furniture design

BROKENBOWLAKECABINS

2011-06-13T22:55:00.001-07:00

BROKENBOWLAKECABINS.COM
If you want to make your important functions like Marriage, honey moon, or anniversary a memorable event then broken bow cabins are the right place for you. Definitely stay in luxurious broken bow cabin amid of beautiful landscape will be a life time memory. They are giving individual offer for family vacation, honey moon couples, family retreat and corporate meetings. Broken bow cabins stands beautifully amid of pine trees near Broken Bow Lake with crystal clear water. The picturesque views of the mountains and forests are soothing your mind and soul. The broken bow lake offers you a vacation retreat throughout the year.

They are offering multitude of outdoor activities like fly fishing, hiking, biking through natural trails, horse riding, and kayak in the river and Jet Ski.

The choices are many while you are deciding the type of the cabin. The worth mentions here is, their hospitality and royal treatment blend with luxury. If your primary concern is the comfort then broken bow cabins is the right choice for you. The cabins are tastefully decorated in a rustic way but have all modern amenities. The pricing of the cabin rentals are very nominal when compared with similar cabin rentals with lesser amenities.

Get Residential Natural with Wood Floors

2011-05-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Get Residential Natural with Wood Floors
Friday, May 27, 2011 Published by beards cool

Wood Floors - Floors are not only functions as a foothold. Display floor can also strengthen the interior design of a dwelling or room. Many kinds of flooring materials, which can be selected according to taste residents.

Flooring material also can be harmonized with the concept of building architecture. Not necessarily always ceramics, wood floors (parquet) could be an option.

Kayudewasa flooring is increasingly popular because it has a natural aesthetic value. This type of wood floors also offer the convenience of being able to make the room a warm and natural.

However, to apply the wood floor we need to consider the pattern of the floor. This corresponds with the type of materials with tailor-made activity or activities in space. First of physical activity, which determined what material can be applied. After that, to meet the psychological needs for safe and comfortable chosen the most suitable material

Forms are also a variety of wood floors. There is a distinguished square, rectangular, and triangular. Nevertheless, the parquet can also be ordered specially, such as with a curve or circle. There are three types of parquet, namely solid parquet (parquet solid wood), laminate parquet, parquet and veneer. Annahape explained, on solid wood parquet, all parketnya floor is made of solid wood pieces with a thickness of about 1.5 cm.

If you want to reply more resistant to termites and weather, you can choose to use laminate parquet. Therefore, the material is not of parquet wood (faux wood). Parquet laminate material comes from processed fiber which resembles wood, which is sometimes covered with plywood at the bottom.

The specialty of this flooring is that it can be applied in almost any home design or interior decorating space. Starting outside terrace design, design foyer, living room design, design family room, dining room, bedrooms, up to a home theater interior design. Because, in addition serves to make the room warmer, wood flooring is also a symbol of luxury and elegance of a dwelling.

Source: okezone.com

BH Fitness Bladez Motion X450 Elliptical Machine

2011-05-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

BH Fitness Bladez Motion X450 Elliptical Machine
BH Fitness - Elliptical Machines - MotionX450 - Every member of the Bladez elliptical family is reliable, attractive and durable. In addition to the solid construction and quality components, you will find user-friendly consoles with multiple preset workout programs, motivational displays showcasing workout statistics including a program profile graph. Built In hand grips for heart rate monitoring .Plus, select units are self-generating, an environmentally friendly feature that is easy on your utility bills. Rear Drive, Dual Action, Low Impact Elliptical Large Foot Boards and Thick Padded Handles Allow for the Maximum Comfort Magnetic Resistance System 18 Stride Length Ultra Smooth Heavy Weight Flywheel Large LCD Blue & Orange Backlit Display Touch Window Technology Ergonomic Handle Bar Design 16 Levels of Electrically Controlled Resistance 12 Preset Programs EKG Contact Heart Rate Sensors Water bottle holder Transportation Wheels 300 Pound User Weight LCD Display Shows: Time, Distance, Speed, Heart Rate & Calories Specifications: Dimensions: 64.5L x 27W x 68.5H Weight: 159 lbs Natural 18 Stride Length
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BH Fitness Bladez Conquest Exercise Treadmill

2011-05-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

BH Fitness Bladez Conquest Exercise Treadmill
BH Fitness - Treadmills - Conquest - Our sleek, European-inspired treadmill family offers all the features you would expect from commercial-grade treadmills at a fraction of the price. Our space-saving safe drop folding technology, personal cooling fan, Alpha Numerica displays makes this machine comfortable, convenient, and easy to operate. Warranty: Lifetime Frame and Motor, 10-Year Parts and 1-Year Labor Whisper Quiet 3.0HP DC Drive Motor Bottle HolderWireless heart rateBuilt in hand gripsLarge 20 x 58 Running Surface Active Flex Suspension for Maximum Performance Easy Fit Assembly System Space-Saving SafeDrop Folding Technology 400lb User Weight Capacity 0-12mph Speed 0-12% Incline Contact Heart Specifications: Dimensions: 78 L x 36 W x 56 HWeight: 280 lbsWhisper Quiet 3.0HP DC Drive Motor

location of futuristic furniture design in the world

2011-05-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

jepara furniture design is from indonesian archipelago
in central java jepara furniture have aukiran specially form other furniture design

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Office Star Executive Ergonomic Leather Chair

2011-05-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Office Star Executive Ergonomic Leather Chair

