Ceiling Fan Lighting

                            

A decade ago when you looked up to the ceiling and saw a fan, chances are the fan would have been mostly black, white or a different shade of the two colors. Fans back then were only used for cooling purposes and nothing more than this. However, now a fan is lot more than a 'device' used to provide you with just relief from soaring temperatures. Fans are actually being used to make statements of class and style, just like you would your clothes! With the turn of century people began to get more conscious about their interiors of their houses and wanted it to match up to their social standing in society. To meet the uprising need for designer house appliances and house decorating items, necessities like fans, lights and other essential appliances now look a lot better than they used to. Read on for valuable information on state-of-the-art ceiling fans that come with lights.

• Today, fans come in trendy designs to match different kinds of decorative ideas used in houses. Hence you don't have to stick to one kind of fan for every house. You can choose the kind of fan for the right kind of decor.
• You can choose a fan that complements the color of your room.
• Ceiling fans are not just there for cooler temperatures. Now, ceiling fans are available with lights on them and look very fancy and trendy. Your guests will be highly impressed when they walk into the room and find a fan with a bright or slightly dim light, you would too.
• Ceiling fans with lights are often bought to replace light fixtures. If you have a ceiling fan with a light attached to it you will not need a night lamp. It is better to choose a fan with a dim light attached to it so that it can be used as a replacement for your night lamp.
• These fans are available in numerous designs and shape and sizes that can be used to match the decor of the room.
• The structure of the fan depends on the manufacturers. Some of them are intricately carved blades that look exquisite, some finished in a way that makes them look more colonial than modern.
• India's colonial past can never be forgotten, in fact, the most desired and popular fan designs are the ones that revolve around Victorian themes.
• When you go to buy a ceiling fan with lights you will have an array of extensiveshades of colors to choose from. They come in conventional browns and blacks and also in bold and bright colors. Be careful while choosing the color, because the same will have to go with the rest of your room.
• You can choose the kind of lamp you want for your fan. You do not necessarily have to stick to conventional ones. Experiment with new designs and grace your house with a brand new look!
• While selecting lights for your fan ensure that the light is appropriate for the room. You require bright lighting in work areas like the kitchen and study. Dim lighting will do just fine in the bedroom and dining area.
• By installing a fan with lights, you can adjust the intensity of the light on the fan to suit your mood.

Some fans come with remotes, not only to operate the fan, but to also operate the lights as well.

A lamp lighting ceiling fan that is tastefully designed can be a decorative addition to the room. While buying ceiling fans remember to buy the best, but also look at your pocket before you go in for anything in particular, because ceiling fans with lights can be very expensive.

Interior design of a coffee shop

Your coffee shop interior design will be a key element to bringing customers into your shop and keeping them there. The theme you choose will greatly affect the feel your shop has and the type of customers who will be drawn in. Subtle design decisions could play a vital role in how a customer perceives your shop, so consider every visual aspect of what will be going into your shop.

                                

                                

                                

                                

                                

                                 

                                

                                

                                

How to Paint Chandelier Globes

Chandeliers give dining rooms and entryways a classical aesthetic. From opulent hanging chandeliers to more minimalistic fluted chandeliers, the decorative silhouette is part of this light fixture's bold statement. Aside from the overall shape of the chandelier, the colorization is also important. Chandeliers provide a focal point for the room, so they should complement wall and furniture colors. You can update the look of a mismatched chandelier with fresh paint on the glass globes that cover chandelier light bulbs.

Instructions

1. Place an A-frame ladder beneath the chandelier.

2. Climb the ladder and remove the chandelier globes. Most chandelier globes are fastened in place with three or four small screws.

3. Place the chandelier globes on several pages of scrap newspaper.

4. Clean the surface with water, soap and a sponge. Though chandelier globes do not come in contact with excessive dirt, thin layers of dust buildup are common.

5. Dry the chandelier globe surfaces with a paper towel

6. Apply painter's tape to any parts of the globe that you don't want painted. If you paint the entire globe, barely any light will shine through the surface, so consider just painting a small portion of the chandelier globe.

7. Prime the globes with bonding primer and a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Bonding primer is designed to adhere to glass, ceramic, acrylic and other slick surfaces. Wait for the primer to dry.

