PHOTOGRAPHS, FOR A PICTURE-PERFECT HOME DECOR

Took a nice selfie or have an interesting photograph from your childhood? We tell you how you can use photographs to make a simple, yet, dramatic change to your home’s decor

Photographs are the most common medium, to capture images of the time spent with loved ones. Moreover, they can be used in interesting ways, to add a personal touch to your home’s decor.

An arrangement of photographs with your loved ones, not only brings back fond memories, but also helps to create a relaxing atmosphere, says Dhaval Dadia, director of HashtagDecor.

“Creating a gallery wall, is the best way to make a personal statement. Photo arrangements can either be in the form of a family tree, or can be placed in a creative layout on your gallery wall. One can even mix black-and-white photos with coloured ones of different sizes,” suggests Dadia.

Be Creative

Photographs can be displayed in various ways – by using different textures, materials, sizes and shapes, adds Dadia. You can add it to your home’s decor, by framing it and hanging it on a wall, or by placing it on a side table or study table. It can also be placed in nooks and corners of the house, to brighten up the space.

Home owners can also choose from a vast array of frames, to add a personal touch, points out architect Rajiv Khushalani, founder of Khushalani Associates. “Wood and metal are the most popular framing materials. Wooden frames provide a traditional and warm look, while metal frames are contemporary and bold. Acrylic and other eco-friendly frames are ideal for DIY enthusiasts and are best for casual and informal settings,” explains Khushalani.

One can shop for frames online, or buy from photo studios and curio shops. The most common shapes are rectangle, square, oval and heart (single, as well as multiple). Prices start from Rs 200 and go as high as Rs 5,000 for ornate silver and gold-plated ones, depending on the size.

Five Important Components

A picture frame should have the right balance of five components, maintains Khushalani.

“The first component is the frame. Second, is the board (the thick protective paper/canvas border between the frame and the picture), which is available in numerous colours. Then comes the backing, on which the photograph is fixed. The fourth component is theprotective glass face on the picture and last and most important, is the photograph/painting itself,” he explains.

Photographs can also be displayed in creative ways – on mugs, cushions, calendars, ceramic plates, wallpapers, clocks and tiles. “In my daughter’s room, the wardrobe doors have huge, three-feet frames, on which are her photos. She loves it and it adds a personal touch to her room,” shares Meera Sharma, a resident of Noida. Many printers and photo studios, nowadays, also provide personalised services. In terms of creativity, the sky is the limit, for home owners.

Tips to Use Photographs in Home Decor

• Do not put up photographs on a wall that is already cluttered with other objects.
• Place the frames at eye level and ensure that reflected light does not hinder the view.
• You can include photos of various sizes, by grouping smaller pictures around a larger photo.
• The colour of the frame can alter the mood of the space, from soothing to exhilarating. So, select carefully.
• The frames should be arranged in a logical pattern.
• Hang photos in common areas, where people can see them, such as dining rooms and corridors. Collections of photos also look beautiful on mantles, low tables and the work desk.
• Photographs can be displayed on wardrobe doors, soft boards and on refrigerators, with magnetic frames.
• If you plan to use an entire wall, you can opt for large-sized prints of family portraits.
• You can personalise a frame, by decorating it with beads, mirrors, brocade, crystals, jute work, gemstones, shells, pearls and ceramic work

RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS IN GHODBUNDER ROAD, THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

Email: prescon@prescon.in   

TOP NEW YEAR RESOLUTION FOR YOUR HOME

New Year is that time of the year when you make resolutions. Whether it is your home, profession or personal front - starting afresh is the best way to welcome a New Year. So, what are the common New Year resolutions for home owners?

From using recycled material to managing unused space, people take various kinds of New Year resolutions for their home. New Year is the time when people decide to start afresh, not only in their life but also for their surroundings, including their home. Your home too requires your personal attention and what better time to take care of your home than the start of the year. Taking resolutions for your home this year can not only make it more livable but also beautiful, efficient and clean.

Based on valuable feedback from industry stalwarts, we brings to you some of the top New Year Resolutions for your home:

Streamline stuff

Every year, we all collect a heap/stack of stuff that is of no use. This creates a clutter and jammed drawers and cupboards, making it difficult to find the stuff that we use the most. Plan to clear each and every room and discard or donate things (old clothes and books) that are of no use. Keep things that bring in positive energy.

