Protecting your home and family is crucial – both while you are at home and not at home. Most homes are broken into during the peak winter and summer months, when people are away on vacation. Moreover, during the last ten years, over 5 million homes have been burglarized and 28% occurred when the occupant was home. These scary statistics should give you a glimpse of how important home security is. While having state-of-the-art locks and windows can help prevent break-ins, you generally need some other preventative measures to fully defend your home.

Image via: Moroso Construction

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Here are 5 home exterior security options.

Considering a guard dog to your family

There are plenty of dog breeds that work for adults and children, so that your guard dog can also make a great family companion too. More often than not, guard dogs are more bark than bite, but a loud enough bark should scary away anybody attempting to burglarize your home. You can either invest in a professional guard dog or purchase a breed, like German Shepard or Doberman, which will really look the part and protect you home.

Install smart phone enabled locks in your home

Thanks to the advent of smart phones and other devices, you can actually purchase a number of different apps that can automatically, and even remotely, lock the doors of your home. This is a great tool in case you forget to lock up before you go to sleep at night or go on a vacation. Many of these apps are as simple as a download and minimal configuration of equipment.

Invest in a good home security system

If you have a bigger budget for your exterior home security needs you can also purchase a high-end system that will secure all your window and doors with sensor-activated alarms. Best of all, many of the high-end security systems have patrol officers on the ready who will be dispatched if they see a sign of forced entry or a signal for alarm. This is not only a great way to prevent theft, but also apprehend potential burglars in the act so that you can protect your community as well.

Here, there and everywhere in the high tech world you can find a number of different small and inconspicuous cameras. By rigging your home with these cameras you can always be on the ready to see who is at your door. A number of brazen burglaries are done by force, so having a camera is a great way to see who is at the door before you open it.

Image via: David Johnston Architects

Consider safety lighting for your outdoor home

Another great way to protect your home is to get powerful floodlights that are motion activated. Turn on the mechanism at night or before you go out of town and anyone who tries to break into your home will be met with a blast of bright light. To the burglar it will look as if someone is at home and has turned on the light. Bright floodlights are one of the most effective ways to deter a burglar and safeguard your home.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.

What is on your holiday gift list this year? Maybe a fun gadget or tech gift to give to a friend? Gadgets are now part of everyday life. These technologies come in different styles to fit every need. They are used for entertainment, communication, productivity and many other usage. With all these features that gadgets provide, these technologies are not just a “want” but a “need”. Whether you are considering the latest 3DGB television or you are looking for home office gadgets, these ideas will be perfect for anyone on your wish list.

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Given all the features of a gadget, the appearance is never left out of considerations. A lot of manufacturers invest a great deal with the outer shell or exterior design. Just like these natural wood grain gadgets that look so pretty and natural. These gadgets are perfect for people who wanted to incorporate the elements of nature in their devices.

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Branch USB

This is a cute gadget that you can use not just as storage but also as a personal nature-inspired decor. As the name indicates, it looks like a branch as it is covered with a wooden outer shell. The brand is artistically engraved and the wood grain color reflects beautifully all throughout.

Vers Earbuds

Another great option for the music lover is the VersEarbuds. The design fits perfectly in your ears and so smooth to your skin. It allows you to listen to your favorite songs comfortably and in high quality. The earbuds have a wooden design that you can choose between light or dark grains.

AlestRukov Computer Mouse

Ever wanted to have a unique and stylish computer mouse? Well, your search is over. Get hold of this AlestRukov computer mouse to enhance your computer set. The wooden style of this computer mouse is polished excellently. This makes it very elegant and sophisticated.

More than the looks are the features that these gadgets provide to the users. But with a well-designed gadget, you will have an extra satisfaction and remarkable experience whenever you use it or not. The natural wood grain gadgets will surely win the hearts of people who love the natural and wonderful looks of wooden exterior.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Modern technology, as with most of mankind’s innovations, is both a blessing and a curse depending on the given day or experience. The internet allows for information sharing on a global scale, which gives individuals the ability to solve some significant problems faster and more efficiently than ever before. However, the internet also gives you unending exposure to media, and most outlets make their money by peddling fear and doubt. Given crime rates and global unease, more and more people are turning their attention to home security, thinking they can use technology to protect their safety far more effectively than the government or the local police force. And while some may insist that placing a security sign in the front yard is all the deterrent you’ll ever need (even if the system the sign advertises isn’t actually installed in the home), proactive individuals are more interested in hunting down long-term solutions. Here are some of the cutting edge technological tools now available to keep your home safe.