The Office Star Executive Ergonomic Leather Chair is a good chair for the price, reviewers say, comfortable and surprisingly well constructed. Although the leather isn't of the highest grade, some owner reviews say it's better than they expected. The chair has a plethora of adjustment options: the angle of the seat and back, the seat height, tilt tension, and height and width of the arms. Owners report that this padded leather chair is very comfortable. The warranty is shorter than those of more expensive chairs, covering three years on upholstery, five years on most other components (non-moving metal parts are covered for 15 years). Reviewers says this is the best budget chair if you really prefer leather upholstery. If you're not interested in leather and want to spend a little less, the Office Star Air Grid Deluxe Task Chair (*Est. $200) is recommended in user reviews.
We didn't find many professional review sources for low- and mid-priced ergonomic office chairs. We did, however, find very positive owner reviews of the Office Star Executive Ergonomic Leather Chair at Overstock.com, Buzzillions.com and Amazon.com.

Office Star Executive Ergonomic Leather Chair

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7 Things To Look For When Purchasing Discount Patio Furniture

2011-05-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

7 Things To Look For When Purchasing Discount Patio Furniture
By Addo Cinni

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6253896

The search for discount patio furniture is one that has many different aspects. The search for the furniture, itself, is relatively straight forward. There are any number of stores that can be visited, many of them online, that will help walk you through the purchase of outdoor patio furniture so the questions that you need to ask, either yourself or them, is:

1. What, exactly, does Discount mean to you? Do you have a very large pocketbook to buy things that can be purchased less expensively if you had the information to do so? Does discount furniture mean that a 10% off price tag will make you jump at it, or do you need something that is really a rock bottom price?

2. How large of an area do you have in which to put your patio sets? No matter what price you find, if you can not fit the set in, what good does it do you? How many pieces do you need to do the entertaining that you usually have?

3. What does the best patio furniture look like, in your mind? In other words, should the outdoor patio furniture need be able to seat a lot of people, just a few, are you needing this set to be able to throw a set down party for what number of people? You need to have in mind what it is going to be used for. That way, you will not be swayed by the salesperson into getting something else that you don't really have a use for.

4. What is the quality of this piece of furniture you are thinking about? You might think that the best discount patio furniture is the set that will just get you by until you can get something nicer. If you think that way, you will never really get the best patio furniture that you can. Quality counts!

5. What kind of fabric do you need? The type of fabric is very important because, again, it has to last and it has to be cleanable in order to stay as fresh as when you bought it. Most of the synthetic blends wear well and stand up to the weather and the harsh treatment that is sometimes doled out on the patio.
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6. What type of construction is the most effective? Are you one of these rattan and nothing else, or can you enjoy the durability of an aluminum frame and solid construction that resists mold, mildew, rust and corrosion?

7. Do you trust the on-line vendors or do you need to go to a big-box store? When purchasing anything, some of the best places to go for truly deep discounts are on-line. There are many advantages to going in where you can sit on a piece of furniture and test out the feel and fit of things, however, use that as a way to test the items that you are going to order on-line. The discounts that are available, even from the on-line version of the store you were just in, are enlightening.
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Last, but certainly not least, the price that you have in mind for a piece of furniture, or even an entire set, can be the right price at the right place! Just keep looking and remember: Quality before Quantity. That will always be the best discount patio furniture that you can get!

Are you now ready to buy yourself a new patio furniture set? Visit Discount Patio Furniture Sets for full reviews on discount patio furniture. office chair review,online furniture stores. living room furniture,bedroom furniture,buy office chair, furniture

Should You Buy From a Discount Furniture Outlet?

2011-05-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Should You Buy From a Discount Furniture Outlet?
By Mark J Sinclair

Won't you be getting very low quality furniture? Won't you have a severely limited selection of mostly generic pieces?
Those are common misconceptions people that have never shopped at a discount furniture outlet make. On the contrary, the furniture is every bit as high quality as you would find in any other store. Of course, that begs the question about how those discount stores get their hands on such pieces of furniture that are normally a lot more expensive. There are actually a lot of different ways that these types of stores can come across such excellent deals.
In some cases, a typical furniture store will order too many pieces of a certain type of furniture. Rather than take a hit, they will sell it to the discount furniture outlet at a lower price. The outlet will then pass their savings on. In other words, the furniture that you see in the discount stores is no different from the much more expensive types in other stores. So if you are getting ready to furnish a space, do it the smart way by shopping at a discount store. Click here if you want to see the lowest prices you'll ever come across, even better than at a discount furniture outlet.

Used Furniture Stores

2011-05-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Used Furniture Stores
By Kristy Annely

Used antique, and vintage furniture can be affordable collectible items for collectors, or those looking to furnish weekend cottages and vacation homes. Used and secondhand furniture is a smart option for students and home office makers for whom the functional aspect of furniture is more important than its aesthetic appeal. Garage sales, secondhand stores, auctions, flea markets, antique fairs and charity shops are other fertile grounds to look for good used furniture. Clearance sales and sales of damaged furniture at stores can also be an alternative.
While looking for used furniture, one should look for quality and overall style. Good quality furniture with insignificant damage like a scratch or small stain should not be discarded as potential purchase items.
The online furniture market doesn't lag behind in catering to the demand for used products. Many refurbished and remodeled furniture pieces can be found. Auction sites like Overstock.com provide inexpensive and cheap discounted home furniture. Sell.com operates as an online market for such furniture. There are numerous sites providing remodeled used furniture for offices, too.
Furniture Stores provides detailed information on Furniture Stores, Online Furniture Stores, Discount Furniture Stores, Used Furniture Stores and more. Furniture Stores is affiliated with Furniture Rental Stores.

