Colourful Story Of Kaleidoscope! For October 2018

Colour Stories

Ever wondered what is the magic behind the pattern of colours when you turn a kaleidoscope? Read on to know everything about it…

Kaleidoscope is an optical instrument with two or more reflecting surfaces tilted to each other at an angle, so that one or more objects on one end of the mirrors are seen as a regular symmetrical pattern when viewed from the other end, owing to repeated reflection. The mirrors are often inside a tube, containing on one end a cell with loose, coloured pieces of glass or other transparent materials to be reflected into the viewed pattern. Rotation of the cell causes motion of the materials, which results in the eye-catching effect that akaleidoscope is known for!

Have you ever wondered who invented this amazing object? It was invented in 1816 by Scottish inventor named SirDavid Brewster. He was studying several aspects of Physical Sciences including polarization optics and the properties of light. While looking at some objects at the end of two mirrors, he happened to noticethat striking patterns and colours were recreated and reformed into stunning new arrangements. He named this new invention of his after Greek words that meant beautiful form watcher.

He patented his idea in the year 1817 but it seems an incorrectly worded patent made it easy for others to copy it without much in the way of legal recourse. Many inventors were aggressive in mass producing this new art form as well.

Not only did Sir David Brewster invent the kaleidoscope, but he was also instrumental in many light and optical advances including a lens design for lighthouses and he even made advances in stereoscope designs in 1849.

During the Victorian period, kaleidoscopes became a very popular thing. Charles Bush was a very famousUS kaleidoscope-maker during the 1870s for his parlour kaleidoscope. He patented his idea in 1873 and collectors till date search for this particular kaleidoscope.

There was a renaissance in Kaleidoscope artistry from late 1970s. The first exhibition of kaleidoscopes held in 1980 helped fuel the interest in kaleidoscopes as an art form. Today, there are plenty of great kaleidoscope artists and kaleidoscope makers.

If you belong to the baby boomer generation, it is likely that you received a toy kaleidoscope as a giftwhen you were a kid.

Hope you found this information on kaleidscope, its origin and history interesting. Watch this space for more such interesting and colourful stories!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For October 2018

1. What is your favourite colour? Is it blue? Marketing companies and researchers have done many surveys around the world to find out what people’s favourite colours are. Blue is by far the most popular colour. We humans favour a colour that gives out good vibes. Hence, the colour BLUE. Blue, the colour of the ocean or the sky, is often associated with feelings of serenity. It has calming effect on everyone around and most of the time we prefer to be calm rather than be stimulated or depressed by other colours. Deviations from blue probably arise due to other interests. Purple, red and green are the next most popular colours and white, yellow and orange are the least favourite colours.
2. Green eyes – world’s most attractive eye colour! Brown, Blue, Hazel, Grey, Green - these are just a few of the eye colour shades which we humans or animals possess. Out of all the above, Green is among the rarest eye colours in the world. It has been estimated that only 2% of the world’s population have true green eyes. These are considered to be catchy and are the most attractive eye colour in the world (followed by Light Blue & Hazel). Some of the world’s most popular celebrities possess with this beautiful colour. For instance, Channing Tatum, Lindsay Lohan, Adele, Emma Stone, Angelina Jolie and several others.
3. Horses are dichromatic eyes. Most humans are trichromats, having perception of the three primary colours. Horses have the largest eyes of any land mammal, have excellent day and night vision, but they have dichromatic (two-colour) vision. Horses along with pigs, goats, cows, sheep and deer - have only two different cone types on their retina, providing them with what scientists call dichromatic vision. Their colour vision is somewhat similar to red-green colour blindness in humans, where certain colours, especially red and related colours, appear as shades of green. If we are trichromats, horses are dichromats; but birds go even above, having four cone types (tetrachromacy), as well as ultra violet (UV) sensitivity.

Colour Quotes For October 2018

• The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.

  - Coco Chanel

• Why do two colours, put one next to the other, sing?

  - Pablo Picasso

• Colour is the least expensive thing to put in a house.