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Home Safety Ideas

Some people look at the crime rates in the U.S., see the positive trends and wonder why that is the case. Many experts suggest that crime rates are dropping because cameras are much more prevalent in our society, both as part of those omnipresent mobile devices and placed permanently around our neighborhoods. Now you can bring the peace of mind that surveillance provides home with you, with the Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Security Camera. You can have it installed and running in only a few hours, and it records right onto a microSD card. It’s motion activated, so you won’t have to screen countless hours of nothingness, and it can also connect right into your router so you can watch live video on any web browser or through one of Logitech’s mobile apps.

Another great piece of technology for your peace of mind is the Craftsman AssureLink Garage Door Opener. You purchase the hardware for $330, and you can handle the easy install yourself. Then you register the unit with Craftsman and sign up for $20-a-year service. You can open or close your garage door using Craftsman’s AssureLink app or through any web-enabled device. It’s a great way to let people inside your house while you’re away without running the risk of a hidden key being uncovered and stolen. The system also provides a great deal of data, including the amount of time the door has been left open, and a toggle for turning the lights on and off. And if your power were ever to go out, it actually has it’s own battery, so you won’t be stuck lifting that heavy garage door.

Finally, if you want a complete solution, check out the 2GIG Alarm Kit. It’s a sleek little interface with a color touchscreen that in the past has only been sold to dealers of security systems. But now you can find certain online stores that will sell it to you, and also give you permanent technical support completely for free. You’ll install it yourself, by placing sensors on each window and door in your home. The 2GIG will tell you when anything has been opened, and also uses motion sensor technology to protect your entryway. Link it up with your cell phone for only $21 a month, and control the whole thing through an app for only $6 extra. It’s truly a top-of-the-line security alarm system for a low-end price tag. And that’s just as important in this economy as issues of security.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Technology for your bathroom may not be so popular. This may be because there are still a lot of people who are not inclined to the idea of placing technology and water in one room. But of course, the majority of gadgets are not waterproof but that doesn’t mean you can’t have innovative technology on your bathroom.

Technology is not only built for fun and entertainment. It is designed to make us more convenient and efficient in our daily activities. Just like in our bathroom, there’s a lot of help that technology can offer.

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Here are some bathroom technologies that you can add to your list:

Fitbit Aria (1)

Ever heard of this technology? This is not only for those who are conscious of their weight but also for health. Aria helps you measure your weight management journey like it can track on your weight trends. It can also measure your body fat and BMI data. This is not just your ordinary bathroom scale. It is very accurate and has a lot of smart functions.

Dual Position Towel Dryer and Warmer (2)

Drying can be considered as one of the basic functions of a bathroom. You have to hang dry your towels or any bathroom essentials. In Dual Position Towel Dryer and Warmer, drying will be more efficient and convenient. It is very mobile and made of aluminum construction which makes it very durable and rust proof.

Tykho Radio (3)

This technology is designed for bathrooms. It is very colorful and can take your shower experience to the next level. Imagine listening to your favorite music without getting worried of your radio to get wet. The Tykho Radio is also great in the kitchen, beach or swimming pool. It has AM/FM radio features with great sound quality.

Noticeably, these bathroom technologies are built not only for functionality but also style. This enables you to enhance the interior design of your bathroom. Have a techy bathroom experience!

Images: 1, 2, 3

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

You needn’t do all the running around.  Unnecessary investment in professional cleaning supplies isn’t necessary either. That’s because technology has streamlined the scheme of cleaning by unleashing a plethora of gadgets and techno-savvy cleaning tools for your home. Without having to break your back and prepare for a day’s deal with fatigue, some of the exotically structured cleaning means help you trim up your home easily and without wear and tear on your body. With these latest cleaning techniques it has really become easy to clean your home in a limited amount of time.

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High-end products give professional results

Vacuum cleaners with an effective filter can help you squeeze out the streaks and patches of dust and dirt. Rather than using cloth dusters, use lint free dusters of microfiber. Vacuuming helps rid your carpet and floors of dirt and grime. as well as cleaning up your upholstery, ceilings and carpets; some of the recently devised means of vacuuming, help achieve dust-free living.

Photonic methods of cleaning

It is often correlated to the cleansing technique of the forthcoming generation. Delicate pieces of crystals, mirror, optics, besides phase masks; are not only cleaned but rendered free from contamination. The recently developed technique takes a toxic free approach to cleaning. When it comes to cleaning of optics and surfaces of meticulousness, the polymer based cleaning means can create a cleaner home.