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2011-05-18T02:49:00.001-07:00

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Current Trends in Furniture Design

2011-05-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

Current Trends in Furniture Design
By Jennifer Akre

furnture design

Of course, chasing every trend in the world isn't a smart idea, but the general direction furniture has been going recently offers some great tips for homeowners hungry to escape the "same ol' same ol".
Eco-friendly furnishings are here to stay. That means wood furniture that uses raw materials from sustainable forests. A fast growing grass, bamboo doesn't deplete forests and it can be used in everything from furniture and flooring to bath towels. It is by far one of the biggest trends in furniture today and if you're into saving the environment while having a lovely home you can't really go wrong if you choose wood furniture that comes from managed forests or plantations.
In contrast to past designs, which were often a bit gaudy, Asian influenced designs are much subtler this year.
Not so with color. Current trends in furniture design let you be as bold as you like in color, using neutral colored pillows and accents to tone down the room a bit instead of having endless seas of beige and tan furnishings. Furniture is all about comfort, too. Look for large, overstuffed pieces and ergonomic designs that welcome you to relax and recharge.
Modular furniture is still popular, since it allows those on a budget to mix and match furnishings. This style is especially popular in urban communities, which tend to also gravitate toward modern and contemporary furniture, which by the way never seems to go out of style.
Old furnishings are looking new again, adding features and new tricks of the trade to give them an updated look that is perfect for today's homes. Those into country music are decorating their homes in earthy colors and gravitating toward rustic and rustic country style furniture to match it, creating a country inspired home. Those into hard rock are integrating metallics into their homes, creating an edgier look that matches their taste in music.
Not only are furnishings getting a splash of color, but the walls are, too. After years of dulled hues and beige, walls are coming alive with colors. Some are even adopting an extremely bright palette to rid their home of the bland colors associated with bland economic times. Furniture is on the shopping list, once again. While people are still being careful with their money, they are shopping for new pieces that can become a signature piece down the road. As people shed the blues of a worldwide meltdown, look forward to more homes taking on the unique personality of its owners and shying away from more generalized interior design influences. Homes are no longer showplaces, but showcases for the resident's interests, personality and pursuits.

furnture store

2011-05-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

It's no mystery you're on your computer searching for furniture for your home. You probably got online, and typed in something with the words furniture store, or finding furniture. Furniture Stores and the Better Business Bureau:
If you are like most people, knowing that the businesses your choosing are trusted and can guarantee there products you turn to the BBB. Meaning if any business wants to be rated by this organization they must pay monthly dues. Well to put it simply a business being BBB backed does not mean they are a good business, just one that is paying for a grade.

Taking Advantage of your Local Google Search:
Try this, go to Google and type in: furniture stores + where you live. For example, if you lived in Seattle you would type in something like "Furniture Stores Seattle". This will bring up local businesses in the area you specify. Websites will give you a very good idea of a businesses services, prices, why you should choose them, etc.

Power of Google Places Reviews:
If you have performed a Google search you can click on the individual places listings to see where each business is located. Most reviews by other customers are pretty reliable with accurate descriptions of their experiences and if they would use the business again.

Hopefully you found this article useful, Please feel free to visit my site: Furniture Stores Seattle

Funky Furniture By Ray Yan

2011-05-13T21:04:00.001-07:00

Funky Furniture
By Ray Yan

Funky furniture can bring an entire look together with one easy focal point, be a great conversational piece or just a splash of personality shining through. Whether you add a fun and exciting piece in the bedroom, living room or dining room funky furniture can help achieve the look you want.
Some examples of fun and funky furniture for the bedroom may include a round bed, a high heel shaped shoe or a one of a kind dresser. You can create a truly unique environment by allowing yourself the freedom to explore your creative side. Do not be afraid to throw in that one funky item, it does not have to be as big as a piece of furniture. It could be an extraordinary lamp, an animal print rug or a stunning mirror that adds your personal touch to your space. Your bedroom should be your oasis from the outside world, and incorporating your personality into your room is a key way of making one.
The dining room is another great place to add in a touch of funk with unique furniture and dining room sets. You are sure to be the envy of the neighborhood when you showcase your funky furniture and fun contemporary style. Whether it is a glass table with items like a collection of post cards, interesting stamps or unique magazine découpaged under the glass or a funky shaped table, you can add a whole new dimension to gathering around the dinner table. Table tops can be shaped as anything from octagon to heart or even tear drop, and will had beauty and style to your dining room.
The living room is prime house space for adding a touch of funk with furniture. Lip shaped couches, fluffy ottomans and black and red leather chairs are just any number of options you can incorporate into your living space. You can carry on the funkiness to the walls with matching or contrasting abstract art or metal wall decorations. You can find funky furniture to fit any design style whether it is contemporary and modern or rustic and quaint.
Just because you go funky does not mean you have to get up function as well. Many funky furniture pieces are also designed to be used in comfort each and every day. You can find a wide array of funky furniture much easier online than in retail stores as they tend to cater to more traditional customers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6247053

How to Choose a Furniture Style

2011-05-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

How to Choose a Furniture Style

By Katy Hahn

How do you choose a furniture style when there are so many styles to choose? One way is to find a furniture style that you like. One that makes you feel comfortable, reflects your lifestyle and connects to you on an emotional level.

