be as light as possible as it leads to better and more comfortable handling. While there are a lot of screen sizes available, to support the portability, it is advisable that the size of the tablet should be 10”-13” to support an array of architectural works. However, the screen size would be determined by the type of work it is being concerned for.
<ul>
<li>Processor and RAM –</li>
</ul>
The processor determines the overall performance of the tablet. One should go in for a processor of frequency 1 GHz or above. In addition, the minimum RAM that should be considered for seamless work for architects should be 6GB. The more the better. One has to consider these parameters for better performance of the tablets.
<ul>
<li>Connectivity and Networking –</li>
</ul>
This is an important specification to look into while choosing a tablet. One should look for Cellular + wireless (wifi) connectivity to have an uninterrupted working experience. In addition to network connectivity, the tablet must have Bluetooth options to allow for p2p connections, to connect to other hardware or tablets.
<ul>
<li>Storage Space</li>
</ul>
Though there are tablets in the market that offer a storage capacity of over 256 GB these days, one should consider all specifications and especially the finances before opting for tablets with huge storage spaces. For people related to architecture, a tablet with around 64 Gb or128 Gb of storage space should suffice, as these devices are not meant for intensive work or storage.
Tip: One can always make good use of cloud storage as secondary storage space for your tablets.
<ul>
<li>Resolution –</li>
</ul>
For architectural work, the resolution and quality of the display ought to be considered. One should consider opting for a resolution of 1920 x 1080p (Full HD) at least. Higher the resolution, the better.
<ul>
<li>Battery Life –</li>
</ul>
Good battery life is quite essential to support the purpose of a tablet. It should at least be able to handle about 8 hours of intensive media playback or browsing on a single charge.
Below we list our top picks for the 7 best tablets that are well suited for architects and designers

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Best Tablets for Architects and Designers.jpeg

Looking for a tablet to aid your design work? Our list includes the top 7 tablets for architects and designers. Get yours today!

7 Best Tablets for Architects and Designers (Latest Models 2023)

The days when architects used to work with ink and paper on a drafting table are long gone. The thrill of shifting from a drafting table to a digitized platform is unmatched in terms of speed and efficiency. Having the right devices at your disposal for various architectural tasks and longevity of use decide the quality and quantity of the work you will accomplish.
The architectural gadgets in the present time are not only designed to increase productivity but are also fun to play around with. If you find your work mundane and you are unaware of essential architectural gadgets, you are at the right place as we bring to you a list of Top 10 Gadgets, every Architect must-have. So, let’s get started with what you are missing out on!

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The Top 10 Gadgets, every Architect must have.jpeg

Get organized with the top 10 gadgets every architect must have. These tools will help you stay on top of your projects and make your life a lot easier.