  - Ruthie Sommers

Colour Tips For October 2018

1. Think outside the box when it comes to accent walls!
   It is not a simple wall paint. Think about ways to spruce up your wall. Metallics are powerful style statements for an accent wall. There is more to accent walls than just paint. Have you considered stone or tile for your accent wall? Extensive shelving can also work as an accent wall in a room that lacks an architectural feature and lacks storage. Your accent wall can also include a gallery of photos or artwork or even a fabric-draped wall. Another chic decorating trend is to add colour to the ceiling, which can be created with soft colours or even vivid colours.
2. Neutrals? Always a yes!
   Do you think neutral colours are boring? Well let's say that bold is better. There is always room for pops of colour in your life, but there are a lot of good reasons to stick with a neutral colour scheme. The best feature of neutral colours are that you will never grow tired of them. Classics will always be a classic. If you decide to throw in some vibrant hues in your life, then you simply add a few bold coloured pillows, or add in coloured frames to your wall, or buy a beautiful bouquet of bright flowers. A dark wall adds presence and maturity to an otherwise light room.

3. Go for bold hues for your kitchen.
   
   Move over white and off-whites for your kitchen.

   1 Match your merlot to your cabinets for a kitchen that's ready to have a good time. An emerald chair adds the finishing touch!

   2 Red is a classic colour for dining areas, as it stimulates appetite and conversation, so it's a smart choice for a kitchen with a large, communal island.

   3 A soft colour palette creates a kitchen that feels like a relaxing escape.

   4 Be bold and install cabinets in country Green colour. Here, a rustic treatment ensures that the green doesn't overwhelm the space.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For October 2018

1. In 1998, researchers at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, did a study to figure whether colour influenced the worker’s productivity and moods. What they found in the study titled “Task Type, Posters, and Workspace Colour on Mood, Satisfaction, and Performance” was that colours hugely influenced employees’ moods and the urgency with which they tackled their work. Volunteers for the study worked in either a red or blue work space. Those who worked in the blue work areas reported feeling more calm, centred and focused for longer periods of time than those who worked in red spaces. Workers in the red work areas felt more agitated and were more easily distracted from tasks, even the tasks that were important.
2. We spend up to eight hours in the workplace, which is why it is no surprise that colour and space can affect our productivity and ouroverall wellbeing. It is essential that you choose the right colour for your work environment to help reduce stress and depression whilst creating a sense of happiness, calm, and creativity. A recent study by the University of Texas found that beige,bland grey and white offices induced feelings of depression and sadness, particularly in women. In contrast, men experienced gloomy feelings in orange and purple workspaces.

Colours & Fashion For October 2018

We are sure that you have come across tropical prints on apparels and accessories. Tropical areas have always been a great source of inspiration for artists and craftsmen both. The rich fauna and flora of warm places are something that many people wish to be surrounded by. The tropical aesthetic, comprising of deep colours, especially dark green and brightly-coloured flowers, animals and birds exude a warm and cosy vibe. What makes the tropical print so special is that it is effortlessly feminine and fun. So go ahead and embrace those tropical vibes. Also, don’t forget to accessorise with some bold accessories to make a stunning statement!

Colours & Gems For October 2018

1. Clinohumite
   Discovered in 1876, Clinohumite is a gemstone quality magnesium silicate with a chemical formula distinguished by silicate and oxide layers. An extremely rare mineral, it is also a rare gemstone. Until recently, it was thought to be one of the ten rarest gemstones in the whole world, with only a few thousand carats worth of gemstones known to exist in private collections. It is known to bring out feelings of happiness and joy, making it ideal to wear when feeling stressed or depressed. This beautiful gemstone resonates strongly at the solar plexus and sacral chakras, and possesses outstanding metaphysical properties as well.
2. Amber
   Amber is considered a gemstone even though technically it is a fossilized tree resin and not a stone. According to Norse mythology, Freyja cried tears that turned into gold and amber when her husband was away. Amber is associated with electricity and light. The word ‘electricity’ is derived from the Greek name for amber, elektron, and the stone, once believed to be made of congealed sunlight, was sacred to the Greek god Apollo. The Chinese believed that amber was the soul of the tiger transformed after death. Amber is believed to tackle depression, stimulate the intellect and promote self-confidence and creative self-expression. It encourages spontaneity, decision-making and brings balance, wisdom and patience.