8. Paint the chandelier globes with semi-gloss or high-gloss latex paint. Use a foam paintbrush to avoid unsightly brushstrokes.

9. Climb the ladder and reattach the globes after the paint has dried for a full 24 hours.

Modern bedroom Lamps ideas

With this post we put an end to the series we have been devoting to the latest trends in decoration. In this latest installment will show two new trends and how to follow the upgrade just one of our bedroom accessories, or with different combinations in decoration and without the need for works.

Lamps with personality bring an element of visibility to the environment and give them a stamp of identity. A good example to keep in mind if we add a personal touch to our own bedrooms. Furthermore, the trend can be applied to all types of lamps, whether desktop or standing and even ceilings and fixtures. See these nice bedroom lamps designs.

                             

                                        

                                      


                                

                             

                             

Light House

92 NAM KY KHOI NGHIA, DIST.1.HCM CITY

+ T: (84-8) 22 103 460

+ E: lighthouse@kimsa.vn

+ W: www.kimsa.vn

How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Your delicate chandelier will glow more brightly without all that dust and grime. Here's how to make it sparkle again. 

                          

Instructions

1. Set up alternative lighting nearby (since you won't be able to use the chandelier for lighting while you're cleaning it).

2. Turn off the chandelier's power at the wall switch. Place a piece of tape over the wall switch so that no one can accidentally turn it on while you're working.

3. Cover any upward-pointing bulbs with sandwich bags. Secure the bags with rubber bands.

4. Place a drop cloth below the chandelier.

5. Mix a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol or ammonia in three parts distilled water. Or, if you don't want to mix your own cleaner, buy a special chandelier cleaner from a lighting retailer. Put some solution in a spray bottle.

6. Spray every part of the fixture with the cleanser, avoiding wires and other electrical components.

7. Allow the crystals to drip-dry. If your chandelier is too dirty for this drip-cleaning method, you'll have to hand-wash each individual crystal with the cleaning solution.

8. Remove the plastic bags from the lights once the crystals have dried, and wipe down light wells and other noncrystal parts with a soft cloth dipped in the cleanser.

9. Allow the entire fixture to dry overnight before turning its power back on.

Traditional Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery has taken form early in Vietnam. According to ancient document, pottery appears in Vietnam ten thousand years ago. Following information is general outline of pottery and ceramics appearance through historic development. 

Prehistoric Age 

In prehistoric times, ceramic products were understandably coarse as most were mixed by women from sand and other materials. Most of the designs on the surface of the ceramics were created with sticks while the products were still wet. All of the pottery products from this era had useful applications for household duties and cooking. 

 

Bronze Age 

Most of the pottery products from the Bronze Age were formed on turn tables and had diverse styles. As well as cooking utensils, there were also artistic ceramics and products for tool production.

The diverse products were decorated with carved images and covered by a different coloured layer of an enamel-like substance. The adornment of pottery products from this period was performed using bronze tools.

Iron Age 

Iron Age pottery products developed in all regions of the country. These products were produced at low temperatures using somewhat rudimentary techniques. The form and ornamentation of the Iron Age pottery products was quite unique to this period. This craft developed from traditional experience, and from the influence of the Chinese.

Architectural pottery, including bricks and tiles, also originated during this time and small simple statues of animals, such as pigs and oxen, were introduced.

From Ly Dynasty until now 

After more than ten centuries of Chinese domination, the Ly and Tran dynasties saw the reestablishment of national independence. During this period, pottery experienced splendid achievements in quality and diversity through large-scale production.

 

Basic elements, including the form, decorations, and coloured enamel, were employed to create beautiful products. The painted decorations were simple, but incredibly attractive. Unique carving characteristics developed and various kinds of enamel were applied.

Since the 15th century, ceramic started to bear white enamel with blue designs and fabrication techniques improved.

 

Nowadays, some localities are still specialized in producing ceramics, including Bac Ninh Province, Thanh Hoa Province, Nam Dinh Province, and Hanoi.

