Explore The World Of Plaid For September 2018

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  • calendar-iconSep , 2018
  • Colour Magazine
  • 3 Min Read

Colour Stories

Plaid is one of the most widespread and recognizable designs in the world. It is available in different colours and shades. Let us read on to know more about this ubiquitous pattern and its interesting…

Did you know plaid has meant a lot of different things to many different people during the thousands of years that people have been wearing this iconic fabric?

In fact, plaid isn’t even the pattern’s proper name. The right word for it is ‘tartan’, which was first used to describe the individual colours and patterns used for clothes of various Scottish clans. What is plaid? It is a woven fabric which makes use of coloured yarns that cross over each other to create a blocky, linear pattern that we all know.

Interestingly, while they often came in the same colours earlier, they were actually heavy traveling cloaks worn during the harsh Scottish winters. Plaid replaced tartan when the patterns became famous with British and American textile manufacturers recreating the fabrics without the symbolic meaning associated with it. These local patterns became synonymous with the regional clans scattered all around Scotland over time.

During the 18th century, tartan was made the military uniform during James Francis Edward Stuart’s 1714 rebellion against the English monarchy. At the same time, a pattern, which is known today as “Black Watch Plaid” became associated with the Royal Highland Regiment, which was a Scottish military force. It was the pride of the UK army until it was split in 2003. Although after the Scottish forces were defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the multi-coloured tartans were banned for about a century.

In the 1970s, plaid was seen everywhere in the U.S. not just on shirts, but also home décor. At the same time, in England, Queen Elizabeth II’s royal tartan was appropriated in the form of punk style. The plaid was worn distressed or ripped up for a rebellious look. It continued to be the uniform of the rebel till the 90s, where it was a huge part of ‘grunge’ style.

In recent times, plaid is seen sported by a lot of people and it seems like it is one pattern that is here to stay. It has gone through several iterations and has been worn in several ways possible, standing the test of time. What works for it is its versatility and complements every wardrobe and home.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For September 2018

  1. There is no way to truly find out what animals really perceive. However, scientists can examine the cones inside their eyes and figure out what colours an animal sees. Isn’t that fascinating? Have you wondered what colours do fish see? One of the techniques used to determine the colour vision of fish is microspectrophotometry. This interesting process assesses the visual pigments and photo-sensitivity of cells to know how and what colours a fish sees.
  2. Some snakes use thermal sensing to see in infrared. They have special, evolved pits that are situated between their eyes and nostrils that are able to sense minute temperature changes. This means that it can be pitch black out, but a snake will know if a warm body approaches them. Their infrared vision is extremely accurate that helps them detect prey at distances of up to one meter and can also detect temperature changes as precise as 0.002 degrees centigrade. Now, isn’t that awesome?
  3. Ever wondered how birds get their colours? It can be said that the concept of colours in different birds is a fairly complex calculation. There are mainly two factors that are responsible for the distinct shades among birds. They are keratin and pigments. Pigments are colour makers, found in both plants and animals. They absorb certain shades of colours and reflect the others. It is the reflected colours that the human eye captures. These two factors are processed in multiple ways in different birds that give them the final coat of colour. Interesting information, isn’t it? We bet you didn’t know this!

Colour Quotes For September 2018

  • I'm a 'blue sky thinker' and dream big.

    - Hilary Knight

  • Our green valleys will be greener once we fully grasp the infinite vitality of the green!

    - Mehmet Murat ildan

  • Would a Violet Crumble taste the same if it was yellow?