The Top 10 Gadgets, Every Architect Must-Have

With us being surrounded by smart objects and devices, it is about time that our homes become smart too. Smart plugs offer the first step to converting your homes into smart homes. These are easy to install and help in operating your electronic gadgets from the comfort of your bed. Basically, smart plugs have the potential to convert a run-of-the-mill device or appliance into a smart one. These plugs are available across various designs and features. While smart plugs are gaining popularity in the present times, it is vital to know the intricacies attached to them. Following are a set of some insights and questions that might arise related to the smart plugs –
What are Smart Plugs and how do they work?
A smart plug is basically an adapter that can be integrated with a standard socket. This works over a wireless connection to operate electronic devices remotely. It can be considered as the first step towards setting up a smart home. Once plugged into a standard socket, the plug can be connected to a wireless network via an app. Once connected, the appliances can be operated by a click of a button or a voice command.
Costs attached with the Smart Plugs?
Smart plugs are steadily making their space in the market. A smart plug can range anywhere from 700 to 1400 and higher, depending on the features and quality that it offers.
Points to consider while choosing Smart Plugs
While choosing a smart plug, several points should be considered that are as follows –
<ul>
<li>Compatibility:</li>
</ul>
When selecting a smart plug, the compatibility of the smart plug and the devices should be given due consideration. In addition, compatibility with the existing wall plugs should also be considered.
<ul>
<li>Voice Assistant:</li>
</ul>
The voice assistants help control the devices easily and comfortably. Most plugs function with a voice assistant. When looking for a smart plug that functions with a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, go in for one that is compatible with the voice assistant that you already use or are willing to use. In addition, try to go in for a model that is compatible with multiple voice assistants.
<ul>
<li>Design:</li>
</ul>
The design of the smart plug should be considered as the design determines the usability and durability of the gadget. There are certain designs that aid in expanding the number of outlets in case one is short of outlet sockets.
<ul>
<li>Energy Considerations:</li>
</ul>
Some smart plugs help in monitoring the energy consumption of various appliances. This helps in adhering to energy-efficient practices. The monitoring is done via an app, which, in addition to energy consumption also charts out the peak consumption hours.
<ul>
<li>Scheduling ability:</li>
</ul>
A few smart plugs let you schedule the powering on and off of the devices. This adds to the convenience factor attached to smart gadgets and smart homes.
<ul>
<li>Usability:</li>
</ul>
Smart plugs are available for use both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, it is pertinent to go through the features of the plug thoroughly. This is necessary as the smart plugs meant for indoors cannot be used for outdoors. The usability of a smart plug is an important consideration in the process of selecting a smart plug.
Advantages of Smart Plugs?
Smart plugs come with their set of advantages to make our lives a tad bit easier by making our usual electronics a tad bit smarter. Some advantages are as follows –
<ul>
<li>Enables remote operations, management and monitoring of appliances and electronic devices.</li>
<li>Operation of devices through voice commands.</li>
<li>These are easy to use and portable.</li>
<li>Owing to the temperature control and auto shut-off features, smart plugs can help in safeguarding homes and appliances.</li>
<li>These can help schedule the operations of your appliances and electronic devices.</li>
<li>It can help in deceiving the outsiders in one’s absence by a feature called presence simulation.</li>
</ul>
Are there any drawbacks of Smart Plugs?
In addition to their advantages, the smart plugs also offer their set of drawbacks. A few drawbacks are as follows –
<ul>
<li>The smart plugs draw electricity even when the appliances or electronic devices are powered off.</li>
<li>Dependence on the internet and thereby its bandwidth.</li>
<li>Depending on the design of the smart plug, the size can be inconvenient when compared with conventional plugs.</li>
</ul>
Application areas for Smart Plugs
Owing to the simple working of smart plugs, the application areas are endless. With just a command through the app or to the voice assistant, you can easily switch on or off a gadget from the comfort of your bed. These can be used to run coffee machines, air conditioners, heaters, lighting devices, ovens, electric cookers and ranges, etc. The possibilities of the application of smart plugs are endless.
If you have a bent to take the first step towards a smart home with smart plugs. The following are the 10 best smart plug options to consider –

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10 Best Smart Plugs to Make your Life Easier.jpg

Make your home smarter with these 10 best smart plugs! These nifty devices give you remote access to everything in your house, no matter where you are.

10 Best Smart Plugs to Make your Life Easier

A white wall at first can be daunting and what most people would regard as boring. However, it can also be a blank slate and a way for you to exercise your creativity and create your very own art project. Not only will it be unique but it is also bound to give one a feeling of pride in the personalized set-up.
It might appear that taking up a personal project would require slaving hours and spending all your savings but with our 10 gorgeous and sustainable quick-fixes you have no reason to worry. Get your working gloves on because once you go through our selected products, you will not be able to stop yourself from giving your dull white wall a major transformation!

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10 Gorgeous Products To Brighten Up Any Plain White Wall.jpg

Bringing personality and life to a plain white wall is possible with a little creativity – check out our list of top ten products for bringing interesting design elements to your space!