Decorative Lighting

                                     

Using decorative lighting is another way of enhancing the beauty and character of the house. Earlier on lighting was done from the functional point of view. Today homeowners want their lighting fixtures both interior and exterior to make a statement. More so the interior lighting. They select interior lighting fixtures to match the rest of the Decor. Decorating homes with elegant and tasteful light fixtures is a must these days. Decorative home lighting fixtures come in different shapes, sizes, finishes and materials. There are a wide variety of finishes to choose from. Some of the most popular ones are:

Lamps that have a brushed nickel, stainless steel and copper finish, have become popular displacing the old favorite that was brass finished. These new finishes easily blend with the multi-colored Decor of modern houses.

Some lamps are finished in different colors and the consumer can choose one that exactly matches his needs. These are painted and may be textured or have silver and gold flecks.

Another much in demand finish to the one that gives an antique and timeless look. This finish gives the lamps a very conventional look.

Today a lot of attention is paid to detailing. Every aspect of the lamp is made decorative that gives the fixture more style and elegance.

The market flooded with a variety of decorative lighting fixtures. Selecting ones that are both functional and decorative can be a difficult task. Here are a few tips that to follow while choosing decorative lights:

Employ a certified lighting consultant. He will help you find lamps that are functional and decorative.

It you have a picture, of what the lighting fixture should look like, take it with you while shopping for fixtures.

Plan a budget and decide by how much, you are willing to exceed that budget, for something you really want.

While buying lighting fixtures for rooms bring something that matches the color of the walls. This will make it easier to find lights that match the rest of the Decor.

If you are looking for something specific and cannot find it, then you can get it specially made to order.

While buying decorative lighting fixtures do not forget the practical purpose of lighting the room.

Hanging Chandelier

                         

A Chandelier is a decorative light that is hung from ceiling. It is one of the most attractive and dainty form of lighting. If a chandelier is of proper size and matches with the decor of the room, then it adds a completely new dimension to your room. It was first made by glass makers. Earlier these lights were found in houses of very wealthy and high-class people, but now they can be seen in almost every house. They have become an important lighting object which adds beauty to a place. In previous times, candles were used in chandeliers, but now they have bulbs. There are different designs of chandelier lights; you can choose a design according to the color, size and decor of your room.You can also select designs from interior design magazines. Apart from this, if you are unable to decide, ask the retailer to make suggestions on the best chandelier lights available. You can put chandelier lights in any room. These days kitchen and bathrooms have become popular areas for hanging chandelier lights. Here are a few tips which are important to follow while hanging a chandelier light.

Tips On Hanging Chandelier Lights:

• It is best to buy a chandelier that is about a foot smaller than your dining table.
• It must be placed at a distance of about forty-eight inches from the edges of the room.
• A rule of thumb for chandeliers - If your ceiling is eight feet high then the chandelier should be hung about thirty to thirty-four inches above the dining table.If the ceiling is more than eight feet high, then chandelier chains can be shortened by three inches.
• Use a wall dimmer to control the intensity of light and to set the mood. Apart from this, it also adds versatility to your room.
• Placing a chandelier in a lobby or foyer is an excellent way of demarking the interior of the house from the exterior.
• While fixing a chandelier in the foyer, hang it at a height so that it can illuminate stairways clearly.
• Chandeliers hung in the lobby can be bigger and broader than the ones used in dining room.
• Cover the wire or chain of the chandelier with some pretty fabric. Use fabric that is thrice as long as the chain and it will give the chain a beautiful bunched up appearance.
• You can go for iron chandeliers which will give a classic and antique look, or you can also think about crystalchandeliers which offer a glittering and impressive look.
• Before hanging the chandelier think about how you will clean it and replace the bulbs.
• Put decorative chandelier lamp shades that add to the mood you want to create and filter the light. You can hang two-tier chandeliers which will distribute the light completely.
• The height of the chandelier depends on its style-crystal, simple and elaborate. It also depends on the height and decor of the dining room.
• Crystals of chandeliers need special cleaning. You must clean your crystal chandelier and chandelier lamp shades in lukewarm water and put three parts of isopropyl alcohol in it. Clean the chandelier gently with a soft cotton cloth.

Chandelier lights you select will be part of your home for a long time. Go for complete research and then buy a chandelier that suits your place the best. Undoubtedly, chandeliers are very beautiful and elegant.