Before you decide which style is right for you, let's look back at the history of interior design. Let's make an emotional connection or at least an interest in a particular style. They say everyone has a story to tell and so does interior design. Interior design began in the stone age when cavemen began to draw pictures on their interior walls, each person telling their own story. Ancient Egypt and Rome had a deep interest in their interiors as well, especially in architectural design.

How did history inspire furniture designs? Back in the early 1400's to the 1700's, furniture styles were influenced by political powers. In fact, it was the dominant countries in Europe that had the biggest effect on the furniture styles of that era. Many of the popular furniture styles were either named after that period, region or monarch of the dominant country.

When Spain and Italy were in power, the furniture style was called Mediterranean (Renaissance) style, each country's style reflecting their own culture. Then, when the power shifted to France, the prominent styles were named after the kings: Louis XIV (Baroque) style, Louis XV (Rococo) style and Louis XVI (Neoclassical) style. When Napoleon took control of France the styles of that era were Directoire and French Empire.

Now, let's shift our focus to English furniture styles. As we said before, usually dominant styles were named after monarchs. We see this in the Queen Anne, William and Mary or English Georgian (after King George) styles. However, during the mid 1700's there was a quiet revolution in design that changed how the furniture styles were named. They now were named after the designer.

During the English Georgian period, one of the most famous cabinetmakers, Thomas Chippendale, began his career. Cabinetmakers were skilled in crafting fine furnishings, what we would call high-end quality. The interesting thing about Chippendale was that he was not an inventor. Instead, he took the best designs from other countries and adapted them into his own style. He was greatly influenced by French Rococo, Chinese and Gothic styles. He is best known for his great chair designs and because of these classic designs his name endures.

In the mid 1700's, there were two brothers, Robert and James Adam that studied architecture in Italy. It was during this time that the Pompeii ruins were discovered. Pompeii was a Roman city buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. This discovery was a major turning point in interior design. Many Greek and Roman artifacts were discovered. These discoveries took place when the Adam brothers were studying architecture, which is also when the French Louis XVI style was in vogue. Suddenly there was a classical revival in interior design, especially in France and England.

In France, the Louis XVI furniture style was known as neo-classical. In England, where the Adam brothers were designing furniture, the style was known as Late Georgian or Classical Revival style. The Adam brothers were architects in England and drew inspiration from the Roman classical revival period. Because the Adam brothers were architects, they not only designed furniture, they also designed entire rooms down to the last detail and used many Roman and Greek elements in their designs. Those furniture styles are rich and elegant in design and are considered timeless.

Other famous English cabinetmakers were George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. Hepplewhite drew his inspiration from the Louis XVI neo-classical style and from the Adam brother's classical revival style. Hepplewhite took these styles and injected his own ideas. He is best known for shield back chairs, serpentine fronts, straight legs and curved backs. Sheraton's design style was known for elegance and grace. He is known as the "Apostle of The Straight Line" and is best known for his lyre back chairs. Sheraton drew his inspiration from all of the above.

As you can see, the history of furniture design evolved through inspiration, political power and the human desire to make our homes more beautiful, even when they lived in a cave.

So, how do you decide on a furniture style that is right for you? Here are some ideas. Is your lifestyle formal or casual? Do you entertain a little or a lot? How much do you want to invest? Is your room large or small?

All these questions will help you choose the right style. For example, Traditional furniture styles are more formal and therefore would be more appropriate for a formal home and lifestyle or for people who entertain a lot. Traditional furniture also has intricate details like inlaid veneers, exotic and gilded woods so will therefore cost more. On the other hand, if your lifestyle is more relaxed you may prefer a casual style like Country French, English Cottage, Shabby Chic, etc.

Twentieth Century styles are considered modern styles and they emphasize clean lines and modern materials. If you are very organized and prefer uncluttered spaces, this may be for you. Some furniture styles, like Art Deco and Mid-Century are making a comeback and you might consider them also. Contemporary style came towards the end of the twentieth century. It is similar to modern style but it is more comfortable and is generally made of wood instead of metal or plastic. It also has smoother surfaces and uses a minimum of accessories. Scandinavian design furniture is a perfect example of this style.

If you are a traditionalist but also like contemporary styles, you may be interested in transitional style. The furniture pieces have the curved elements of the traditional style with the clean lines of the contemporary style. If you and your significant other like two different styles, you may decide on the eclectic style. This is where you combine two different styles within a room. By choosing a style where everything in the room works together, you are in effect creating harmony. And where there is harmony, there is peace and comfort. It will give a good feeling to the room because everything will work together. I wish you much peace and comfort in your home. May you find a furniture style that is functional, beautiful and an expression of your personality. Happy decorating.:-)

Copyright 2011 Beautiful Interiors For Less, LLC

This article may be reprinted with the following conditions: Must be reprinted in full with no changes, author information in the article must be included and any embedded links must be active.

Katy Hahn is an Interior decorator and design consultant, owner of Beautiful Interiors For Less located in Central Florida, helping clients define their space & style while staying on budget. Katy is available for design consultations and can help you to choose your unique decorating style
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online furniture stores

2011-05-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

online furniture stores.
Buying of furniture was never so easy in Dallas. Be it bedroom furniture or living room furniture, the online furniture stores in Dallas are doing a good job by providing innovative, interactive services, at reasonable prices and also making good business at the same time.

Wholesale Furniture Brokers : The Wholesale Furniture Brokers offer bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture and mattress sets for the complete furnishing of your residence. Be it a recliner, a sofa-cum-bed, a sectional sofa, a swivel or a platform bed, Wholesale Furniture Brokers are fully equipped to meet all your needs. Their interactive website makes it possible for the buyers to specify their search options and yes the prices offered are less than the original market price. online furniture stores.