Proper ventilation

Most of the people forget that kitchens, toilets and bathrooms are the biggest sources of moisture and generate unpleasant odors. It becomes even more important to install an exhaust fan and clean the drain frequently which most of us do not do. Clean the grill, blades and vent of the exhaust fans twice a year. If you have windows in your bathroom and kitchen, open it regularly and let fresh air come in.

Remodel areas you love

In the beginning of the New Year, everyone plans to give a new look to certain areas of their home but before doing so, ask yourself if this is actually required. Invest in areas where you spend most of your time rather than wasting your hard-earned money on remodeling your home every year.

Reduce Carbon footprint

The simplest way to reduce carbon footprint is:

• Switching off the lights, fans and ac when you leave the room/not in use.
• Insulating your home properly and sealing any drafty area
• Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED
• Using energy efficient home appliances with star energy star label like refrigerator, ac and microwave
• Installing solar panels on top of the roof of your home. This will initially cost more but will be cost effective in the long run

Manage unused space

With the changing lifestyle of people and reducing size of apartments, space management becomes equally essential. "Open kitchen with attached dining table are in trend these days. The reason being that they are installed with tall units and Dispensa accessories that offer brilliant space usage," says Sandeep Kumar, Founder & CEO, Floorspace. In addition to this, wall units stretching up to the ceiling is another way of making optimum utilization Floorspace. In addition to this, wall units stretching up to the ceiling is another way of making optimum utilization of this dead space.

Take eco-friendly measures

If you are taking some resolutions for your home, why not do something for the planet? Planting shrubs, flowers (such as agapanthus, lily or jasmine) or herbs like Tulsi with medicinal properties compliment the theme of your home, make it look more presentable and bring in positive energy.

Recycle old material

Add a fun touch to your home by using recycled material that is not of use. For instance, : you can spray paint on old tyres, hang them and add plants or use it as a swing. Color old paint tins and use it for planting flowers or use it as a decorative item for your home.

Paint your doors

Pay attention to the doors of your home as the color may peel off sooner or later. This will not only make them look unpleasant but also makes them fragile. Hence, it is important to take care of the doors. Painting doors not only makes them annpalinp hut also inrrpasps their durability.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT NEAR YEOOR HILLS THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

Email: prescon@prescon.in   

STAMP DUTY IS COMPULSORY DURING PROPERTY REGISTRATION

Stamp duty is mandatorily payable upon registration or transfer of property. Those investing their money need to be cautious about future obligations and such clauses

Stamp duty is a compulsory obligation payable on the document which encapsulates the transfer of immovable property, such as real estate. Home buyers are required to pay this when registering the agreement for sale. “Different rates of stamp duty are payable in different states, depending on the legislation prevalent in that state,” points out Ameet Hariani, managing partner, Hariani & Co. “In Maharashtra for instance, the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958, regulates the different rates of stamp duty payable on the various instruments of transfer of immovable property.” In Maharashtra, the stamp duty is equivalent to 7% of the transaction value or the ready reckoner value – in case, the transaction value is lower than the ready reckoner value.

Discounts

To promote sales, some developers are offering stamp duty discounts such as:

• Sellers splitting the stamp duty amount with the buyers.
• Sellers allowing buyers to pay half of the amount initially and the other half, later.

Commenting on stamp duty offers, senior chartered accountant, HS Aneja, an FCA and proprietor of HS Aneja & Company, explains that “In case the seller is offering the discount on the payment of stamp duty, a clause mentioning the same should be incorporated in the agreement to sell, or any document constituting the agreement to sell. Above all, in case of offers, the buyer should ensure at the time of the registration of the sale deed, that the title of the house is clearly transferred in the name of buyer, without any condition of future obligations.”

Experts point out that stamp duty needs to be paid before or at the time of execution of the document or immediately thereafter. If the document isn’t adequately stamped, it becomes impermissible as evidence in the event of a dispute. For example, the document may be impounded by an authority under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958, until the stamp duty along with the penalty, is paid by the concerned person. As per the law, it is the onus of the purchaser of a home to adequately stamp the document.

