In today’s world, burglars have become increasingly sophisticated, using techniques like lock picking and signal jamming to breach security systems. However, no matter how advanced their methods, they can’t function without their vision. That’s where the ZeroVision smoke barrier from Verisure comes in.
ZeroVision is an advanced security device that deploys a dense, zero-visibility smokescreen to blind intruders, rendering them incapable of navigating your property. Powered by a specialized fog generator, it fills the room with a harmless but thick smoke that completely obscures the intruder’s view, leaving them disoriented.
Integrated into Verisure’s security system, ZeroVision works with 24/7 monitoring by experts at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). When an intrusion is detected, the ARC verifies the threat and activates the device. Within seconds, the room is filled with non-toxic smoke, forcing the burglar to either flee or remain immobilized until the police arrive.
Image: Verisure
ZeroVision is a game-changer in home security. By creating a zero-visibility environment, it prevents burglars from finding valuable items or even locating the exit. This increases the likelihood of the intruder being caught. Additionally, ZeroVision serves as a powerful deterrent; the mere presence of warning signs on your property can make burglars think twice.
Ideal for homeowners and businesses alike, ZeroVision provides an extra layer of security, particularly in high-risk areas or for those with valuable assets. Available exclusively through Verisure’s security packages, pricing is tailored to the specific needs of each customer, with personalized quotes available upon request.
With over 25 years in the security industry, Verisure is dedicated to staying ahead of criminal tactics. ZeroVision is not just a security device but a revolutionary tool that changes the rules of the game. If intruders can’t see, they can’t steal. Verisure remains a leader in innovative security solutions, ensuring you’re always one step ahead of potential threats.
Nestled deep in the Ontarian forest, the Forest Retreat is a beautiful new house designed by Kariouk Architects. Intended to be a family retreat, the home is surrounded by nature on all sides, and this will last throughout the year. The home is intricately connected to the surrounding land, including its exquisite trails and creeks, creating a ‘Canadian homestead’, that is a meeting space for extended family and friends.
The Forest Retreat is constructed to be a fascinating combination of local materials, craftsmanship, and open space where a family can get together to spend time in the thralls of nature. Immersed amid Canadian nature, the house shares a serene relationship with nature. “Historically, the Canadian identity has been defined by our relationship to the land,’ said the architects. ‘The home honors that emotional connection through visual and material harmonization with its surroundings, but moreover, through responsible material sourcing and site adaptation, as well as energy-saving systems.”
The home is perched on a property of around 100 acres, and the site includes a variety of meadows, rocky outcrops, and wetlands, forming a land with diverse topography. The home is built on a rocky outcrop, so no trees had to be cut down for the construction of the home. It serves a continuous and free-flowing space, topped with a copper-clad roof, which spans at least 60 meters. The entire home is open-plan, although the bedrooms and bathrooms share their own closed-off section. The children’s rooms are placed in a volume above the main floor, and they can be accessed through a catwalk. The roof has a unique tent-like form, which imitates the undulating contours of the site. Glazed walls offer tranquil views of the surrounding trees and landscape.
The interior of the home features hand-crafted elements, in spite of the structural engineering employed for the roof and the raised mezzanine. It is populated with custom fittings and fixtures, and local woodworkers built the shingled paneling, staircases, and cabinetry. The architects made these decisions to incorporate a certain wholesomeness into the space. “The intention was to bring soulfulness to the home by thinking through and resolving details in person and by hand, and not merely on a computer screen,” said the architects.
Called the Casa Santa Maria del Oro, this picturesque lakeside home in Mexico’s Nayarit state was designed by the Mexican studio MCxA Group. The home is perched on a steep slope, which gently makes its way to the water. The home features circular holes that function as light wells, a courtyard, and spaces for trees. The home is slightly embedded within the earth, and topped by a lovely green roof.
“The volume of the house is completely hidden, lost in the slope of the land and leaving only the terraces visible, which coexist with native trees and open to the lake,” said architects MCxA. The home is surrounded by five old trees, and they weren’t disturbed. Curves and holes were created in the floors and ceiling plates to ensure the trees weren’t bothered.
“Circular shapes are subtracted from the volume to honor their presence, allowing these giants to intertwine with the dwelling,” said design team leaders Mauricio Ceballos and Francisco Vázquez. This unique design style was adopted to pay tribute to the natural environment as well as the local community. Construction was conducted in such a way, that it harmonizes with nature, without causing harm to it.
