Life & Living

Adapting the floor plan in existing buildings offers an opportunity to create more living space without physically adding on. By opening up or combining small, nested rooms, owners can often open up unused space reserves. This is particularly advantageous when external extensions are limited by building regulations or listed buildings. The trend towards...

Careful planning is crucial when building a conservatory. First of all, owners can create a sketch of the desired floor plan. They must take into account both the size of the room and the space required for the interior fittings. It is advisable to seek professional support from architects or specialized planners. They can use their...

The bathroom is increasingly turning into a personal retreat that offers relaxation after a stressful day. The furniture there must therefore be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. "Above all, an increasingly homely design is in demand," says Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the German Furniture Industry Association. The use of natural materials such as...

Every film fan's dream is an optimized home cinema experience. High-quality televisions or projectors and first-class speakers are essential for full enjoyment. These not only offer sharp and high-contrast images, but also a sound that draws you right into the movie. Technologies should be chosen that support viewing and listening habits and make the most of the movie experience.

A suitable closet should not only be functional, but also fit into the room visually. However, people often face the challenge of finding the right closet for their needs. The first decision helps here: should it be a free-standing closet or a built-in closet? Free-standing wardrobes are available in furniture stores and in...

Intelligent and ergonomic solutions that not only make cooking and living more pleasant, but also more efficient, are becoming increasingly important in modern kitchens. Volker Irle, Managing Director of the "Die Moderne Küche" working group, emphasizes that current innovations in the specialist furniture trade are aimed at making kitchen and living areas more...

In the event of water damage, the cause should first be clarified. Dirt particles indicate that the water is coming from outside. If clear water is leaking, it may be a leak or condensation water, for example. If foam, paper residue and fibrous material can be found in the water, it is likely to be dirty water. The Association of Private Builders VPB advises: "In...

Rainwater harvesting can help save drinking water as it can be used for watering gardens, flushing toilets or washing clothes. This reduces dependence on municipal water supply systems and promotes a more sustainable use of water resources. Households and municipalities that use rainwater therefore not only benefit from...

New housing concepts are gaining in importance as the traditional concept of the family changes and loneliness increases. Shared housing projects that offer more than just a roof over your head could be an answer to the challenges of modern living. These projects aim to create spaces in which people not only live, but also have social and supportive relationships.

"Empty nesters", i.e. people whose children have already moved out, represent the largest group with the potential to downsize their living space. However, a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) shows that this potential often remains untapped. Although 26 percent of empty nesters feel that their home is too big and 38 percent have more than two extra rooms, the...