    - Anthony T. Hincks

Colour Tips For September 2018

  1. It is often observed that while painting baseboard, painters slip masking tape under the baseboard. However, it is a time-consuming process and doesn’t create a seep-proof seal between the baseboard and the carpet. Simply, press the tape against the baseboard, covering about 1/4 inch of the bottom edge. Apply pressure on the carpet when you apply the tape. This way, it ensures that the tape will hold the carpet down while you paint. When you remove the tape, the carpet will rise and cover the unpainted edge of the baseboard. Don’t forget to use a good-quality tape for this job because it grabs and holds the baseboard better.
  2. Ever wondered how to create vertical stripes on the wall? Wait for the base coat to dry. Measure the wall, starting in the corner that is the least seen. Make use of a tape measure to mark the lines corresponding to the width of the stripes. If your stripes are going to be the same width, measure the wall and divide by that number, or measure the wall and divide by an odd number to reach the desired stripe width. An odd number of stripes will guarantee that the stripes at the corners are of the same shade. This will make the design seamless and cohesive.
  3. Ever heard of the term ‘hatbanding’? A common problem known as hatbanding occurs when painters use a paintbrush for cutting in and a roller to apply the rest of the paint. A different texture is produced along the ceiling and the trim. To prevent hatbanding from occuring, all you need to do is roll the paint as close to the cut-in areas as possible. Also, remember that properly priming drywall will help prevent hatbanding from occurring. So, next time you take up a painting project at your home, don’t forget these pointers!

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For September 2018

  1. Researchers have discovered that the colour red causes people to react with greater speed and force than any other colours. This is something that might prove useful during athletic activities like weightlifting which require a brief burst of strength and speed. However, not many people are aware of the colour's intensifying effect. Do take caution as the colour’s energy boost is likely to be short-lived.
  2. Colour choices that we make are often influenced by factors including availability, price, selection and other practical concerns. The personality of the buyer can play an important role in colour selection. Did you know that the colour preferences could also change with time? An individual might fancy brighter, more attention-grabbing colours when he/she is younger, but find drawn to more traditional colours as he/she grows older. Isn’t that interesting?

Colours & Fashion For September 2018

Haven’t you ever wondered how unicorns came into mainstream millennial culture? The trend began in around 2016 and has been fuelled by Instagram. They are a favourite with the millennial and marketers and manufacturers have also helped drive this trend. You can see it everywhere, be it clothing, stationary or toys. If you research, you will realise that since the 16th century, unicorns have become much more rainbow coloured and shinier. As for how long unicorns will be part of our lives, who is to say? But we think, if you can't beat them, join them!

Colours & Gems For September 2018

  1. Pyrope Garnet
    Pyrope Garnet is a lovely gemstone that ranges in colour from a deep orange that is almost brown to a deep, rich red. Owing to its dark colour, it ranges in its degree of translucence. It is a member of the garnet group and is the only gemstone of the garnet family to always showcase red colouration in natural samples. It is from this characteristic that it gets its name: from the Greek for fire and eye. This gemstone boosts circulation, especially in the cold weather, enhances blood quality and relieves blood disorders. It helps get rid of bladder problems and also stimulates sexuality. Pyrope Garnet was believed to be effective against legendary vampires, and Pyrope bullets were once used in slings in Asia.
  2. Tsavorite is a gemstone with the trade name for the emerald-green variety of Grossular Garnet. This beautiful gem originates in Africa and has become one of the most popular and expensive Garnets, due to its rarity and effective marketing tactics. This gemstone was first discovered in Tanzania in the year 1967. It was later found in the same geological formation across the border in Kenya in 1970 near Tsavo National Park, a wildlife preserve in the African Serengeti. The gemstone gets its name from this national park. This gemstone was named by both, Campbell Bridges, who was the discoverer of Tsavorite, and by Henry Platt, the president of Tiffany & Co., which is today one of the world's largest jewellery companies.

Colours & Nature For September 2018

  1. Violet Snail
    Meet the striking Violet Snail. It is found in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Eastern Tasmania. It is widespread in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans in tropical and subtropical waters. It lives in oceans and coastal waters, spending its entire life floating on the ocean surface. It manages to float by producing its own mucus-covered bubble raft, and feeding on By-the-wind Sailors (Velella velella) and floating cnidarians such as Blue Bottles (Physalia physalis). The Violet Snail broods its offsprings and releases the mini-adults straight into the sea. Did you know that all offspring begin life as male and transform into females later? Isn’t this fascinating?
  2. Ring-necked Snake
    The ring-necked snake is one of the most stunning creatures on the planet to look at! It is non-poisonous and not dangerous to humans. However, it has big non-grooved teeth in the rear of the upper jaw and mild venom that helps to incapacitate small prey. If you are wondering what colours and pattern are on its body, read on... It is a pale subspecies with olive, light gray, olive-gray dorsal colouring, with a light orange or yellowish underside that is lightly speckled with black markings. The underside of the tail is a vibrant reddish orange. An orange band circles the neck, which is sometimes faint or absent. It is well-adapted to arid conditions but likes moist habitats like wet meadows, rocky hillsides, coniferous forests, woodlands and grasslands.