Coleman Furniture : The main business goal of Coleman is to offer the best quality furniture and that too at the lowest possible price. The Coleman Furniture does not have.

cheap furniture stores

2011-05-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

cheap furniture stores.
Transforming a house into a dream haven need not always be an expensive venture. Exquisitely styled furniture can be found at extremely affordable prices. Discount furniture stores should not be equated with stores selling sub-standard goods. Discount store and sales are devised to cater to the demand for affordable, good-quality products. cheap furniturestores.

Discount furniture stores throng both the online and offline furniture market. The best place to hunt for local discount stores is the Yellow Pages, mail-order catalogs, interior design magazines and newspaper advertisements. Most stores, both big and small, offer furniture at discount rates at some time of the year. These are generally clearance sales of last season's inventory. Most holiday seasons see a surge in such sales. cheap furniture stores.

One has to look for such occasions and keep track of local discount sale events around the year. It's best to grab an assortment of well-coordinated pieces fr.

How to Buy Excellent Office Chairs.

2011-05-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

How to Buy Excellent Office Chairs.

buy office chair,Do you spend a lot of time working from your office? If yes, you should consider making use of a comfortable chair that offers the right back support. There are many chair types out there, yet the most important and useful ones when dealing with long working hours in the office are office chairs. I 'm sure you 've experienced back pain before when working at your desk for a log period, this happens way too often and people need to realize that by using quality chairs they can seriously reduce the health risks. Keep reading if you 're looking for tips on how to buy some excellent office chairs.buy office chair
It is highly recommended that you buy a quality office chair with a backrest that features the size of 14 to 20 inches. The backrest is one of the most important parts of the chairs since it will help keep your back in a better position. Focus on the details and test the chair that you wish to get. Does it offer proper back support? Do you feel comfortable when s.buy office chair

Address Ergonomic Problems Onsite Without Consultation

2011-04-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

October 15, 2010
Address Ergonomic Problems Onsite Without Consultation

By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor

Ergonomically designed call center furniture and the training that’s needed to make it work for hundreds and possibly thousands in a contact center environment used to be subject to limitations. Of course there were the standard worries about cost and reduction in the productivity of employees during training, but problems like trainee boredom and retention would sap the usefulness of even the most expensive onsite staffer or consultant. If your employees aren’t engaged there’s little chance they’re going to remember how to properly and actively use the ergonomic furniture you just spent a fortune on.

But online training sessions and guides can serve as replacements to expensive consultation services and training. “If a site visit is necessary, the user who completes an on-line course prior to your visit can be ready to process your advice at a higher level. And, with a good on-line program, the user will have materials to refer back to long after you are gone. Retention and reinforcement of better work methods is greatly enhanced,” said ErgoAdvocate Founder Gene Kay in an article with ErgoWeb. Companies like ErgoAdvocate offer consultation and training seminars online, eliminating the need for expensive consultants and training material.

The company adheres to an ergonomic approach based on NASA scientist Brian Peacock’s 70-20-10 ergonomics rule. The first principle is that 70 percent of your workforce’s ergonomic needs can be handled by a simple adjustment of a chair or workspace. 20 percent will require further analysis, this comes into play when people are still uncomfortable after adjustments and may require referencing something like a posture guide or finding better equipment for that person’s space. The remaining 10 percent are people who will not benefit from training or have ergonomic needs that require even deeper analysis than the previous 20 percent, custom furniture and input devices may be needed for someone who falls into this category.

There will be instances where managers will need to go beyond just adjustment and measurement for an individual, but Peacock’s rules as well as ErgoWeb’s advice show that at least 90 percent of problems can be fielded before the needed for further investment.

Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master�s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of Chris� articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Chris DiMarco

Save Money When Choosing Call Center Furniture

2011-04-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

February 24, 2011
Save Money When Choosing Call Center Furniture

By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor

Choosing effective call center furniture does not at seem to be anything that the average call center manager can’t handle. You follow a generally floor plan and make sure there are enough seats, cubes and space for the workforce being served. Easy right? Maybe not, an approach like this can easily end in a blown budget and possible issues down the road. In order to get the best bang for your budget it’s important to take a few things into consideration.

The first item which may not seem all too obvious at the get go is scheduling. Call centers are typically on very tight schedules. The time frame between when they need to be staffed and start offering service often falls only a few days after their complete furnishing. This means it’s important to take into account the delays that could arise from ordering furniture overseas, or waiting for replacement parts. If you over shoot the time you should be building and cut into time that you should be utilizing your beautifully furnished call center space, then you’re not going to end up in the black at the end of the year.

According to Interior concepts, “If you are purchasing furniture manufactured overseas consider the fact that if delayed in customs that it could potentially jeopardize the opening of the site or the start date of working with a client. Similarly, if the furniture is manufactured overseas consider the cost, ease, and speed of finding and installing replacement parts and how that will impact future maintenance costs.”

Keeping an eye on your total project cost is always important. Per station prices may not always give an accurate account of the price that you will end up paying. Since building code requirements and installation fees can pile up quickly and in unplanned scenarios, total cost is going to be your best barometer. Ignoring this when planning by workstation count can result in an unpleasantly surprising final bill.

Warranty is also another important aspect to watch out for. Although items with superior warranties can cost a little bit more they offer your call center space lasting appeal that can keep the items serviceable and looking new for years to come.