10 Gorgeous Products To Brighten Up Any Plain White Wall

A good sofa set is the primary requirement of any living room. There are an array of choices available in the market based on the capacity, materials, design, colours, textures, so on and so forth. A comfortable sofa set helps one unwind, host guests, enjoy with the family and serves diverse functions. With the range of brands and sofa designs in the market, it becomes quite confusing to choose the best sofa set for a living room. Following are a few points that should be kept in mind while looking for sofa sets –Personal preference ChecklistHaving a checklist of your personal preferences is rather imperative, which will further help in deciding the best sofa set for the living room. There is a massive choice in the market for sofa sets. The choice can be made depending on its design and style, seating capacity (single-seater, double seater, or triple seater), upholstery, colour, lumbar support, etc. To not get confused with the variety of choices one gets in the market today, a preference checklist is an important step to consider.Design and StyleThe design and style of the sofas range from vintage to modern, traditional to contemporary, bulky to minimalistic. One should be mindful of the design and style of sofa sets with respect to the overall décor language of the room.Number of seatsSofas come in various combinations of seating capacity. Therefore one should be clear about the seating requirements to correspond with the number of seats in a sofa set.Space planning, placement and dimensionsDetermining the sofa set for your living room can help in space planning of the living room or vice versa. Placing a sofa can alter the look and space utilization of a living room, therefore it is important to consider all these points simultaneously while choosing the sofa set for your space. The dimensions of the sofa set would also be pivotal in space planning of your living space.Frame, padding and upholsteryThe frame of the sofa set is the main support system or one should say the skeleton of it. The material and the joinery determine the overall strength and load-bearing capacity of the sofa. Therefore, one must look into the materials (wood, plastic, metal, etc.), joinery and hardware used to make the frame of the sofa.One should ensure that the sofa should have adequate padding according to your comfort. In addition, the density of the foam used should be cross-checked. One should also make note of the type and location of cushioning provided (if any) in the sofa per the desired comfort and support.The Colour and material of the upholstery are very important as it is the actual façade of a sofa. Bear in mind that the colour, fabric and texture should complement the language of the other elements in the space and the overall décor. There are a host of materials that can be considered for a sofa set vis-à-vis leather, leatherette, velvet, microfiber, linen, so on and so forth. While the material choice is being made, the finish should also be kept in mind.BudgetBudget is one of the factors that help in determining all the other factors. That is one reason that the budget should be allocated before taking up the hunt for the most suited sofa for your living room. Be sure to do a preliminary research or market survey before setting the final figures.To help your hunt for sofa sets easier, the following are the 10 best sofa sets to buy online, that is best for every living room –

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10 Best Sofa-Sets to Buy online that is best for Every Living Room_0.jpg

Take your living room up a notch with one of these stylish and comfortable sofa sets. With options in different colors and styles, choose the perfect set for your home!