Colours & Nature For October 2018

1. Spurge hawk-moth
   The Spurge hawk-mothis smooth and black, with numerous white dots. There are also eleven large spots of the same colour in a row on each side of the back, and beneath these areplenty of spots of the same size and of a bright coral-red colour. The head is the same coral-red colour, and a line of the same colour runs all along the back, from the head till the horn. The horn is red at the base and black at the tip. The chrysalis is pale brown anddelicately lined with black dots. This creature feeds on sea-spurge and buries itself in the loose dry sand on the coast.
2. Bhutan glory
   Bhutanitis lidderdalii, the Bhutan glory, is a species of swallowtail butterfly (family Papilionidae). It is found in Bhutan, parts of north-eastern India and south-east Asia. It is a stunning insect that is sought after by collectors. It is named after Dr R. Lidderdale, from whose collection the butterfly was first described by William Stephen Atkinson in 1873. Interesting, isn’t it? It is listed under CITES Appendix II, but not in the Red Book of the IUCN. The status of the butterfly has been recorded as rare by the authorities and is "insufficiently known" in the IUCN Red Data Book on swallowtails, adding to its appeal.

Decor

How To Select An Interior Designer?

Thinking of revamping your existing home or planning on decorating your new one? Here are some tips to choose the right interior designer who will understand your exact needs…

Designing your home can be a daunting process. You may face challenges along the way without the help of the most important individual – the interior designer! An experienced interior designer will help set up your dream home for you, which is why before selecting a professional, you need to consider these four aspects as a starting point for your search:

Set a budget

It is very important to know your budget before you start the project. Some interior designers charge a fixed fee for their services, others charge by the hour. This can also be a factor that helps you decide between several designers and narrow down your choices.

Use services

One way to look for reliable and qualified interior designers is through professional design bodies that have extensive knowledge of the industry and the kinds of people who operate in them.

Ask friends & family for recommendations

One of the simplest ways to look for a skilled interior designer is to consult with friends and family, find out if they have recently had their home renovated and how happy they were with the job done by the interior designer. If you receive a positive feedback from them, make sure to contact the services immediately and enquire in detail.

Always pick a designer who speaks to you, figuratively

Deciding on an interior designer can be challenging, especially when you have no idea where to start. Don’t settle for any random interior designer. It is essential to look at their existing portfolio to understand their quality of work. It is a wise decision to visit the premises that they have worked on to get a better idea of how they have executed the task.

Keep the tips mentioned above in mind and try to accumulate as much information as possible before selecting who to hire. Remember to pick an interior designer who will understand your style, your tastes in room paint design, bedroom wall designs, wall texture designs for living room, any other requirements that you may have and help you create a living space just the way you envisioned.

How To Add Colour To Your Bedroom?

In the past few decades, going with neutral and monochromatic shades for the bedroom has been a stand out trend. While there is no harm with this, you do run the risk of ending up ...

with a space that looks monotonous and even bland. But not to worry because bringing some life back into your bedroom is the easiest thing you can do and we’re here to tell you how you can achieve this.

Your bedroom colours should reflect your personality in such a way that the area feels like your very own and one in which you instantly relax and feel at home. Using colours in a room’s paint design is a fun way to revitalise a space, but painting is not the only way to add colour. With our simple tips and tricks below, you can fine-tune the colour combination for bedroom in an effortless as well as personable manner, without breaking the bank!

A Bright Rug

This simple article has true transformative power. Depending on the neutral shades which are the base of your bedroom décor, you can pick out a rug with a pattern or a plain one. You could also go with the option to hang up the rug on a wall, which has a spotlight on it, making it a central piece of the space. This works well for exotic standout rugs.

Statement Bedding

If you have bedroom walls in a rather monotonous colour and want to rev things up a bit, this one’s for you. Picking out bed linen in a vibrant mix of colours, textures and patterns can turn a room around. It is one of the easiest ways of making your room look completely different, with the least effort.

Potted Plants

Bringing in foliage into a room has a calming yet uplifting effect on its décor. Whether you go with green plants, the flowering kind or a combination of the two, your space will benefit from the added oxygen and freshness. It also brings in an earthy personality to the room which makes it cosy and inviting to be in.