The home occupies 350 square meters, and it contains three levels as well as three bedrooms. All the rooms are concealed from the view on account of the green roof, which also serves as a unique component of the home. You can access it from the upper level through a pathway of cylindrical pillars which create a 20-meter staircase. The staircase is “intricately designed to blend with the site, divert rainwater through the permeability generated by the spacing of the pieces, and serve as a sculptural statement with prefabricated cylindrical concrete steps,” as mentioned by the architects. These volumes feature curved glazed portions which offer lovely views of the trees.
Most of the living spaces are located in the middle story. This floor includes the bedrooms and bathrooms, which are located on both sides of the open-plan lounge and dining area. The home features concrete flooring and earth-toned decor. This decor includes volcanic stone and recycled wooden elements which are further accentuated by dark steel columns and window trims.
Designed by Argentinian architectural studio Berson-Sardin, the Case Libélula is located in the Delta Río Paraná. It is a stunning home occupying 95 sq m and is inspired by the lovely elegance of a dragonfly. The home is raised on stilt-like pilings, which look like the legs of a dragonfly! The home has been elevated to provide protection against frequent flooding. It was built using local traditional construction techniques, which have been used by the people of the area for ages galore. The dwelling was constructed using mainly wood while allowing it to merge with the surrounding landscape. The floorplan of the home is a contemporary take on the local architectural style, exhibiting a new geometric design.
Designer: Berson-Sardin
The home is formed like a massive shaded gallery featuring outward-opening glass facades which convert the indoor space into a cool, and well-regulated area. This design supports cross-ventilation and shading, ensuring that the interiors are always cool irrespective of the weather outside. The home doesn’t utilize synthetic paints and varnishes, in fact, the wooden elements are untreated, allowing them to age naturally. Some of the wooden elements have also been charred to ensure future maintenance isn’t required.
The Casa Libélula includes three interconnected volumes. The bigger volume contains the public spaces like the living room, kitchen, and dining room, while the smaller volumes include the private spaces such as the bedrooms. These different sections feature a cladding of charred wood planks, and they’re all connected via a glass-walled entrance hall. This unique design offers privacy, by projecting the bedrooms ahead, closing them off from the public eye.
The home also includes an ascending and descending platform system which forms an intriguing and dynamic architectural promenade. This promenade moves through the entire home. It starts at the dock and follows a diagonal route that interconnects the ends of the home. These interesting platforms provide different views of the house and the landscape. The three massive volumes team up with this system perfectly, serving as lookout points that can be used for meditation, stargazing, and watching sunsets.
Govee has launched its new Outdoor Wall Light, designed to bring advanced lighting options to your porch. This smart light offers customizable effects, Wi-Fi control, and robust durability, making it a standout choice for outdoor lighting.
The Govee Outdoor Wall Light uses RGBIC technology, allowing you to select from millions of colors and various dynamic modes. Whether you want vibrant party lighting or a subtle, calming ambiance, this light adapts to your needs. With the Govee Home app, you can control the light remotely. Adjust settings, schedule timings, and create lighting scenes all from your smartphone. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control for hands-free operation. Built to endure the elements, this light is weather-resistant, ensuring it remains functional and looking good in various outdoor conditions.
The ability to control your lighting via a mobile app or voice assistant sets this product apart from traditional outdoor lighting solutions. The Govee Outdoor Wall Light is ideal for a range of outdoor spaces, from porches and patios to garden paths and driveways. Its customizable lighting effects make it suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.
The Govee Outdoor Wall Light is available for purchase here. With its blend of functionality, smart features, and durability, it offers a modern solution for enhancing your outdoor spaces.
The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor aims to help users keep tabs on the air quality inside their homes, ensuring a healthier living environment.
Key Features
The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor tracks a range of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and temperature. It provides real-time updates and alerts through the Alexa app, allowing users to take immediate action if air quality falls below healthy levels.
Integration with Alexa
As expected, the monitor integrates seamlessly with Amazon’s Alexa. Users can ask Alexa about the current air quality or set up routines to automatically adjust other smart home devices based on the monitor’s readings. For example, if the air quality drops, Alexa can trigger an air purifier or fan to improve ventilation.
Easy Setup and Usage
Setting up the Smart Air Quality Monitor is straightforward. Users simply plug in the device, connect it to the Alexa app, and follow the on-screen instructions. The monitor is designed to be user-friendly, providing clear, easy-to-understand insights into your home’s air quality.