10 Best Sofa-Sets to Buy Online That is Best for Every Living Room

Incorporating smart lights in your home is a smart step to begin transforming your home into a smart or automated home. Lights are and have always been an integral part of our homes. While we transition into an automated age, it is time to upgrade our usual lights to smart lights. Just like the usual lights, smart lights also have various types, vis-à-vis, bulb, batten, LED strips, so on and so forth. Smart lights usually work over a wi-fi network. From getting over millions of light colour options to set lighting scenes to scheduling the power on and off of the light, there are numerous features that smart lights offer. While the features might seem fancy and a must-have, it is essential to know the ins and outs related to smart lights. To ensure the same, the following are some insights related to smart lights.
What Are Smart Lights and how do they work?
A smart light is a lighting fixture or aid that can be controlled wirelessly via smartphones, tablets, smart hubs, conditions-based IFTTT (IF This Then That) technology or voice assistants. Smart lights help in automating the lighting experience that can even be controlled remotely.
These smart fixtures have software that connects them to either an application, voice assistant or any other such smart accessory. Certain types of smart lights work with the aid of sensory devices – motion, touch, etc. These help in modulating the intensity and in some cases, type of light based on the motion in space, amount of light, temperature, so on and so forth.
Costs attached with the smart lights?
The cost depends on the type of smart light that you are considering installing and the features it is equipped with. The starting cost of smart bulbs is 500 rupees, that of a smart batten is 800 rupees, a smart downlighter is 800 rupees and that of a smart LED strip is 3500 rupees.
Features Points to consider while choosing smart lights
While choosing a smart light or lighting system for your spaces, a few points should be considered that are as follows –
<ul>
<li>Wattage:</li>
</ul>
When selecting a smart lighting element, pay attention to the wattage that it offers. One should bear in mind that the higher the wattage, the higher would be the brightness in the case of LED lights. Therefore, choose the wattage adequately according to your requirements.
<ul>
<li>Colours and ambiance:</li>
</ul>
Smart lights offer a range of over 16 million colours to choose from, thus providing a wide horizon of lighting moods and ambiances. The possibilities are endless when it comes to ambiance creation with smart lights. In addition to providing a wide palette of colour options, they also provide the flexibility to regulate the brightness of the light, thus aiding in achieving the desired ambiance in a space.
<ul>
<li>Controllability:</li>
</ul>
Smart lights can be controlled remotely both by voice and with the aid of supporting apps. With the help of dedicated apps, one can control the lights from anywhere in the world.
<ul>
<li>Installation:</li>
</ul>
Most smart lights are designed to fit into the standard fittings, thereby making the installation a little less cumbersome.
Advantages of smart lights?
Smart lights come with their set of advantages, some of which are as follows –
<ul>
<li>It helps in saving energy and thereby power bills too, as the lights are switched on and off automatically according to the schedule, requirement or movement.</li>
<li>The remote access and scene creation features can help add in a layer of security in the absence of homeowners.</li>
<li>These lights help in maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm.</li>
<li>These are easy to use.</li>
<li>Gives a large range of possibilities with just one fixture, when it comes to scene creation, the colour of the light and ambiance.</li>
</ul>
Are there any drawbacks of smart lights?
Along with the advantages, the smart lights also have some drawbacks that are as follows –
<ul>
<li>If the wireless connection dips or falters then there would be connectivity and performance issues with the smart lights.</li>
<li>These are a little expensive when compared to their conventional counterparts.</li>
</ul>
If you are taking a step towards introducing smart lights in your home, to help you in your decision, the following are the 10 best smart lights picks for you to consider from –

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10 Best Smart Lights to brighten your spaces.jpg

Upgrade your home or office with the latest smart light bulbs! These devices make your space look brighter and more inviting.