Pieces of Art

If you want to make a statement in your bedroom while keeping things minimal and clutter-free, a piece of art should do the trick. Be it a stand-alone piece, a sculpture or a painting, the key here is to select a piece that is of personal meaning and significance to you. As the idea is to be inspired by colour, it would be best to go with a piece that is a combination of colours or one bold shade in an unusual texture.

Whatever your choice from the above, always be aware of whether it complements the rest of the room colour. All it takes is a few elements to enliven your bedroom especially when done tastefully. Stay mindful to create a harmonious contrast of colours which brings your space to life.

How To Prepare To Renovate Your Room?

The reason you are renovating your room is to make it look and feel better than before. But before you get down to making the actual changes and before your vision becomes ...

reality, you have to plan out each step of the way. This will not only save you time but also money in the long run. There are a lot of elements that need to come together in a timely manner in order for your plan to renovate to be executed smoothly. So, here are some of the pointers you need to keep in mind when you want to give your room a memorable renovation.

Zoning in on an Interior Designer or an Architect

Most people prefer to go with professionals when it comes to mapping out a more detailed plan of action for renovation. Architects are good to have on call when there are structural changes to be made to the room. Especially in the case of kitchens, bathrooms and work-areas of the house which need a do-over. If the scope of work involves painting, room colour, wall texture designs and the likes, then an interior designer is more suited for the job at hand. But if it is a combination of both the tasks, then it is obvious that you will require the input of both types of professionals.

Creating a Plan

Once you’ve gone through the preliminary meetings with the professionals and have settled on whom you are comfortable working with, the next phase is the creation of a plan. These plans are known as ‘schematic plans’ and include a rough layout of the floor plans and a view of the room’s exterior, if there are changes to be made. This process of creation of a plan and approval by you is likely to take around a week in normal cases.

Interviewing Contractors

When the schematic plans have been finalised, you will be at a stage where you have to start talking to contractors. Here is where the costing of your renovation plans will start materialising, such as paint colour price, painting materials and you have to take recommendations as well as do your research before finalizing a contractor. This should take some time, depending on the number of people you have to interview and coordinate with.

As you can see, renovation is definitely something that requires a lot of planning, coordinating and organizing. What if we told you there was an easier way? You can avoid all of this and more if you make the smart choice and pick a hassle-free service like Berger Express Painting with dedicated customer executives who take care of everything for you. With trained applicators, on-site technical support, mechanized tools and advanced products, Berger’s Express Painting is 40% faster than traditional painting and comes at no extra cost*.

The above three phases are the main steps to follow when planning on renovating. You will also have to take into account purchasing the materials, paints, etc. This step can again be avoided when using Berger Express Painting, as the service delivers products free to your home and the trained painters also cover and move furniture to ensure cleanliness and your peace of mind.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For October 2018

There are many simple Feng Shui tips you can apply to strengthen the flow of energy in your career. In Feng Shui, there is a specific area in your office that is responsible for the flow of good energy in all your career endeavors.

Feng Shui tips for a successful career!

These easy Feng Shui tips will help you attract the success you deserve while enjoying fresh, new and vibrant energy on your career path.

No matter which Feng Shui career success tips you choose to apply, we highly encourage you to always take good care of your personal energy. Once you get into the habit of doing that, everything else will fall into place.

Best Feng Shui is often achieved by experimenting, so allow yourself to do that. Your space is unique, just like you are, so learn to listen and cooperate with it.

1. Feng Shui energy
   Check your home or office space for the quality of its Feng Shui energy. You need to be surrounded by crisp, clear and vibrant Feng Shui energy in order to attract career success. 
2. Flow of Chi
   Regularly check the flow of Chi (energy in your home or office space).
   Now that we are clear with the Feng Shui good energy basics, move on to doing some Feng Shui redecoration for career success!
3. Follow these Feng Shui tips
   Arrange your desk in the Feng Shui commanding position and see if you can face one of your lucky directions of Feng Shui. The lucky directions are considered quite important in Feng Shui as by facing them, you absorb the best quality of energy.
   • Activate your career bagua area! North is the bagua area that governs your career path in life energy. Find the north area which is responsible for your career energy and decorate it with one or more of these success cures: the map of the world OR a mirror in metal frame OR black and white photos of people whose career and energy you admire OR your own images of career success.
   • Be sure to take good care of your personal energy. Feeling healthy and energized will certainly help you attract better career opportunities.