Ceiling Medallion

                                        

Ceiling medallion is nothing but an oval or circular design feature that is used in modern architecture for decorating purposea. Ceiling medallions that originated in the Middle East are one of the easiest ways of transforming a room from an ordinary room to an elegant room. Ceiling medallions today as a part of modern architecture serves the purpose of a decorative treatment to the ceiling of a house that helps draw attention to its lighting features. Ceiling medallions highlight the areas holding the chandelier. Ceiling medallions help in expanding the visual height of a room and can also help highlight regular light fixtures. You have a variety of designs and patterns in which ceiling medallions are available. These are easy to fix and can also be painted to match the colour of the room ceiling. These can be easily fixed to the ceiling with glue or drywall screws. Ceiling medallions are not expensive giving you an opportunity to use them all around the house. Glance through the tips on installing ceiling medallions and save yourself the cost of hiring a professional to do the job.

Order Materials

Once you have decided on installing a medallion, it is time to order for the materials required. Do not forget to order the ceiling medallion centre while placing orders for other material. Construction adhesive, caulk, fasteners and light fixture hardware are some of the items you need to purchase for the purpose.

Assemble Materials

Once you have the required material at your disposal, start assembling the material closer to the place of installation. Make it a point to double check for everything you need to install a medallion before you start fixing it.

Clean The Ceiling

The next step in installation of a medallion is to clean the ceiling area you are planning to install the medallion in. You will have to turn of the main power switch and remove the old fixture. Make use of dishwashing soap and sponge to clean the ceiling around the old fixture location in order to get rid of dust, dirt and debris. Scrape out any chipped paint or caulk from the old fixture with a knife if necessary.

Layout

Once the old fixture is removed and the area is clean, it is time to layout the area you're looking to fix the medallion in. Hold the medallion to position and mark the dimensions on the ceiling. These markings will help you locate and mark ceiling joists in case you are using screws to mount the medallion.

Dry Fit The Assembly

After marking the position for the layout, hold the medallion in place to spot the centre over the electrical box. Place it in a way that helps you access the wires and help you screw holes for the hanging hardware through the hole. You can enlarge the hole with the help of sandpaper if necessary.

Apply Adhesive

Apply the adhesive you bought according to the manufacturer's directions. You might have to make use of temporary clamps or fasteners to secure the medallion on the fixed spot until the adhesive sets properly.

Fasten The Medallion

After securing the medallion with the help of adhesive, it is time to fasten it to the ceiling using coated screws in the predrilled holes. You can make use of toggle bolts if you find it difficult to screw holes directly into the ceiling joists.

Finish Up

Once the adhesive dries out, chalk out the perimeter. Make use of no-shrink spackles to join plaster to patch screw holes. You can paint the area, fill it up with patches and carry on with any other repair work if necessary.

Outdoor and Indoor Decor Deals- Decorative Lighting Enhances All Rooms

Decorative lighting is a great way to spruce up any space. Decorative lighting can be used both outdoor and indoor, and works well with any decor. Decorative lighting works on two levels. Decorative lighting helps add a sense of dimension to any room, and its surrounding landscape. Aesthetically, decorative lighting adds an ornamental element to the room. Decorative lights can either be wall-mounted or pole-mounted, depending on where they are installed.

                                 

Here are a few basic questions you should ask yourself when designing a lighting concept:

How big is the room? It is extremely important to understand how the lighting will affect the mood and atmosphere of the room.

What is atmosphere I want to create? For example, a reading room would only need moderate lighting in appropriate areas to create a cozy environment. It is important to know whether you are aiming to simply light up the entire room, or perhaps trying to accent an area or object.

The lights that you purchase to light up your house need to serve both purposes of adding to the decor and lighting the spaces in your home. Think about how your windows are positioned, and what direction the sun will enter the room.

If you are trying to create a comfortable and intimate setting, you’ll want to aim for gentle light on a dining room table. This type of lighting will serve to illuminate the food and create a more flattering environment.

Decorative lighting is a great way to add decor to your home in a practical way.

Decorative Lighting

Using decorative lighting is another way of enhancing the beauty and character of the house. Earlier on lighting was done from the functional point of view. Today homeowners want their lighting fixtures both interior and exterior to make a statement. More so the interior lighting. They select interior lighting fixtures to match the rest of the Decor. Decorating homes with elegant and tasteful light fixtures is a must these days. Decorative home lighting fixtures come in different shapes, sizes, finishes and materials. There are a wide variety of finishes to choose from. Some of the most popular ones are: 

Lamps that have a brushed nickel, stainless steel and copper finish, have become popular displacing the old favorite that was brass finished. These new finishes easily blend with the multi-colored Decor of modern houses. 