Decor

Why Hiring Painters And Decorators Is Easier?

You need to take into account a lot of things when you think of wall painting and decorating your home. Read on to know why hiring painters and decorators to do the job is a good idea…

Hiring professional painters and decorators who are trained to beautify your home is a wise decision if you wish to free yourself from the constant attention that is required during these tasks, which is not the case when you hire a local painter. Opting for a professional painting service leaves you with ample amount of time to focus on other aspects of your life like your work and family, while the experts take care of the rest.

A professional painting service also saves a lot of time. Wondering how? Any homeowner or business who has ever entrusted the work to a local painter knows the challenges of getting the job done on time. There are almost always extra trips to the paint store for paint supplies. It is difficult to accurately figure the time required to prepare the project area. And, there’s always the unanticipated time required for repair and touch-ups.

A professional painting service ensures that quality work is delivered. Local painters may not know the latest technology, trendy colour combinations, nor have the knowledge of how new products work, how to use it or the right tools for the painting job. Good quality products are as important as excellence in paint application. It is important to hire a professional painting service that is educated on all of the various aspects of painting or decorating project.

Professional services offer fair pricing. This is not the case when you choose a local painter where you end up underestimating total paint needs and add a strain on your wallet with unanticipated expenses.

Also, often, local painters do not bother to clean up the mess after painting or take precaution to protect the existing furniture in the project area. It is not the same when you hire a professional painting service to do the task. The professionals make sure to take extra care of the furniture around the project area and see to it that no damage is caused.

When you look at all of these positives, doesn’t it become clearer that it is the best decision for your home? What’s not to like about hiring professional painters or decorators for your home?

Calling a professional to handle the job today can ensure that your home looks great tomorrow. So, what are you waiting for?

Why Hire An Experienced Painter?

When you have a vision for your home, there are many elements that have to come together to bring it into reality. From the colour palette, fabrics, furniture to a host of tiny details, your vision of décor heaven is never just a step away.

You will have to be meticulous, down to the T in order for your home to look and feel like the way you picture it in your head. But we’re here to tell you that among the ninety nine hassles of fixing your décor, getting your walls painted doesn’t have to be one of them!

In case you are someone who still thinks that any wall painter will do, keep reading to find out the benefits of hiring an experienced painter.

As a matter of fact, having your house painted and selecting the paints you prefer is a huge task. There is a difference between exterior paints and the ones used for interior surfaces. Paints for outside walls are designed to be more durable so that they can bear the brunt of the elements. When it comes to interior paints, you will have to take calls about the difference in palette around your home. Be it for the living area versus your bedroom or accent walls versus textured walls, the more you think of it, you will understand that it will take a professional to get it all done.

So here are the top reasons it makes practical sense to hire an experienced painter:

Saves a Lot of Time

A professional at the job will save your time as compared to a novice doing the job. Whether the house is small or big, a play of paints can either make a space look cosy or bigger. But to achieve these effects in a timely manner can only be done by someone who is familiar with the medium as well as the tools.

Understanding your Requirements

The experience of having your house painted is more likely to be a smooth one with an experienced painter who evaluates your house and asks you questions to know your exact requirements, so you don’t land up buying more or less of what you need. This process will save you any reworks later thus saving on costs and energy.

Knowledge of Tools

There is a lot that you can do with paints these days. There are textures, patterns and various other styles supported by various tools, so painting is not just an up-front job but requires the proper prep before beginning and execution. Experienced painters are familiar with the various tools for different types of treatments a wall can be given with paints that can achieve a certain impact on your overall décor.

We’re sure that by now it is pretty self-evident why an experienced painter is a boon. After all, there is a lot of truth to the statement ‘practice makes perfect’. Painters with a whole lot of practice bring their own insights to their craft, which makes them true professionals. All you have to do is trust them to deliver their best for a result that turns heads.