Reiki For October 2018

The exquisite Reiki music promotes a feeling of wellness, to assist in activating the natural healing processes of the body. The sounds tap into the universal life force, and engender calmness that fits perfectly with the gentle system of healing by touch that is Reiki.

Reiki music for the soul.

A Reiki session of music helps clear the mind and body. Reiki music combines Tibetan bells and singing bowls that are used to accent the subtle sounds of the harp, acoustic guitar, violin, viola and sometimes a flute or piano.

Reiki music can help raise the practitioner's consciousness. It can raise your sense of awareness. Occasionally there may be a chant in a song but for the most part it is all instrumental.

Reiki music helps one go deeper into consciousness. It also helps you stay focused and stay in the moment.

Don’t consider any music as Reiki Music. You must be clear about some specific aspects that will determinate that the track is valid for this therapy or not. Reiki music is a complementary tool to improve the effectiveness of the main therapeutic resource.

Not all music is Reiki music. Some chanted songs and Mantras that are usually relaxing may not work as Reiki music. The best idea is using music with natural sounds, Tibetan bowls, didgeridoos or even better, with Japanese and Eastern-Asia instruments. Keep playing it at a low/moderate volume and with stereo-speaker if possible.

Types of Reiki music:

• Tracks with birds and wind sounds will work great to heal the Fourth Chakra and peace of mind. 
• Wave sounds and water drums/sticks are very useful to work on the Second Chakra and the expression of the emotions and feelings.
• Music with soft drums and didgeridoos are commonly associated to healing of the First Chakra.

Avoid repeated tracks during a Reiki session. Use more tracks so you won’t get bored. In case you practice Auto-Reiki, the mind could develop resistance to the same music.

How does it help?

• Most of the Reiki music uses sounds and instruments related to the origin of the universe and nature, thereby bringing you closer to your spirit and original identity, which is the base for real happiness.
• Meditating with Reiki music helps you remember that emotions are just physical reactions that help us to react efficiently and they are not meant to control our mind.
• By healing the above dimensions, Reiki music may have a direct physical effect on the body.

Vaastu For October 2018

Vaastu Shastra is used in houses to bring positivity, good luck and happiness. Those who believe in Vaastu follow the tips to decorate their house accordingly, sometimes with indoor plants.

Best household plants according to Vaastu

Vaastu experts do not recommend growing them outside in the garden. They should be grown indoors as a rule. Indoor plants add a different look to the interiors, and bring positive energy in the house. Moreover, it looks natural and exotic! Keeping the indoor plants at the right direction can bring positivity and keep away negative energy.

Other than money plant which helps in removing obstacles in financial growth and brings multiple sources of income, there are other Vaastu-approved plants that will enhance your lifestyle:

Let's check the guidelines below:

1. Rubber plants
   The round leaves of the rubber plant are symbolic of wealth and financial growth. They can bring you a lot of commercial success and money when placed in the correct zone of your house. They also act as a natural air purifier.
2. Lily
   The lily plant is a fragrant flower that entices one and all with its aroma. According to Vaastu, it is a symbol of happiness, peace and harmony. Lilies are associated with meditation; therefore keep them in a place where you practice meditation.
3. Bamboo
   Bamboo trees are easy to have around the home. The lotus bamboo, specially, brings luck into the home, and stands for peace and innocence.
4. Orchids
   Orchids are a great addition to the lives of newlyweds. They are symbolic of love, and can comfort the soul. They are also beautiful, and can adorn any corner they are placed in.
5. Chinese flowers:
   Chinese flowers symbolize optimism and health. They mark the beginning of a new year, since the tree blossoms in spring. Keeping this plant in the living room area will give the best results.
6. Tulsi
   Its leaves can emanate oxygen throughout the day and night. Also, the Tulsi plant holds a very special place in Hindu mythology, and is often worshipped by the women of the household.
7. Lotus
   Although the lotus is an unconventional choice for a house plant, it has many good vibrations. It is associated with Ma Lakshmi and Lord Buddha, which makes it highly auspicious.