Should buyers accept a full waiver of stamp duty?

Generally, it is the buyer who pays the stamp duty but it can be paid by the seller as well. The rate of stamp duty varies according to different assets, and it is either fixed or ad valorem – the rates of stamp duty are in proportion to the nature of the assets and their sales consideration.

“Buyers can accept a full waiver of stamp duty by the seller, provided the title of the property is not affected. At the same time, the buyer should also examine that the title of the property is free from hidden and future obligations. In fact, the stamp duty is paid only for getting the title of the property transferred in the name of the buyer, in an authenticated manner” opines Aneja.

Experts emphasise that the registration of a document which transfers the rights of an immovable property, is compulsorily required to be stamped under the Registration Act, 1908, that is applicable all over India. Without registration, a document for sale, or purchase of immovable property, is incomplete, and does not transfer the title of the asset.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT NEAR YEOOR HILLS THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

EASY WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR BALCONY GARDEN

Looking for easy ways to spruce up the balcony garden in your apartment? Here are 7 fun, inexpensive tips!

Get some furniture specially designed for use in balconies, maybe a centre table and a couple of chairs or a reading sofa.If you are on a tight budget, you could turn some wooden crates into comfortable seating and table arrangements for your balcony!

Light up your balcony with soothing lights. You could use Christmas lights, paper lanterns, little glass chandeliers or small lanterns.

Putting some traditional Indian lamps or strings of lights in your balcony could do wonders to the way the place looks. A simple string of lights is also enough to turn even the simplest of furniture and decor pieces into a glamorous and romantic setting!

Even with quite a few potted plants, bare railings around the balcony give a wide scope to have a charming balcony garden design. Fix up a few planters on the railings, as many or as few as you like, choosing from the variety of plants available in different shapes and colours.

Dedicate a space for balcony gardening to grow different kinds of herbal plants. Many herbs aren’t easily available in the market and growing your own plants like rosemary, oregano, thyme or lemongrass isn’t difficult at all.

Choose little quirky decor items to add to your balcony – a small rug here, a ceramic frog there, a watering can to place it in a corner, a curtain for the window, or a few cushions for your reading sofa.

Get a bed or litter box for your pet, so they can enjoy your balcony garden with you!

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT NEAR YEOOR HILLS THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

Email: prescon@prescon.in   

HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS: EASY TO USE, EASY ON THE POCKET

Do you think that home security systems and apps are expensive and complicated to use? Think again. We take you through home security systems that are easy on the pocket and easy to use

Motion sensors that dial your number; lockers that send an SMS to your phone and door locks that wake up your neighbours in the dead of the night – components of new-age home security systems, these devices marry technology with innovation, to make your home as safe as safe can be.

The market for home security

“The demand for security systems in India, has grown significantly in the last few years. Currently, the market is witnessing a compound annual growth rate of around 18%,” shares Mehernosh Pithawalla, head – marketing, sales and innovation, Godrej Security Solutions.

Product options

• Inexpensive motion detectors (cost: Rs 800-1,000) that track every movement in an empty house and send real-time alerts to phone numbers of your choice.
• Biometric locks (approximately Rs 20,000), which scan your fingerprint and/or your face, to allow access to your home.
• Advanced burglar and fire alarms (Rs 15,000) that are remotely controlled and can be activated or deactivated, through a phone call or SMS.
• You can also opt for traditional wireless burglar alarms that cost just Rs 250, on your doors and windows.
• Even more basic? You could try a simple door stop alarm that prevents your door from opening and emits a loud alarm when anyone tries to enter your house. Priced at Rs 225, this one is for those who worry about leaving elderly people or young kids alone at home.
• An anti-theft padlock (Rs 500) can also be used on the door or gate, which raises an alarm if someone tries to tamper with it.
• “Video door phones that are connected to the internet are now available, so that you can speak to your visitor, even when you are not at home,” says Pithawalla. Prices start at Rs 5,000 and can go right up to Rs 40,000, depending on the brand and the features they offer.
• For valuables, try Goldilocks (Rs 5,200) – a compact locker, which includes a tamper alarm and can be linked with a laptop, so that you can set a laptop password to access the safe.