Here What You Must Know Before Hiring A Local Painter

In the similar way that the clothes and shoes in your closet eventually do need to be switched out for new ones, your house too will do well with a revamp once in a while.

Of course, it wouldn’t be as often as your wardrobe, but the decision to renovate will probably be the best one you make. We say this because paint and décor styles evolve with time so it’s good to stay updated. Renovation and repainting gives you the much needed opportunity to take preventive steps for any signs of damages and lets you fix any issues that might have cropped up, yet remain unnoticed.

A major chunk and the first thing while setting up a new house or renovating one is having your walls painted. You want the interior and exterior of your house to be a reflection of your family’s personal style. If you are looking for a vintage feel, you must be careful that it isn’t dated instead. On the other hand, if you are going for something contemporary in the colour palette, it can run the risk of becoming a bit impersonal. These are fine lines which have to be drawn based on preferences so that your décor comes together, along with your upholstery and furniture, impeccably. After all, the colour of your wall is the canvas that will elevate the ambience of your interiors. It is also the reason why making your selection in paints is not as simple as one visit to the paint store. Keep reading to know why hiring a local painter is the best thing to do.

Quality and Efficiency

There is a marked difference in the quality of painting that’s done by a professional painter. Their experience and attention-to-detail will ensure that the smallest details are covered to perfection. Not only will they be able to guide you as they well-versed in the colours and products that are suitable for specific spaces, they are also aware of tools, equipment and techniques that can improve the overall efficiency of painting without compromising on quality and results, which in turn saves you money, time and efforts.

Time, Speed and Safety

It is always a wise decision to enlist the services of professional home painting services who understand what it takes to get the tasks done. You can clarify your doubts, express your concerns and benefit from the insights they offer, for your house. Once the goal is clear and timelines are set, you can be rest assured that an experienced painter/s will work speedily within the timeframe. Trained painters are also well-versed in the correct usage of products in the safest way, ensuring security for your home and loved ones.

Where To Find a Good Painter

You can either go with word-of-mouth recommendations, consults experts known to you or look through online directories for the best rated painting services. Or why not try Berger Paints, it offers one of the best express home painting services with Berger Express Painting. Not only is furniture moving and covering handled but cutting-edge automated machines are used to keep your house dust-free throughout the entire process, that too you can enjoy these benefits at no extra cost compared to traditional painting! Experienced and trained professionals handle the job which is completed in a faster, cleaner and better manner.

We, at Berger Paints, are in a position to assure you that we are more than just a paint store and paint supplier. We believe in giving our customers an experience they will remember, you can reach out to us for our professional home painting services and infuse life back into your walls! Hiring a professional painter is now easier than ever before!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For September 2018

#DidYouKnow, Feng Shui isn’t a modern art technique used for decorating places. It is one of the oldest concepts of home decoration invented in Ancient China. Read on to know more…

Feng Shui Facts Most People Don’t Know!

Feng Shui is over and above important arrangements of furniture or plants in a house. Let’s get to know some interesting facts about it!

  1. Feng Shui is quite relevant to nature.
    Most of the principles associated with it are nature-friendly and parallel to the power of nature. Other than this, the core elements of this method are natural too.
  2. The entrance of a property is crucial.
    What do you check when you finalise a house? The entire interior and exterior portions, right? What about the entrance? No one really pays attention to the entrance. According to Feng Shui, the entrance should be facing east or be in positive-energy field. Also, they need to look attractive and be well-maintained.
  3. Importance of certain spaces.
    Every part of a house holds a certain role and is equally important. However, according to Feng Shui, selected places like bedroom, living room and office cabins require special attention. Reason behind this is to develop positive energy in the surrounding.
  4. Scientific principle of energy.
    Feng Shui involves the scientific principle of energy. The arrangement that takes place harnesses the energy existing around us and maintains positivity in the surroundings.
  5. Yes, colours are equally important.
    Selection of the right colours in home decoration is important. It is said that some of the natural elements get highlighted by the use of colours in a house. It might as well be an ordinary decorative piece or an extravagant wall painting.
  6. 5 core natural elements in 1.
    Feng Shui is inclusive of 5 natural elements including water, fire, the earth, wood and metal. One is required to incorporate all these 5 essential natural elements in the interior of a house to maintain the energy balance.
  7. More than furniture placements.
    Myth: Feng Shui is just about placing furniture in a specific area.