10 Best Smart Light Bulbs to Brighten Up Your Spaces

A good budget laptop is essential for architecture students. The key features include long battery life, lightweight, portable and powerful performance. The architecture field requires a lot of creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are often learned through hands-on experience. This means that architects spend a large amount of time using their laptops.
It is rightly said that a man is only as good as his tools. So, unlock your potential with these highly efficient laptops that will boost your performance and save you time while you’re at it. This is made possible with the latest selection of technology employed for the very purpose of helping create elevated visuals and graphics and designed to give you an undisturbed workflow.
Since architectural projects revolve around computer-aided drawing and the use of multiple software simultaneously, this list will help you choose the best-suited affordable laptop for you. So, without wasting any more time let's uncover some tips that will guide you in your next purchase.
<h2>Why you should buy a Laptop over a Desktop?</h2>
Are you confused between choosing a laptop over a desktop or vice versa? The confusion is quite obvious as we do not buy a laptop or desktop very frequently. And, for students of architecture, it becomes all the more important to consider and factor in a lot of variables while making the choice. Following are a few reasons that make laptops a better choice over desktops for architectural students –
<ul>
<li>Laptops are compact machines that do not require additional space setup, therefore, making them an ideal choice for students.</li>
<li>Today, laptops are powerhouses of enhanced performance, owing to the powerful hardware.</li>
<li>The biggest advantage is that it is portable and one can work from practically anywhere.</li>
<li>With enhanced battery backups, one can easily work even in case of a power cut or failure; this is not a possibility with desktops.</li>
<li>Laptops don’t require component set up before starting, unlike desktops.</li>
</ul>
Students should put their money into something practical yet long-lasting. Therefore, in addition to the above points, there are personal requirements that one should use as a yardstick while drawing comparisons. Going in for a laptop is just the first step of the entire process of buying a device. Other things that one should give due importance to are the operating system available and other specifications such as processor, RAM, GPU, battery life, storage, ports, compatibility, etc.
<h2>Operating System (Windows vs macOS)</h2>
Choosing the Operating system is one of the preliminary factors when looking for a choosing a laptop or a desktop. The two widely used operating systems are windows and macOS. Following are some pointers to help you weigh the pros and cons of both operating systems –
<ul>
<li>Windows is a more prevalent operating system, thus making it a more viable option.</li>
<li>Looking at the range of software and applications, almost most of them are available for windows as against the macOS.</li>
<li>macOS is sought to be more intuitive when compared with windows.</li>
<li>Both the operating systems are user-friendly.</li>
<li>Windows offers a compatible environment to help users operate old versions of software on new devices.</li>
<li>Windows is more susceptible to virus and spyware attacks when compared with macOS.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Specifications that one must consider while choosing a laptop –</h2>
<ul>
<li>CPU Processor: For seamless working, architecture students should prefer choosing processors like Core i5, Ryzen 5 and above.</li>
<li>RAM: It is advisable to go in for a higher Ram (8GB and higher) for efficient and seamless working.</li>
<li>GPU (Graphics Processing Units): Architecture involves high-intensity graphic work; thus, the laptop or desktop must preferably have a high-end graphics card for incessant working. For a stringent budget, one should consider an integrated graphic card, however, for higher performance, a discreet graphics card should be given preference.</li>
<li>Storage: Apt storage should be one of the primary considerations while choosing a laptop or desktop. There are numerous options available for storage volumes, starting from 256 GB. However, it is advised that one chooses a machine with an internal storage of 512 GB and above. In addition, choosing the type of storage (Hard Disk Drives and Solid State Drives) is equally important. SSDs are preferred as they offer enhanced speed and are quieter when compared with HDDs.</li>
<li>Display and Resolution: For architectural students, the resolution and quality of the display are important factors to consider. Therefore, they should consider opting for an IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p (Full HD). These days laptops with higher resolutions [2560 x 1600, 3200 x 1800 and 3840 x 2160 (4K)] are also available, but a full HD display would aid in all the functions for students unless they are willing to go in for high-resolution configurations.</li>
<li>Screen Size: For students of architecture, it is recommended that they opt for bigger screen sizes (15” and above).</li>
<li>USB ports: Today, the number of USB ports available in a laptop is also a considerable factor to consider, as most accessories require USB ports. In addition, one should also look for the type of USB port available in a laptop. It is advisable that one should opt for a laptop that has at least one USB 3.0 and USB C port.</li>
<li>Battery Life: For students, every minute is important and they can’t afford to waste a lot of time searching for charging sockets or waiting for backup in case of power loss. Therefore, it is advisable that the laptop has a battery life of 8 hours and above.</li>
<li>Connectivity: Connectivity over an internet connection and support for wireless connections should be the primary considerations. One should go in for a laptop that supports 4G LTE or 5G network. For better wireless connectivity, look for devices that support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 technology.</li>
</ul>
Below we list our top picks for the best budget yet affordable laptops for Architecture Students-:

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Are you an Architecture Student and have a budget but still want a great computer? Check out these best budget yet affordable laptops to make your architecture studies more efficient and productive.

5 Best Budget Laptops for Architecture Students (Latest Models 2023)

Drafting boards are one-of-a-kind indispensable tools for architects and designers which are as old as the profession itself. These boards have witnessed the evolution of design and its practice intimately. They have even survived the takeover by digitalization in the design field by computer-aided design and other computerized drawing programs.Whether you are a student or a practicing architect/designer, there is no doubt that you will be making use of drawing boards a lot and it is that one tool that you will always need. In fact, drawing boards are a prerequisite in the majority of design institutions.So, without wasting any more time let's uncover some tips that will guide you in your next purchase.1. SizeThe size of the board should depend on how much space you have to work on. If you're working on a small project, then you may want to get a smaller board. On the other hand, if you're working on a larger project, then you'll need a bigger board.2. MaterialThere are many different materials that you can use for drafting boards. You can go with wood, plastic, metal, glass, etc. However, it's best to go with something that won't break easily. Wood is probably the safest option since it doesn't crack or splinter. Moreover, Wooden drafting boards are best suited for architects and designers who use them for sketching out designs.3. SurfaceYou can either get a smooth surface or a rough surface. A smooth surface is great for drawing on paper while a rough surface is great for sketching out ideas.4. DurabilityYou should always look at the durability of the drafting board before purchasing it. Look for a board that is sturdy and has good quality construction.5. PriceYou can find drafting boards in various price ranges. Cheap boards are usually made of cheap materials and are not suitable for professional use. On the other hand, expensive boards are made of high-quality materials and are designed specifically for professionals.6. WarrantySome manufacturers offer warranties on their products. Check out the warranty before buying any product.Here, we've rounded up the 7 Highly-Recommended Drafting Boards for architects and designers. Check them out now!