Don’t cut corners when you’re outfitting your call center. Keep these cost saving tips in mind and you’ll keep your staff and your budget comfortable.

Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Chris DiMarco

What to Consider to Maximize Call Center Furnishings Efficiency

2011-04-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

What to Consider to Maximize Call Center Furnishings Efficiency

By David Sims, TMCnet Contributing Editor

You probably don’t think much about designing or updating your call center. You should. A recent good white paper from Interior Concepts, excerpted below, offers many practical suggestions of what needs to be considered during such an effort.

Call centers need more than cubes. While this task requires due diligence, the result will be a center that is more functional, productive and thus profitable. The capital investment in the facilities and furniture is insignificant compared to the most important asset; the agents working in the center. By doing it right you will benefit from higher productivity, improved employee morale, reduced employee turnover and a safer, healthier work environment.

Agent stations. The furniture design for a center will vary depending on whether the center is inbound or outbound. For example, inbound agents providing customer service/technical support may have a need to complete paperwork and may have storage requirements. In an outbound center the workstations tend to be smaller since the stations need only accommodate a phone and a computer.

Supervisor stations. The design of the supervisor stations depends on how much supervision is needed. Some call centers prefer the supervisor to be in clear view of the agents at all times, while others prefer privacy by selecting taller workstation panels. Accessories such as marker boards, tack boards, acrylic header panels, additional storage components, and guest seating can be incorporated into supervisor stations for added functionality.

Administrative offices. These can be fun, believe it or not, in that they provide excellent opportunities to differentiate -- or not -- from the call center floor. Furniture for these offices can be provided with the same panel system and in the same finishes as the call floor, or could be provided as an executive case goods option.

Reception/waiting area. It is important to take aesthetics and functionality into consideration when designing the reception and waiting area in a facility. The reception area is a first impression to any visitors and the waiting area should be comfortable and functional. The receptionist often multi-tasks so a workstation to both greet visitors and perform work duties is important.

Training room. Training rooms can have very different meanings depending on the company. Sometimes the rooms need to be used for more than just training, so a multi-purpose mobile solution might be best. However, some companies prefer actual workstations in the space to give the agents a feeling of actual work experience and the training rooms are also used for work overflow.

Cafeteria/break rooms. The cafeteria and break rooms in a call center are a space where employees relax during lunch and break times. Many call center jobs are stressful and these spaces should be areas that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable.

David Sims is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of David’s articles, please visit his columnist page. He also blogs for TMCnet here.

Edited by Chris DiMarco

Ergonomics Equal Efficiency in Call Center Furniture

2011-04-09T23:00:00.001-07:00

Ergonomics Equal Efficiency in Call Center Furniture

By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor

When it comes to call center furniture there’s one piece that agents have more contact with than anything else, their chairs. Because the average call center agent sits for the majority of their shift, it’s important for those outfitting the workspace to take their comfort into account. That brings up the ever important furniture characteristic of ergonomics.

By addressing ergonomics in the initial setup of a call center managers stand to eliminate a number of health and efficiency concerns. Jennifer Way of Interior Concepts said in an article for TMC (News - Alert) “An ergonomic call center can help reduce loss of productivity due to injury, and create a better working environment, simply by providing ergonomic tools in the workstations. Along with an adjustable height monitor and keyboard, a complete ergonomic package also includes an adjustable chair, task light, and footrest, as well as training on how to properly adjust the equipment.”

The thought is that the more comfortable an agent sitting for long periods of time at a workstation is, the less often they will need to readjust themselves. This of course translates to more time concentrating on proper customer service.

Ergonomic chairs provide a number of benefits to the call center agent using them and when adjustable have the benefit of fitting just about anyone they will need to.

According to a white paper from Interior Concepts, “Previous thought on proper ergonomic positioning was that a static sitting position with the body in 90 degree angles was best. New studies show that any fixed position will increase muscle fatigue, and that one key component of proper ergonomics is movement.”

Another way to encourage comfort among a call center staff is to remind them to practice healthy stretching periodically throughout the day. This can be accomplished by adjusting a chair or backrest, stretching fingers, hands, arms, and torso, looking away from the monitor, standing up to walk around for a few minutes, and switching between a sitting and standing position.

These little adjustments to a routine that can at times be sedintary can make for a happier healthier workforce prepared to serve your customers.

Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Chris DiMarco

Interior Concepts Shows the Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture to the Outbound Call Centers of the ACA

2011-04-09T22:53:00.001-07:00

March 31, 2011
Interior Concepts Shows the Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture to the Outbound Call Centers of the ACA

By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor

Interior Concepts offers call center furnishing options for tons of different contact center operation styles. From Inbound to outbound and from warehouse sized operation to startups—there really are many call center types that the workstations of interior concepts haven’t been utilized in. Last week, Interior Concepts headed out to the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals conference where it showcased its workspace solutions. Considering that many, if not all collection and credit businesses have outbound call faculties associated with them, the show was the perfect place for Interior Concepts expertise in the field.

The ACA forum show took place in Scottsdale, Ariz. and while there, visitors to the Interior Concepts booth received practical advice on how to improve the workflow and comfort of their agents to optimize performance. The ACA spring forum sessions covers the latest industry hot topics, while providing basic to mid-level training for up-and-coming owners and managers. This includes those managing communications strategies in collection and credit fulfillment.