Digital cleaning facilities

It happens to be one of the variations of ultrasonic cleaning facility. As suggested by the implication of ‘ultra-sonic’ the mechanism works on the frequency of ultrasonic sound. This device works by vibration which does away with dust particles and microbes. Household goods including valuables, gold articles, and silverware, can be cleaned by means of this ultrasonic tool.

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Specialized ultrasonic tools 

This mechanism with its digital display has been relevantly devised to clean up your compact discs, VCDs and other instances of hardware. Apart from these, a wide plethora of household items including things as expensive as jewelry and ink cartridge of your printer can be cleansed with the help of this technology. The range of application helps you spruce up items of common use including comb, glasses, dentures and brush.

Besides the realm of industrial cleaning, technology with its focus on ultrasonic frequency has helped minimize the labor quotient of household cleaning. Whether you choose to cleanse veggies and fruits or household items that are more intricate like contact lens, the technology driven prospect has undoubtedly will save you time and energy.

Technology based household cleaning tools help optimize your time and effort. Just check out some great ultrasonic cleaners that can help you at home and make the chore of cleaning a much better experience.

Sachin is a tech enthusiast and loves writing about gadgets and devices used at home. He had recently written for products such as ultrasonic cleaning devices which are used for cleaning expensive items at home.

For more home cleaning tips on Stagetecture, click here.

There was a time when the gramophone was a luxury, then came the invention of the telephone, television, and so forth. Over time, people started opting for these gadgets, majorly because of the convenience and handiness it offered. Today, gadgets and high tech appliances are a part of everyday life. We are so fond of these gadgets that we carry them around almost everywhere we go. These gadgets no longer appear as expensive but a necessity for ease of use and carrying out mundane tasks within minimal time. In case of home appliances, the innovative inventions have successfully improved lifestyle and resolution of mundane issues that would otherwise need a help or you need to get it done by yourself. Some best-known advanced technologies are already gracing many homes, given below are some advanced technologies that can add luxury to your homes:

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Wine Ager and Refrigerator:

Do you yearn for aged wine? Is the wait killing you? It is a known fact that the older the wine the better it tastes. To cater to this need there is a new age refrigerator as well as wine ager that comes handy when you are out of old wine. Designed by Mika Yamamoto this contraption is devised on the principle of magnetocaloric effect  i.e. the material are heated when magnetized and cooled down when they are out of the magnetic field.

Light Control Kit:

You might have used the automatic light conservation devices that help in cutting down on electric consumption by detecting movement. An upgraded version to this is the INSTEON light control kit that works as an app on your smartphone. By using this app, you can remotely check whether your electric equipment is on and monitor it from time to time.

Lamp:

You no longer have to worry about your electricity bills, at ease in case of your lights. A new invention called the WAT Lamp can generate light after being fueled with water. Yes, you read it right, that opaque drinkable solution can actually fuel your lights. Strange but true, this lamp works in unison with a hydroelectric battery for generating an electrochemical reaction, which works as light.

Image via: John Lewis

Vacuum cleaner:

Your help might be cleaning up, vacuuming and scrubbing your floor. It is quite a strenuous job and doing it in absence of the help would send your back for a toss. In times such as these, you can opt for the Roomba robot vacuum that serves as an ideal help who would vacuum, brush as well as squeeze away all the dirt off your floor within no time.

Alarm clock:

The final item on our advanced technology list will wake you up and wake you up it will. The IQ Alarm clock would not take your snooze for an answer as it has a button that goes on to question your IQ. The type of questions, which will greet you each morning, will surely wake you at a faster rate compared to your run-of-the-mill alarm clocks.

Jacob Seeley is a manager at coolflexmattresses.co.uk – The online retailers of memory foam mattresses. We offer a wide range of mattresses whether you are looking for a double, single or kingsize.

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

There are many ways to improve your way of living, whether it’s saving money or reducing your carbon footprint. Improve your home’s power usage and have a look at the brilliant gadgets listed below.

1. Blight Solar Blinds

With summer on the way, an easy fix it to install these ingenious blinds. “Blight” is a set of solar-powered window blinds that shade your home whilst simultaneously generating electricity. The design isn’t as yet on the market, but it’s such an intriguing idea, I had to list it.  However, there is an option you can buy, so check out these eco window shades.  After all, blocking out the sun is the easiest and least energy-intensive ways to keep your home’s temperature low. And cheap at around $150/£100.