Health and Wellness Focus
With increasing awareness about indoor air pollution and its effects on health, the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor arrives at a critical time. Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies. By keeping track of air quality, this device helps users create a healthier home environment.
Pricing and Availability
The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is available for purchase now, priced at $69.99. It’s a small investment for a significant step towards better health and well-being at home.
For more details and to purchase the device, visit Amazon’s official product page.
Why It Matters
As smart home technology continues to evolve, devices like the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor highlight the potential of these innovations to improve daily life. By monitoring and improving air quality, Amazon is helping users create safer, healthier living spaces, showcasing the growing importance of health-focused smart home products.
Designed by Spaces Architects@KA, this tall and narrow home in the streets of New Delhi, India has a unique and mesmerizing element to it. The home includes a large wall mural. This beautiful mural is the focal point of the home, and it covers multiple floors. Spanning through various stories, the mural occupies a significant space in the house, letting the work of art be beautifully integrated with the living space, while also holding a powerful place of its own.
The colorful mural includes a tree with leaves, flowers, and birds. The home is adorned with interior walkways which offer unobstructed and clear views of the mural. Visitors can peacefully admire and gaze at the work of art. The delightful mural adds color and spark to an otherwise pretty neutral home, with a skylight offering natural lighting to the entire area. With the natural light falling artfully and gently on the mural, it creates an interesting effect, adding an other-worldly appeal to the home.
As you walk around the rest of the home, you are welcomed by a comfy space that is designed for a family of five. This spacious home has been tucked away inside a small and narrow site that measures 19 feet by 59 feet. The ground floor of the home can be used to host formal engagements as it includes a lounge, bar, and dining. The wall is lined by a sculptural wood bench, with the dining area softly transitioning into the lounge and bar space. The home also includes a formal living room.
The first floor of the home accommodates a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a kitchen, and a puja space for daily prayers and reflection. This floor was designed to meet the needs of the homeowner’s father. The bedroom is accentuated with gold accents, much like the bathroom. The bedroom also includes an artistic section of the wall. Patterned floor tiles and wallpaper mark the puja room. Cut-outs have been dispersed throughout the home to offer cross ventilation, which allows fresh air to breeze through the home quite naturally. The skylight besides offering access to sunlight, also cuts down the dependency on artificial lighting during the daytime.
The second floor of the home is designed for the two daughters. The bedrooms are a direct reflection of their personalities, aspirations, and requirements, paving the way for some individuality inside a collective family home. The third floor is for the homeowners, and this space includes a bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, and a study with a window seat.
The Roomba Combo Essential is a robot vacuum and mop that offers a 4-stage cleaning system to clean hard floors in one sweep. It features a V-shaped multi-surface brush, an Edge-Sweeping Brush, and a pump-fed microfiber mop pad. With 18 times more suction power than its predecessors, it provides customizable cleaning with three power levels, allowing users to choose between a quieter cleaning mode or a more powerful vacuum. The battery can last up to 120 minutes, and it can automatically return to its charging station to recharge. It is available for $274.99 (currently on sale for $219.99).
Who it’s targeted at
The Roomba Combo Essential is designed for individuals seeking a convenient and affordable solution for automated floor cleaning. In short, until recently combo vacuum and mops were very expensive.
Similar products
Similar products in the market include other robot vacuums with mopping capabilities, such as the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ and the Roomba Combo j9+ (though those are more expensive). These offer similar cleaning systems with additional features like automatic dirt disposal, smart mapping, and more advanced controls through the iRobot mobile app.
Things to consider
Cleaning efficiency: Consider your cleaning needs and whether the Roomba Combo Essential’s combination of vacuuming and mopping will meet them.
Navigation and mapping: The robot’s ability to navigate around obstacles and under furniture can vary. Ensure it meets your home’s requirements.
Battery life: With 120 minutes of battery life, the robot should suit most households, but larger spaces might need additional recharges.
Control options: The iRobot Home app allows you to control the robot and schedule cleaning sessions, while voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant add convenience.
Price: The Roomba Combo Essential is priced competitively, but compare it with other models to ensure it meets your needs and budget.
The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is a state-of-the-art brewing system designed to bridge the gap between manual pour-over and traditional drip coffee makers. It offers an unparalleled level of precision and customization, allowing users to emulate the pour-over method with the convenience of an automatic brewer. This machine caters to those who cherish the quality of a carefully crafted cup of coffee but desire the ease of a push-button operation.
