Smart home devices to invest in

From locks to switches to speakers, there are more gadgets to install than ever before. But are smart home devices really worth installing in your home? The answer is yes, and here are some devices that you can include in your home that will improve not only its security but its appearance as well: 

Image source: quertime.com

1. Nest learning thermostat 

Nest thermostats come in several anodized aluminum finishes and can be wall-mounted or placed on a portable stand. It communicates wirelessly to your boiler and can control radiators and water heating. The machine knows when you’ve left the house and switches to away mode to conserve energy. You can control it via smartphone and the internet. 

2. Nest Cam IQ 

Nest’s IQ is a security cam which is smarter and more advanced than your average CCTV system. Equipped with a high-quality lens and digital sensors, it can alert you and stream footage when someone intrudes your home. Smart programming allows it to zoom in on a person and follow it around the room. 

3. Philips Hue Ambiance starter kit 

The Philips Hue range is tremendous. But you can make do with the three bulbs included with the starter kit which you can control via wireless bridge unit. The bulbs can be set to 16 million different colors. Just pick the shade you like best. 

Image source : stackpathdns.com

Hi there! Jonathan Bunge here. I’m an architect by profession but I’m also a part-time interior designer. Visit my Facebook Page for more updates like this.

Amazing Set Designs Found in Film and TV

Have any of you been following “Game of Thrones”? Or have you seen any of the movies from the “Star Wars” or “Harry Potter” franchises? Are any of you like me, who believe the characters were really in the places where their scenes were set? That’s because their set design was way on point.

Image source: businessinsider.com

So many movies and television shows nowadays have amazing set design. The increased budget doesn’t hurt, but credit should also be given to the imagination of the set designers who have been influenced by legends of architecture and interior design.

Take a look at Rivendell in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and tell me that isn’t the perfect vacation spot. The same goes for places like Dorne or Highgarden in “Game of Thrones.” Set designers can make any place look cozy or threatening.

One of the most impressive pieces of miniature design can be found in Ridley Scott’s classic, “Blade Runner.” The film was produced in a time way before CGI was introduced, and yet the futuristic, dark, grimy world looked every bit as realistic as that of “The Matrix,” which came out almost 15 years later.

People should learn to pay more respect to set designers. After all, the worlds of our favorite films won’t be complete without them.

Image source: pinterest.com

I’m Jonathan Bunge from Chicago, Illinois. I’m an architect, and I love discussing design. For more design facts and trivia, follow me on Twitter.