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2. Eco Toaster

This cool-looking toaster uses 34% less energy to make your toast golden and crisp. Just plug in the socket and the bread is lowered by a satisfying downward action, followed by a top-closing device – this is what retains the heat and makes it more efficient. It might use the same amount of electricity to cook toast as your old standard toaster, but the toasting time is a lot shorter, thanks to the top-closing mechanism. This gadget will brown your bread in just 90 seconds, over twice as quickly as an average toaster. This will save around 1hr 20 minutes of power usage a week – that’s a staggering 60+ hrs a year!

3. EcoCamel Showerhead

On a meter, a household can save around $200/£125 off their yearly energy bill, and can cut $300/£200 off the annual water bill, too. An average family of four can save around 30,000 litres of water a year using this gadget – that’s a lot of showers! No plumber is needed as anyone can unscrew an old showerhead and fit the ecocamel. The water jet is not like being hit by Niagara Falls, either – more like a soft spring shower. It takes 10 seconds to fill a litre bag of water, but this gadget will only take six. A five-minute shower using the ecocamel uses 30 litres, whereas a conventional showerhead will use nearer 50. And power showers use 90 litres in five minutes. With two showers a day, seven days a week, that’s a saving of nearly 15,000 litres over a year.

4. Logitech Wireless Solar Powered Keyboard

This brilliant keyboard is solar powered. It takes its charge from an integrated solar panel. What’s really impressive is its ability to stay charged in the dark for up to three months. There are no power bricks and charging cables needed, either. Other features include a solar power meter to monitor you are receiving the right amount of light, and also informs you of the battery levels. If your charge is running low, it will alert you too. Pick one of these wicked keyboards for $80/£50.

5. Eco Button

Another neat PC related device is the Eco Button. This power saving device reduces your computer’s electricity usage. ‘Ecomode’ is initiated when you press the ‘eco button’. Use this when you leave your desk and your computer is set to the most efficient mode.  It will record how much power and money you have saved, plus the amount of carbon units used. By Eco Button for only $20/£15 and make your computer as efficient as possible.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Choosing a kitchen gadget can be pretty overwhelming. There are countless gadgets available to assist and improve everyday kitchen tasks. We have hand-picked 5 geeky kitchen gadgets to add personality and to aid functionality in your kitchen. Would you like to share a kitchen gadget that you can’t live without?

Image via: Houzz

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1. Star Wars Chopsticks

No self-proclaimed geek can get away without being a huge fan of Star Wars. Fans can now bring Star Wars to the eating table with these very cool light saber inspired chop sticks. You can even define your chopstick style by choosing either light or dark side of the force. Remember the cool duel light saber used by Darth Maul in the Phantom Menace? Yes, this is available in chop stick form too.
A bowl of noodles is no longer a boring meal. May the fork be with you!

2. Cube Mugs

Let’s add some personality to our kitchens & office workspaces with colourful, building block themed cube mugs. Charming as well as practical, these stackable cube mugs are guaranteed to add a spark of colour to your everyday life. Feeling creative? Why not stack a number of these cube mugs into a wall or miniature castle, and when you have finished reward yourself with a cup of tea.

3. Buddha / Udon / Ramen Bowls

These stylish not only look great but are extremely useful. These bowls sit comfortably in the palm of your hand which is perfect for snacking on lazy evenings in front of the television. The bowl is ideal for noodles, cereal or even ice cream. Stunning colours, artistic design and usefulness of these bowls make it a great gadget in any kitchen.

4. Cordless Wine Opener

Imagine the situation – you have organised an ultra-cool dinner party in your flashy new apartment and someone asks you to open a bottle of wine. You grab a cordless wine opener from the cupboard and your guests look in awe as it opens the wine effortlessly with the touch of a button. Feel the rush of smugness as you are immediately upgraded in the cool rankings.
As well as opening bottles of wine with absolutely minimal effort, the polished stainless metal finish gives it a great look for any kitchen.

5. Joseph Joseph Rotary Peeler

This little genius of a kitchen gadget is extremely versatile. It contains three varying peeling blades in one unit – standard, serrated or julienne. Simply turn the handle to access the blade you require. The compact size of this device is useful for kitchens limited in storage space.
For the price we think this is an essential purchase for your kitchen.

This post was written by CB Furnishings, a specialist in home, contemporary and designer furnishings.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.