Some lamps are finished in different colors and the consumer can choose one that exactly matches his needs. These are painted and may be textured or have silver and gold flecks. 

Another much in demand finish to the one that gives an antique and timeless look. This finish gives the lamps a very conventional look. 

Today a lot of attention is paid to detailing. Every aspect of the lamp is made decorative that gives the fixture more style and elegance. 

                                              

The market flooded with a variety of decorative lighting fixtures. Selecting ones that are both functional and decorative can be a difficult task. Here are a few tips that to follow while choosing decorative lights: 

Employ a certified lighting consultant. He will help you find lamps that are functional and decorative. 

It you have a picture, of what the lighting fixture should look like, take it with you while shopping for fixtures. 

Plan a budget and decide by how much, you are willing to exceed that budget, for something you really want. 

While buying lighting fixtures for rooms bring something that matches the color of the walls. This will make it easier to find lights that match the rest of the Decor. 

If you are looking for something specific and cannot find it, then you can get it specially made to order. 

While buying decorative lighting fixtures do not forget the practical purpose of lighting the room.

Traditional Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery has taken form early in Vietnam. According to ancient document, pottery appears in Vietnam ten thousand years ago. Following information is general outline of pottery and ceramics appearance through historic development. 

Prehistoric Age 

In prehistoric times, ceramic products were understandably coarse as most were mixed by women from sand and other materials. Most of the designs on the surface of the ceramics were created with sticks while the products were still wet. All of the pottery products from this era had useful applications for household duties and cooking. 

                         

Bronze Age 

Most of the pottery products from the Bronze Age were formed on turn tables and had diverse styles. As well as cooking utensils, there were also artistic ceramics and products for tool production.

The diverse products were decorated with carved images and covered by a different coloured layer of an enamel-like substance. The adornment of pottery products from this period was performed using bronze tools.

Iron Age 

Iron Age pottery products developed in all regions of the country. These products were produced at low temperatures using somewhat rudimentary techniques. The form and ornamentation of the Iron Age pottery products was quite unique to this period. This craft developed from traditional experience, and from the influence of the Chinese.

Architectural pottery, including bricks and tiles, also originated during this time and small simple statues of animals, such as pigs and oxen, were introduced.

From Ly Dynasty until now 

After more than ten centuries of Chinese domination, the Ly and Tran dynasties saw the reestablishment of national independence. During this period, pottery experienced splendid achievements in quality and diversity through large-scale production.

                          

Basic elements, including the form, decorations, and coloured enamel, were employed to create beautiful products. The painted decorations were simple, but incredibly attractive. Unique carving characteristics developed and various kinds of enamel were applied.

Since the 15th century, ceramic started to bear white enamel with blue designs and fabrication techniques improved.

                             

Nowadays, some localities are still specialized in producing ceramics, including Bac Ninh Province, Thanh Hoa Province, Nam Dinh Province, and Hanoi.

Best Color for a Living Room

Color is an important part of redecorating, and often the best color for a living room can be found in the room itself.

The Role of Color

Color can quickly transform a space, adding personality, life and interest to any room. There are several ways to inject color into your living room design, from the color of the walls themselves, to throw pillows, rugs and wall art.

When properly used, color can do even more to a space; it can change the way the room is perceived. Some colors move toward you or away from you visually, which can change the way you view the shape or size of a room. If you have a living room that is long and narrow, large and echoing or simply high or low ceilinged, color can go a long way toward making the most of the space.

The Best Color for a Living Room

There is no one best color for any space; some living rooms will look better with a lighter, cooler tone while others will benefit from a dark, warm color. Personal taste of the homeowner, overarching theme or style and the accent colors already in the room can all effect what the best color for a living room will be.

                     

When deciding what color to paint your living room, begin by accessing the room's size and shape to find the color groups that will work best in the space.

Small or Narrow Living Rooms

If your goal is to visually enlarge your living room, consider using colors that have a cool tone to them. Cool colors like grays, whites, blues and some greens recede from your eye when you look at them. Using cool tones can help open up a small room.