Apps to the rescue

There are plenty of services, too, and often, they cost nothing at all. “All you need, is an old smartphone or tablet with a working camera,” explains Radhesh Jhangiani, who built his own security system at his residence in Bangalore, “I downloaded the Salient Eye app on my phone. It functions as a burglar alarm and sends SMS and email alerts, as soon as it detects any activity at home. You can even get photographs, to know what exactly is going on.”

Along similar lines, is the AtHome Camera, through which you can watch a live feed via Wi-Fi or mobile networks, get alerts through the motion detector, pick a time when you would like to start/stop recording and even control the camera angle remotely.

Safety door versus burglar alarm?

“While advances in technology enable us to have more control, vis-à-vis home security, traditional methods are still here to stay. Typically, they deny intrusion, whereas, the technologically advanced systems either deter/detect or offer post-event analysis of the intrusion,” explains Pithawalla.

Before you buy

Pithawalla offers a quick checklist:

• Identify the location where the system will be installed.
• Check for prerequisites, like electricity supply, GSM network connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, etc.
• Choose a professional company to do the installation.

Installation

Most home security systems are a bit complex and installing them, will require the aid of your local electrician. You can also check with the electronics store or the brand you’re buying from, on whether they offer installation services. In some cases, this may even be free.

RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS IN GHODBUNDER ROAD, THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME

Attempt to join warm hues, surfaces and examples to make your rooms an inviting

Sitting at home, watching the Movie can be one of the most relaxing things. So it is important to liven up your home interiors, using warm colours, textures and patterns to make the rooms bright and cheerful.

Prefer pastels

Pastel pinks and apple greens are a good choice when people try to bring a pop of colour into their homes. This colour scheme is considered to be a timeless classic. Floral art work and dainty prints are perfect for creating a spring style in the home. For those looking to inject some style and personality into their bedroom, cosy bed sheets are ideal. Whether the desired look is practical or regal, traditional, elegant or urban chic, the same rule must apply - all must share that element of comfort.

Go green

Although design trends normally take their leads from the fashion world, not every trend is as fleeting. In the interior design industry, the trends tend to stay a little longer, allowing them to evolve and catch on, such as the way ‘going green,’ was one of the hottest trends a few years ago, and is now an industry standard.

Mix tones

One of the most obvious ways to use this theme is by mixing earth tones of browns, greys, and greens, with vibrant uplifting global accents of pinks, blues, oranges, yellows and purples. In addition to mixing bold accents with neutrals, by mixing and matching colours, styles and textures,it better reflects your personality.

Bold designs

Opt for bolder designs, in the form of prints that are geometric, botanical or paisley. These can be effectively used in pillows, curtains and rugs, but which also work nicely with traditional pieces. The yearning is for more warmth and comfort and more natural materials to be brought into the home.

Overlap rugs

Layered flooring and wallpapered walls are among some of the design trends that resurfaced recently, and intended to make your room feel cosier and more intimate. By overlapping several lightweight rugs with similar patterns and complimentary colours, or a bold print over an existing carpet, one can add richness and warmth to a room. Wallpaper adds visual interest as well, you will find the traditional designs patterns updated in modern colour combinations.

Animal prints

Animal prints are the great accent against neutrals and plain colour, just what you need to spice things up and take it to the wild side. The other option is mixing up the prints, texture and fabrics so you could create a more unique design.

Curtain accessoriess

Curtains are an important part of the window covering overall, but the accessories available to improve how they are used can make a big difference. Curtains can be made from a huge range of fabrics including cotton, lace, polyester, and so on. They can have a striking influence on the mood, and atmosphere of any room in your home by the usage of different curtain accessories.

Country themes

With traditional interior decorating styles such as the Moroccan and French themes, curtains serve many purposes. While their primary function is to provide much needed privacy to your home, curtain panels are also effectively used to control sunlight, energy conservation, noise reduction, and for framing a wonderful view. Curtains are also an easy way to dress up, or change the tone of any room using the right colour, fabric, length, and accessories.

Window dressing

Drapes are made from heavier, more expensive, and more durable fabrics than curtains such as silk, wool, or special synthetic fabrics. These are often teamed with sheer curtains. Shutters are ideal for privacy, and security. They are available in wood, aluminium, or vinyl.