As we’ve discussed in this space many times before, the comfort of CSRs is of the utmost importance in the call center. Musculoskeletal injuries associated with improper posture can cost call center operators significant sums in lost time and workers’ compensation. Jennifer Way of Interior Concepts says, “There are many studies that state one case of carpal tunnel syndrome can cost an employer up to $35,000 per claim, so although the initial investment for these accessories may seem sizable, it will pay off in the long run.”

Insuring comfortable surroundings, allows agents to worker for long periods, reduces fatigue and keeps them focused on the task at hand. Since the credit and collection industry is rife with outbound call center operations, interior concepts presence at this year’s show is not surprising.

For more information on the ACA’s spring forum and the topics addressed, you can visit the show site: here.

Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Janice McDuffee

interior Concept Call Center Furniture Certified Green

2011-04-09T22:43:00.001-07:00

interior Concept Call Center Furniture Certified Green

By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor

As we pull out of what was for a large portion of the country a less than pleasant winter, the return of leaves and grass has many thinking greener than normal. While these thoughts may be partially induced by the coming of Earth Day, in an increasingly crowded world green thought has become common conversation in just about every industry.

This is the case in the call center furniture industry at least. As call center outfitters awaken to the impact their furniture has on the environment, manufacturers are offering alternatives. Interior Concepts is one of those manufacturers and recently its furniture was re-certified by MAS as a low VOC emitting furniture product.

MAS Certified Green is a designation provided by independent testing laboratory Material Analytical Services. MAS Certification offers truly independent, third party testing that meets stringent ANSI requirements.

What exactly does this mean though? According to Interior Concept’s Jen Way, “since many of today’s airtight/energy-efficient buildings operate on minimal amount of outside make-up air, combined with lower ventilation rates, higher occupant densities and greater use of chemicals in interior furnishings, this often translates into more reported allergen problems, odor complaints and sick building issues. Use of low-VOC and formaldehyde emitting furniture will serve to reduce these types of problems.”

Environmental friendly call center furniture may not seem like a huge step in the right direction, but it’s the change in the mentality that really makes a difference. Considering that once a call center has been decommissioned and dismantled many of these materials will wind up in landfills, it’s good to know at least some of them will not be breaking down to add dangerous chemicals to environment. On top of that taking the allergy and odor concerns of your agents into consideration will make them happier in the long run.

Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Chris DiMarco

Construction Of Millau Viaduct | Worlds Tallest Vehicular Bridge

2011-04-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of reasons for us to visit France, aside from its French bread, bagels and churros. France is the country where the City of Love, Paris, can be found. France is furthermore famous for its Eiffel tower. But do you know that France also serves as a home to the world’s tallest vehicular bridge? Yes, none other than the Millau Viaduct.

Millau Viaduct
.
The Millau Viaduct (French: le Viaduc de Millau, Occitan: lo Viaducte de Milhau) is a cable-stayed road-bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France. Designed by the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster, it is the tallest bridge in the world, with one mast's summit at 343.0 metres (1,125 ft). The viaduct is part of the A75-A71 autoroute axis from Paris to Montpellier. Construction cost was approximately €400 million. It was formally dedicated on 14 December 2004, inaugurated the day after and opened to traffic two days later. The bridge received the 2006 IABSE Outstanding Structure Award.

The Millau Viaduct consists of an eight-span steel roadway supported by seven concrete pylons. The roadway weighs 36,000 tonnes (40,000 short tons) and is 2,460 m (8,070 ft) long, measuring 32 m (105 ft) wide by 4.2 m (14 ft) deep, making it the world's longest cable-stayed deck. The six central spans each measure 342 m (1,122 ft) with the two outer spans measuring 204 m (669 ft). The roadway has a slope of 3% descending from south to north, and curves in a plane section with a 20 km (12 mi) radius to give drivers better visibility.

Construction Of Millau Viaduct

Construction began on 10 October 2001 and was intended to take three years, but weather conditions put work on the bridge behind schedule. The enormous pylons were built first, together with intermediate temporary pylons which were in themselves a massive record-breaking construction project. The pylons range in height from 77 m (253 ft) to 246 m (807 ft), and taper in their longitudinal section from 24.5 m (80 ft) at the base to 11 m (36 ft) at the deck. Each pylon is composed of 16 framework sections, each weighing 2,230 tonnes (2,460 short tons). These sections were assembled on site from pieces of 60 tonnes (66 short tons), 4 m (13 ft) wide and 17 m (56 ft) long, made in factories in Lauterbourg and Fos-sur-Mer by Eiffage. The pylons each support 87 m (285 ft) tall masts.

Construction Timeline

Two weeks after the laying of the first stone on 14 December 2001, the workers started to dig the deep shafts. There were 4 per pylon; 15 m (49 ft) deep and 5 m (16 ft) in diameter, assuring the stability of the pylons. At the bottom of each pylon, a tread of 3–5 m (10–16 ft) in thickness was installed to reinforce the effect of the deep shafts. The 2,000 m3 (2,600 cu yd) of concrete necessary for the treads was poured at the same time.

Millau Viaduct

In March 2002, the pylons emerged from the ground. The speed of construction then rapidly increased. Every three days, each pylon increased in height by 4 m (13 ft). This performance was mainly due to sliding shuttering. Thanks to a system of shoe anchorages and fixed rails in the heart of the pylons, a new layer of concrete could be poured every 20 minutes.

The bridge deck was constructed on land at the ends of the viaduct and rolled lengthwise from one pylon to the next, with eight temporary towers providing additional support. The movement was accomplished by a computer-controlled system of pairs of wedges under the deck; the upper and lower wedges of each pair pointing in opposite directions. These were hydraulically operated, and moved repeatedly in the following sequence: The lower wedge slides under the upper wedge, raising it to the roadway above and then forcing the upper wedge still higher to lift the roadway.