Who is it targeted at?
This coffee maker is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of gourmet coffee but might not always have the time to engage in the manual brewing process. It’s also perfect for households with diverse taste preferences, as it allows for customizable brewing settings that can be saved and replicated with ease. The ability to adjust variables like water temperature, flow rate, and bloom time caters to both beginners wanting to explore different coffee flavors and aficionados seeking precision and control.
Similar Products
In the realm of high-end coffee makers that aim to replicate the pour-over experience, the Fellow Aiden competes with devices like the Ratio Six and the Breville Precision Brewer. These machines also emphasize precise temperature control, customizable brewing options, and sleek designs to appeal to serious coffee drinkers who value both aesthetics and functionality.
Things to Consider
When considering the Fellow Aiden, potential buyers should evaluate:
Customization and Convenience: The Aiden offers detailed customization options that affect the taste and quality of the brew. Its app integration allows for adjustments and the scheduling of brews, adding a layer of convenience for busy users.
Design and Aesthetics: The Aiden boasts a minimalist design that is not only visually appealing but also designed to fit comfortably under most kitchen cabinets, making it a practical addition to small and large kitchens alike.
Price Point: Positioned at a premium price, the Aiden is an investment in your coffee routine. Potential buyers should consider if the features provided justify the cost relative to their usage and expectations.
Educational Resources: For beginners, the Aiden offers built-in brewing guidance and the opportunity to explore different brewing profiles, which can be a great way to learn more about coffee brewing techniques and flavors.
The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker elevates the standard of home-brewed coffee by providing an automated solution that does not compromise on the quality of the brew. Its precise control over brewing variables ensures that each cup can be tailored to individual preferences, making it a notable option for anyone looking to upgrade their coffee experience at home.
When we’re doing up our home, we always focus on the furniture we place in it or on the interior decor style we prefer, but focusing on home decor accents is equally important. These little decorative items can truly uplift the aesthetic appeal of a space, adding a personalized touch that will resonate with you and your visitors. A well-selected set of home decor accents can truly set the perfect tone for your home, and if they’re minimal and super-functional, well they tick all the boxes then! We’ve put together a collection of functional, nifty and visually pleasing home decor accents that you need to check out!
1. Pop-Up Book Vase
This enchanting pop-up book vase holds and presents your flowers in a manner that is truly fairy tale-ish! You can open the cover to reveal a 3D cutout of the vase, which is designed to showcase the colorful beauty of your precious floral arrangement. You can flip a page to unveil another graceful vase design, allowing you to have a fresh presentation when you feel like it.
You can even turn the book upside down, to get another pretty view from a different perspective. This pop-up book vase is a simple yet creative way to make your flowers stand out, and truly pop. You can start your flowery adventure with this clever pop-up book vase.
What we like
It features three unique and graceful pop-up vase designs
Crafted from 100% natural pulp with water-resistant coating
What we dislike
Looks a bit difficult to clean and maintain, no clear instructions on how to do so
2. Battery-free aroma Diffuser
Dubbed the battery-free aroma diffuser, this little product is an excellent option to bring some fragrant and fresh air into your home. You can take deep breaths and relax without causing any harm to the environment. The diffuser harnesses the power of a single candle by using simple physics and science.
This unique diffuser is battery-free, and you don’t need any external power sources to operate. It only relies on the heat of a single candle, spreading relaxing and calming aromatic scents through your house. The diffuser is also made from sustainable materials, lending it an eco-friendly ethos.
What we like
The diffuser is crafted from recyclable materials
It is compatible with different kinds of essential oils
What we dislike
Since the diffuser doesn’t have electric controls, it can be tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma
3. CD Jacket Player
Relive your favorite musical moments with CDs, while also appreciating their accompanying album art no matter where you may be with this CD Jacket Player. The CD Jacket Player not only accommodates classic audio CDs but also uplifts their aesthetic appeal by merging with their jackets.
This CD Jacket Player not only boasts the CD jacket art but can also be mounted on your wall functioning as a minimal and decorative element in your home. The jacket player lets you display your favorite album art, while also elevating the visual appeal of your living space.
What we like
The CD Jacket Player is designed to add some style and personality to your living space
What we dislike
Digital music streaming reigns supreme nowadays, so a CD player is a limiting product
4. Bookish Bookmark
Named the Bookish Bookmark, this little product lets you enjoy a hands-free reading session while letting you keep your book open without having to employ any awkward workarounds. You don’t need to put down the book with something ugly and heavy.