Your curtain style and accessories should blend with what is in your room, such as the furniture of your room, floors, walls, and accessories. Blinds may be attached to the rod using hooks, rings, fabric tabs, or a rod pocket for the curtain rod to move through. Blinds are practical, and decorative for the homes. Using the wrong accessories can actually mess up their look.

Rings or tabs can also use on rods to fix curtains. Metal curtain hooks are ideal for heavy blinds, and they work well on sunny windows, as they are not breakable over time. There are different types of curtain hooks depending on your needs such as plastic hooks, nylon hooks, and decorative hooks.

RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS IN GHODBUNDER ROAD, THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

Email: prescon@prescon.in   

ADVANTAGE OF TAKING A JOINT HOME LOAN

There are multiple benefits in terms of sharing the debt-burden and enhancing eligibility level

The home loan amount and interest rate on the loan for an individual depends on various factors like eligibility, tenure, availability of money in the market (liquidity), inflation and monetary policies. This makes it imperative for the borrower to be careful while opting for a home loan so as to ensure that the home loan does not turn out to be too expensive over the duration of the loan. In this context, the option of a joint home loan is worth considering as it will not only help the borrower in sharing his debtburden but will enhance his eligibility to get a higher loan as the income of the coborrower will be considered.

Options

Usually lending institutions give an option to take a joint home loan with as many as six coapplicants this includes his/ her spouse as well as blood relatives like parents and siblings. A joint home loan however is not usually permitted to friends, sisters or unmarried partners living together though they could be the coowner of the property. Some banks and financial institutions also allow brothers to take a joint home loan provided both of them are coowners of the property. Spouses are however exempted from the property coownership clause and the term of their loan can be a maximum of 20 years, subject to the retirement age of the older applicant. In case the loan is availed by a parent and a child the maximum term is 10 years and if the parent's income is considered for repayment, then the maximum term may be restricted to the retirement age of the parent.

Documentation

The documentation process for joint home loans is similar to that of individual home loans. Coapplicants are required to submit know-your-client (KYC) details such as identity and address proof, income proof and proof of coownership of the property.

Taxation

From an income tax perspective, the provisions for tax benefits remain the same for both individual and joint home loans. However, the total benefits avail-able in absolute terms are higher in a joint loan as compared to an individual loan. In case of a joint home loan, both or all coborrowers (provided they are coowners except in case of spouse) can claim tax deductions under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act against interest repaid and under Section 80C against principal amount repaid depending on their ownership share. This is besides the option to split costs of registration and stamp duty between co-borrowers to claim tax benefits under Sec-tion 80C.

An individual can avail the tax benefit on a home loan up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C and 2 lakh under Section 24(b). But if he has availed a joint home loan in the ratio of 50: 50, then both the coborrowers can claim these benefits separately. This takes the combined limit to Its 3 latch under Section 80C and 4 lakh under Section 24(b) there by reducing the overall cost of loan for the family. The total tax deduction that could be available by a married couple taking a joint home loan is Its 7 lakh, which is extremely beneficial. This is double compared to an individual home loan, although this provision may vary from person to person. It is therefore advisable to mutually work out the ownership share between the coborrowers to optimize the tax benefits. This can be in the ratio of 50:50 for claiming deductions in equal proportion or in the ratio of 60:90 where the coborrower in the higher tax bracket owns a bigger share.

Repayment

The repayment process for a joint home loan is simple and convenient. Payment can be made from a single or joint account by way of cheques or ECS. Coborrowers also have the option to share the number of EMIs between them, they could decide the number of cheques to be issued by one borrower and the balance could be made by the other. Another convenient mode is that the payment of all the instalments is made by one borrower followed by a refund of his share from the other borrower. For better loan eligibility, joint home loans are becoming a practical option for borrowers today especially when the coapplicant can contribute to the loan with their salary as well.

RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS IN GHODBUNDER ROAD, THANE Contact PRESTIGE RESIDENCY sales office to Know More @ 022 25985951 - 55

 Prescon Realtors & Infrastructures Private Limited

   

201, Prestige Precinct, Near Nitin Casting, Almeida Road, Panchpakhadi

Thane West - 400601

Phone: 91-22-25985951-55

Email: prescon@prescon.in