    Fact: It is much more than that. There are many other aspects of home decoration that this method covers. For example, the type of material also holds importance in Feng Shui.

    Wasn’t this informative? Stay tuned for more such 'gyaan'!

Reiki For September 2018

Thinking about exploring the art of Reiki, but aren’t quite sure how, or even why you might consider doing it? There are many benefits of Reiki that are actually backed up by science. That’s right, and here are few of them:

Benefits of Reiki that are backed up by science!

  • Reiki improves heart health.
    If you are less stressed, more relaxed, have stable vitals regularly, then you are more likely to have a healthy heart too.

    Being less stressed is directly proportional to an improved health overall. Those that use Reiki repeatedly tend to have lower blood pressure and slower heart rates. Hence, it would only make sense that heart health is better in people who practice Reiki.
  • It is a global healing tool.
    Reiki is a supplemental method of healing that is known, recognized, and used in medical fields all over the world. One should never use this as your ONLY method of healing. One of the greatest benefits of Reiki is in it being a universal healing practice, as it has no language barriers and can help anyone and everyone.
  • Reiki is under constant study.
    It’s good to have a healing method backed by science. Hence you can’t beat Reiki when it comes to research. Use it for spiritual purposes or to combat illnesses, their benefits are always being researched. Not to forget an entire research organization, Center for Reiki Research (CRR) has been established to make sure the research is being done properly and published in the appropriate scientific journals.
  • Reiki can be used for pain relief.
    Reiki has been studied on migraine sufferers to cancer patients, and is found to be helpful in decreasing pain levels time and time again! One such study done by authors Singg and Dressen back in 1998 examined the effects of Reiki on cancer patients. The patients experienced less pain after the treatment, along with a decreased level of depression and stress. Because of the pain being subsided, they saw an improvement in their hours of sleep every night.

    Reiki till date confuses a lot of people because of its mysterious nature (which it actually is!). Reiki uses energy fields that can’t be seen with a naked eye, which to some; means it is an invalid practice.

    Today, scientists from international institutions and global entities are publishing amazing results about the scientific benefits of Reiki every single day. Why not give it a try?

Vaastu For September 2018

The number of individuals, who find working from home more productive, is increasing day by day. Lesser the commute time, more time can be allotted to concentrate on work.

Where would you prefer your home-work station to be? Corner of your bedroom or the dining table or maybe the living room?

Vaastu Tips For Your Home Office!

It is said that to ensure productivity, it is imperative to follow some important Vaastu guidelines. This also attracts much-needed good vibes and positivity in your home office.

Let's check the guidelines below:

  1. Position: It needs to be set up in the west or southwest section of the house for a stable career. It is here that an individual makes the best business decision.
  2. Colours: The best colours are cream, light yellow, light green or light gold. A neutral colour like cream will help increase engagement and respect toward your work. A light yellow palette will ensure good health. Light green balances the mind, body and soul as it helps attract positive vibes. Light gold ensures productivity and profits.
  3. Ergonomics: The work chair should be comfortable, strong and spacious enough to cover the head, as it represents supporting life.
  4. Direction: To ensure less-stress while working, your position during work should be in the northeast direction without the obstruction of a door, window or balcony behind the workstation.
  5. Drawers & wardrobes: Drawers and wardrobes containing important documents should be placed in the west or southwest section of the house. This is to ensure it opens up in the north, east or northeast direction.

    Placing a citrine cluster or a gold pyrite crystal inside your drawer will attract and multiply wealth.
  6. What to avoid? Avoid using colours like black or blue while setting up your home office. Black represents negativity and has the power to attract bad energy. Blue represents water, which can destabilise your emotions.

    Discard unwanted papers and pens immediately to avoid stagnation and bad luck.
  7. BONUS POINT: Have a small globe placed on the northwest side of your work desk to attract international work opportunities.
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