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Martin Adjustable Angle Parallel Drawing Board_0.png

Whether you're an architect or designer, you'll love our list of the best drafting boards for architects and designers. They're perfect for sketching out ideas and designs. Check them out now!

7 Highly-Recommended Drafting Boards for Architects

There is warmth and nostalgia associated with vintage elements. In today’s interior design world, vintage elements form a separate decor language. These elements aid in bringing the old world’s charm to your home. There are an array of options to choose from when considering vintage lights. One should also consider the style under the vintage umbrella they are looking for. The styles are further differentiated by the materials, design and colour palette. Vintage lights give an impression or a feeling that is beyond words and are sure to be focal elements in the space they have been installed. To help you in selecting a vintage decorative lamp, the following is a guide to buying decorative vintage lights –&nbsp;Factors to consider while looking for decorative vintage light:&nbsp;<ul><li>Lighting requirements – The lighting requirements would determine the type of decorative fixture one opts for. The lighting requirements could vary from accent to task lighting.&nbsp;</li><li>Design of the space – The decorative vintage lighting fixture should be in sync with the design palette of the space in order to create a great experience.&nbsp;</li><li>Type of fixture – One should consider the type of fixture they are looking into before foraging through the options. The types encompass ceiling lights, pendant lights, sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Materials and finishes – &nbsp;The materials and finishes of the lighting fixture would determine its overall aesthetics which would help in defining its look – vintage, industrial, rustic, contemporary, and so on. The materials and finishes also help in pointing out the durability of a fixture, therefore one must consider the materials and finishes carefully. &nbsp;</li><li>Maintenance –&nbsp;Maintenance is an important aspect that one must consider while selecting a decor element, therefore the materials, finishes, details, etc. should be looked into with finer eyes to look into the aspect of maintenance. One should go in for elements that are easy to maintain in the long run.&nbsp;</li></ul>Buying Tips:Some buying tips to help you make your choice –&nbsp;<ul><li>Look for vintage lights that are durable, safe and sturdy with respect to materials, finishes and details.</li><li>Try to go in for vintage lights that give you the freedom of using them to the maximum. &nbsp;</li><li>Be absolutely clear about your requirements and the availability of space before finalizing the vintage light. &nbsp;</li><li>Select a decorative vintage light that compliments the overall decor of the space.&nbsp;</li></ul>The following is our pick of 10 decorative vintage lights that can help in adding character to your home &nbsp;–&nbsp;

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Surround yourself with beautiful vintage lights to add character and style to your home. These ten are perfect for any room in your house!

10 Decorative Vintage Lights- Adding Character to your Home

Architects are always known to be smart and shrewd when it comes to their personalities and presentation. They leave no stone unturned in making things look different and dashing which is exactly the case with certificate folders for their interview. The certificate folder in an architect’s hand gives the strong first impression which comes in various materials such as PU leather, faux leather, plastic, etc. Adequate security is the key point behind these folders which play an important role in keeping the certificates organized and secure in every possible way with the utmost style. A certificate folder also holds a momentous position since it makes a great souvenir for an architect who would never compromise on its quality and specification.For this, the best collection from the market has been analyzed and reviewed to make the best choice for our readers to land with literally the best and the finest without any doubt. Here is the top ten highest-rated certificate folders list:

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Best Certificate Folder for an interview.jpeg

If you're an architect looking for a certificate folder that will impress your future employer, we've got the top 10 best folders for you!

Product Buying Guide