Large Living Rooms

If the goal is to make a large room look homier, cozier or more inviting, consider using a warm color on the walls. Warm colors contract when you look at them, making the room look smaller. This is why many people find colors like gold, yellow and red to be "cozy". If you want to create a conversation area in one section of the room, consider using a warm colored accent wall against three neutral walls to set the area apart and give the room depth.

High Ceiling Rooms

If your living room has very high ceilings, anchor the room with dark or medium dark colors on the walls. Paint the ceiling itself in a lighter version of a color in the same family to help bring it down visually.

Low Ceiling Rooms

Keep a room with low ceilings painted in light neutral tones to give the room visual height. Make the ceiling color itself a cool toned white or light gray to visually push it away.

Lots of Natural Light

If your living room has a lot of windows, sky lights or other sources of natural light, consider using a dark color on the walls to give the room richness and depth. Keep your accent colors lighter to balance this affect.

Dark Rooms

Keep paint colors in the pastel family if the room is dark or does not get a great deal of natural light. Light colors reflect any natural light that comes toward them, helping to illuminate the room.

Choosing Your Living Room Color

The best color for a living room in your home is one that reacts to the needs of the space and ties in well with any accent colors already in the space. Be sure to take a look at your drapes, rugs, pillows and wall art for inspirations when you choose your living room colors. Look to the other rooms nearby as well, to help create a color story as you move from room to room. By paying attention to what your living room is telling you, you'll be sure to find the best color for your living room.

Vietnamese Architecture

Before the 10th century, villages and hamlets appeared in this period according to several tales of Linh Nam. The ancient Vietnamese used wood to build houses to protect themselves from tigers and wolves. Two kinds of houses were depicted on the bronze drums; one in the shape of a boat and the other in a shape similar to a turtle shell.

Due to dense lakes, swamps, rivers, and highly humid tropical climate, the most appropriate building material is bamboo and wood to set up houses on low stilts. At the end of the 19th century, houses on stilts remained in mountainous areas, midlands, and plains throughout the country.

In order to be suitable with the rugged terrain, Co Loa Citadel was made out of clay during Thuc Phan Dynasty in the 3rd century BC. The architecture during the Chinese sovereignty, from the 2nd century BC to the 9th century, consisted of various structures like ramparts, royal tombs, citadels, folk-houses, and pagodas.

Nguyen Dynasty

                                                    

The development of Bac Ha region at the beginning of the 19th century was slowed down, after the capital was moved to Hue by the Nguyen Dynasty. At the same time, development in Thang Long increased and citadels, cultural structures, temples, and new residential areas were built.

The center of the significant development was in Hue where imposing citadels, palaces, and tombs were built. The Vietnamese culture in Hue was influenced by the gardened-type houses which is quite different from the tubular type of houses in Hanoi.

Hue’s architecture was considered as a collection of traditional influences which relied on flat surfaces, citadel and urban centers, interior decoration, and scenery structures.

Ly Dynasty

                                         

During the 11th century while a united-feudal state was developing, the Ly Dynasty initiated a new phase in architectural development.

Generally, the architecture of Ly Dynasty, 11th and 12th centuries, had five orthodox styles: citadels, palaces, castles, pagodas, and houses.

Thang Long Citadel had a complex of palaces, many of which were 3-4 floor temples. At that time, the Thang Long culture deeply reflected the cultural characteristic of the tower-pagoda. The architectural characteristics of the Ly Dynasty were residential complexes, more ornamental roofs, doors, door-steps, banisters, and rounded statues, all in a suitable design for the climate and traditional customs of Vietnam. Streets, markets, ground and stilt houses in popular architectural design developed simultaneously as royal palaces.

Le Dynasty

                                        

In the turn of the 15th century, under Le Dynasty, orthodox architecture had two dominant styles: the imperial palace and the royal tomb. From the 16th to 17th century, religious architecture gained a lot of popularity in architectural development.

But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh Province is famous for its structure and for the techniques used to build the tower and carve and paint the statues. When feudalism lost popularity, folk-art continued to be reflected in carvings and paintings describing active scenes of rowing, hunting, sloughing, wrestling, and cutting.

The pagoda and temple construction techniques achieved progress during the 18th century.