Both wedges move forward together, advancing the roadway a short distance. The lower wedge retracts from under the upper wedge, lowering the roadway and allowing the upper wedge to drop away from the roadway; the lower wedge then moves back all the way to its starting position. There is now a linear distance between the two wedges equal to the distance forward the roadway has just moved. The upper wedge moves backward, placing it further back along the roadway, adjacent to the front tip of the lower wedge and ready to repeat the cycle and advance the roadway by another increment. It worked at 600mm per cycle (roughly 4mins long).

Millau Viaduct

The mast pieces were driven over the new deck lying down horizontally. The pieces were joined to form the one complete mast, still lying horizontally. The mast was then tilted upwards, as one piece, at one time in a tricky operation. In this way each mast was erected on top of the corresponding pylon. The stays connecting the masts and the deck were then installed, and the bridge was tensioned overall and weight tested. After this, the temporary pylons could be removed.

1.      16 October 2001: Work begins
2.      14 December 2001: Laying of the first stone
3.      January 2002: Laying pier foundations
4.      March 2002: Start of work on the pier support C8
5.      June 2002: Support C8 completed, start of work on piers
6.      July 2002: Start of work on the foundations of temporary, height adjustable roadway supports
7.      August 2002: Start of work on pier support C0
8.      September 2002: Assembly of roadway begins
9.      November 2002: First piers complete
10.    25–26 February 2003: Laying of first pieces of roadway
11.    Nov 2003: Completion of the last piers (Piers P2 at 245 m (804 ft) and P3 at 221 m (725 ft
12.    28 May 2004: The pieces of roadway apart, their juncture to be accomplished within two weeks
13.    2nd Quarter of 2004: Installation of the pylons and shrouds
14.    14 December 2004: Official inauguration
15.    16 December 2004: Opening of the viaduct, ahead of schedule
16.    10 January 2005: Initial planned opening date

Costs and Resources

The bridge's construction cost up to €394 million, with a toll plaza 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the viaduct costing an additional €20 million. The builders, Eiffage, financed the construction in return for a concession to collect the tolls for 75 years, until 2080. However, if the concession is very profitable, the French government can assume control of the bridge in 2044.

The project required about 127,000 cubic metres (166,000 cu yd) of concrete, 19,000 tonnes (21,000 short tons) of steel for the reinforced concrete and 5,000 tonnes (5,500 short tons) of pre-stressed steel for the cables and shrouds. The builder claims that the lifetime of the bridge will be at least 120 years.

Read more about the fact of this Millau Viaduct here
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The mast pieces were driven over the new deck lying down horizontally. The pieces were joined to form the one complete mast, still lying horizontally. The mast was then tilted upwards, as one piece, at one time in a tricky operation. In this way each mast was erected on top of the corresponding pylon. The stays connecting the masts and the deck were then installed, and the bridge was tensioned overall and weight tested. After this, the temporary pylons could be removed.

1.      16 October 2001: Work begins
2.      14 December 2001: Laying of the first stone
3.      January 2002: Laying pier foundations
4.      March 2002: Start of work on the pier support C8
5.      June 2002: Support C8 completed, start of work on piers
6.      July 2002: Start of work on the foundations of temporary, height adjustable roadway supports
7.      August 2002: Start of work on pier support C0
8.      September 2002: Assembly of roadway begins
9.      November 2002: First piers complete
10.    25–26 February 2003: Laying of first pieces of roadway
11.    Nov 2003: Completion of the last piers (Piers P2 at 245 m (804 ft) and P3 at 221 m (725 ft
12.    28 May 2004: The pieces of roadway apart, their juncture to be accomplished within two weeks
13.    2nd Quarter of 2004: Installation of the pylons and shrouds
14.    14 December 2004: Official inauguration
15.    16 December 2004: Opening of the viaduct, ahead of schedule
16.    10 January 2005: Initial planned opening date

Far East Organization Gelar Pameran Properti Singapura di Hotel Mulia Sabtu, 19 Maret 2011

2011-03-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

AKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Pengembang properti terbesar di Singapura Far East Organization menggelar pameran properti Singapura selama dua hari, dimulai hari ini (Sabtu, 19/3/2011) hingga besok (Minggu, 20/3/2011), yang akan berlangsung di Hotel Mulia Senayan.

Dalam pameran ini, akan digelar beragam proyek properti Far East Organization dari bangunan perkantoran, hotel, hunian, sampai SOHO (Small Office Home Office).

Far East telah berdiri sejak tahun 1960, dan telah memberikan konstribusi transformasi lanskap perkotaan Singapura. Organisasi ini telah membangun lebih dari 700 pembangunan seluruh spectrum penuh real estate di perhotelan, perumahan, perdagangan, dan sektor industri.

Catatan kesuksesan Far East dengan kepemilikan dan pengoperasian perusahaan penyewaan terbesar perhotelan di Singapura. Termasuk di dalamnya 6 hotel, 11 pelayanan tempat tinggal, dan 1.200 apartemen.

Pengembang ini juga telah memangkan 6 penghargaan FIABCI Prix d'excellence yang telah diakui dunia Internasional. Proyek-proyek tersebut adalah, Bayshore (1999), Far East Square (2001), Gardenville (2002), Fullerton Square (2003), Orchad Scotts (2009), dan Pusat (2010). (Natalia Ririh