The Bookish Bookmark is great for those who want to showcase their favorite books as an element in their home. Equipped with a clean transparent design, it keeps your book open while adding a visually interesting element to your desk or bookshelf.
What we like
The Bookish Bookmark lets you display your favorite book in a neat and aesthetic manner
What we dislike
It might be too large for small books, and disliked by those who prefer discreet bookmarks
5. Moon Rock Clock
You can now bring your love of outer space and the Moon to your home with the Moon Rock Clock! This simple yet striking clock lets you live your space travel fantasies, within the comfort of your own home. It is made from specially polished stainless steel and features a circular shape while capturing the mystique of the moon with numbers that artfully float around the edges.
The numbers seem to wane and wax around just like the moon. As you take a glimpse of the clock, it gives you a subtle reminder to live life with a spirit of adventure, just like the rocket ship that makes its way around the moon. The minimalist clock with its moon travel-inspired ethos is a reminder to follow your dreams.
What we like
The printed numbers seem to float and vanish around the moon
What we dislike
It is a big and bulky design and will occupy substantial space on your desk or table
6. Invisible Shoehorn
Meet the Invisible Shoehorn, a nifty product designed to save your back and socks, as it will harmoniously disappear into the background when it isn’t being used. The Shoehorn features a long stainless steel body which prevents any kind of snags and tears in the stockings and shoes.
The Invisible Shoehorn is super unique as it artfully disappears into the background when it is not in use. It features a transparent stand and makes for an attractive and intriguing decorative element for your home. The shoehorn has a practical utility and decorative appeal.
What we like
Seamlessly merges with the background of your home when it isn’t being used
It is a functional product with aesthetic appeal as well
What we dislike
Not very economically priced
7. The Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
This tiny relaxation-inducing product is called the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, and it lets you enjoy an outdoor fire within the comfort of your own home. This little set captures the various scents, smells and joy of a lovely outdoor fire, without any of the issues of a massive outdoor fire.
The mini hardwood used for the diffuser is collected from branches that were intended to be discarded away. They give off a warm smoky smell when burnt on the stainless steel mini oven, giving off a comforting aroma. You can add a few drops of the essential oils extracted from Mt.Hakusan trees, and an authentic outdoor scent will spread through your home.
What we like
The diffuser can be used as a cooking or heating stool as well, by adding a piece of solid wood, making it a multifunctional design
What we dislike
Requires small pieces of wood
8. Jewelvase Mirror Stand
Called the Jewelvase Mirror Stand, this lovely mirror is designed to also function as an accessory stand or vase. You can not only look at your face in it, but it also elevates anything that is placed on it. The simple and elegant design adds character to your dresser, while also providing essential functionality.
The Jewelvase Mirror Stand has dual functionality which allows it to function as a mirror and a vase/accessory stand. Made using bioplastic material, which includes rice husks, the mirror stand has an elegant decorative quality to it. It serves as a stylish yet functional home decor accent!
What we like
Uplifts any dresser, table, desk, or furniture piece it is positioned on
What we dislike
Since it is a dual-functional product, the effectiveness of either role could be hindered
9. Retro Candle Lamp
Dubbed the Retro Candle Lamp, this vintage-inspired lamp will make a lovely addition to your bedside table or desk. It emits a soft subtle light, while also holding your scented candles. The scented candles in the lamp help spread a relaxing and sweet scent in your room.
Why is it noteworthy?
The warmth of the lamp helps activate the fragrance molecules in the candle, which lets out a pleasant and lovely smell, without even lighting it. This cuts out the danger of having an open flame near our bed or on your desk.
What we like
The handle on top lets you control and move around the lamp without touching any of the hot parts
What we dislike
Not a great option for those who like watching an open flame flickering
10. Key Holder Wakka
Always put your keys in the right place with the Key Holder Wakka! This nifty little product features a stylish key ring and a lovely wooden base which merge to form a functional and aesthetic home accent that stores your key efficiently and well.
The keyholder utilizes a powerful neodymium magnet that keeps the keyring in place, and a brisk tapping sound is created at separation. You can pick between iron, brass, or stainless steel in material choices with Silver/Maple and Silver/Walnut options which contribute to its decorative qualities.
What we like
Transforms the simple act of putting your key into something fun and interactive
What we dislike
It features a neodymium magnet which cannot hold heavy sets of keys well