Tran Dynasty

                                            

Under the Tran Dynasty, the dominant architecture models were the royal palace, pagoda, house, temple, and citadel. These styles were deeply and significantly illustrated in theBinh Son Tower in Vinh Phu Province, the Pho Minh Pagoda in Nam Dinh Province, and the Thai Lac Pagoda inHung Yen Province.

The complexity and structure of Pho Minh Pagoda is an outstanding example of the architectural style of the Tran Dynasty period and of the following centuries. The structure was designed in 3 main sections: the lobby, main hall, and sanctuary.

The inside yard, or interior garden, played an important role in the traditional architectural style and reflected the concept of oriental space. The contemporary architecture of royal palaces was designed with upper floors and systems of consecutive corridors in an open-air space, which was very convenient for living in a warm climate. In spite of the crowded development, the majority of construction materials were still bamboo and wood.

Even though the Ho Dynasty lasted for only 7 years, it left an outstanding architectural heritage such as the Tay Do Citadel in Thanh Hoa Province. The splendid doors of the citadel still remain.

Modern and Contemporary Architecture

                                    

At the end of the 19th century, architectural characteristics were influenced by new construction style brought by European urban planning and the interaction between French and Oriental cultures. Since the reunification in 1975,Vietnam’s architecture has been impressively developing.

Many new urban and residential areas, industrial zones, and new villages with major architectural works have brought high artistic value to regional development. Nowadays, architectural development consists of 5 main domains: interior design, architectural design, environmental design, urban planning, and regional planning. Also, issues on spontaneous development of urban area, protection of architectural relics, and house-building strategies are problems that need urgent solutions.

Post Modern Interior Design

If you like contemporary updates of styles from the past, then you will probably enjoy post modern interior design. This contemporary style shuns minimalism in favor of decorative surfaces and designs.

What is Post Modern Design?

Beginning in the 1960's and lasting through today, the post-modern movement took root as a response to modernist design. This movement began in America and then spread internationally across the globe. Post-modern designers tend to reject the functional, minimal use of materials and lack of embellishment adopted by modernist designers. Seeking to free themselves of restrictive rules, post-modernists place form over function when desired.

Another key theme in post-modern design is borrowing from the past to create eclectic designs in architecture, furnishings, and interiors. Wit and humor are also common elements in post-modern buildings and homes. Post-modernists seek to create comfortable spaces for the body, mind, and soul. This results in a mixture of various design styles, unexpected design materials, and unconventional angles. Post-modern design typically has an air of excitement and energy.

                                        

Post Modern Design Details

Notable post-modern designers include Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Philip Johnson, and Robert A.M. Stern, to name a few. Some of the furnishings styles which define post-modern design are Craft Revival, ergonomic furniture, and art furniture. Post-modern furniture designer, Judy McKie, is known for her Craft Revival pieces which integrate stylized animal themes in distinctive, sculptural shapes. McKie's expressive, handcrafted pieces can also be described as art furniture due to her emphasis on beautiful shapes, images, and forms.

Ergonomic furniture includes post-modern pieces for both the home and the workplace. The rise of the modern commercial office and the home office has lead to a need for comfortable seating and work spaces. An example of post-modern ergonomic home furniture is the Stressless® collection from Ekornes. Their recliner was introduced in 1971 with an emphasis on comfort that provided proper support at the same time. Ekornes now offers their contemporary sofas in styles and finishes that coordinate with the Stressless line of furnishings. Their line proves that comfort can be stylish.

Art furniture employs form over function and includes unique designs such as pop art motifs and whimsical themes. Often times, art furniture stands alone from its function like a sculpture or object d' art. The furniture should be useful and somewhat functional, but the main purpose of art furniture is to add interest to a room through a theme, color, or shape. Sculptural chairs and coffee tables are common examples of art furniture. Bold shapes and interesting angles are also a major element of art furniture pieces.

Some of the other trends inside the post-modern movement include:

• Classic modernism - borrows from the classical, graceful designs of the ancient Greeks.
• Memphis style - started by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980's, this style promotes freedom of expression in form and color.
• Deconstructivism - places emphasis on form and design without adherence to normal structural rules. Frank O. Gehry's unique, whimsical designs are one example.
• High tech style - emphasizes the display of industrial and structural elements in a noticeable or decorative way.