Lifestyle

Round, Rectangular, or Ragged: Interior Architect Aly Hammoud and Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table

Published

9 months ago

March 30, 2023

Saying “yes” to the right coffee table never gets any easier. An essential element of any well-thought-out living room, the choice often comes down to finding the right balance between form and function. Regardless of the designer’s direction with their space, choosing the right coffee table is a critical step toward achieving a cohesive and visually appealing interior design.

Designers must consider several factors when choosing a coffee table. First, the table size should be proportional to the size of the living room. A small coffee table in a large room will look out of place, and a large table in a small room will overwhelm the space. The table’s height is just as important. The ideal height typically falls between 16 and 18 inches, the same as most sofas. A coffee table that is too high or too low will prove uncomfortable for everyday use.

Designers must also consider shape, style, color, material, and space awareness. The table should complement the architecture of the room.

For example, round coffee tables are ideal for square rooms because they create contrast. It’s also important to consider the shape of the furniture, specifically the edges. A round coffee table would be an ideal fit for a living room where the sofa’s edges are also rounded.

The contrast in shapes, however, must be paired with coherence in materials. For example, if the furniture is made from mahogany wood, the table should reflect similar materials and hues. Different materials can be incorporated if the furniture contains metallic elements while considering the room’s overall coherence.

Space awareness is also essential to consider when choosing your coffee table. For instance, rectangular tables fit better in longer and narrower rooms because they don’t take up as much space as round or ragged tables. Suppose your room is spacious and wide enough. In that case, especially if it were an open studio, you can easily fit in round or ragged coffee tables, which are typically more challenging to style and arrange in certain spaces.

Most of the time, the table should match the space’s overall aesthetic. However, mixing elements and styles can help achieve a more dynamic finished product. Consider incorporating a mid-century coffee table in a room with more contemporary pieces or vice versa.

Ragged tables, however, are more sophisticated art pieces. Such tables don’t have a conventional shape, size, color, or edges. They can also have different and unique color patterns that must be mixed and matched professionally with your room’s overall aesthetic.

Of course, you can pick any type of coffee table that suits your needs and preferences in style and aesthetic. You need to make sure, however, that it is the ideal fit for the chosen room, furniture, style, and design. One way to do that is by choosing the right person for the job.

Coffee tables are an essential part of interior architecture. Not only do they function as practical surfaces for drinks and snacks, but they also contribute to the space’s general mood. Interior architects like Aly Hammoud understand coffee tables as powerful tools for tying a room together. They can create a focal point or complement other furniture pieces in the space.

Whether professional or amateur, the right designer should choose the coffee table carefully to ensure it fits seamlessly into the room’s overall design.

Check out Aly Hammoud’s Instagram account for more information.

Lifestyle

How to Negotiate With Car Insurance Companies After an Accident

Published

6 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Michelle Langton

After a car accident, negotiating with insurance companies comes with the territory. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do, so they end up being taken advantage of by the insurance companies. We don’t want this to happen to you.

Let’s explore several helpful tips that will allow you to negotiate strategically and get the results you want.

Document Evidence

The foundation of a successful negotiation with insurance companies lies in thorough documentation. From the moment the accident occurs, gather as much evidence as possible.

Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements, police reports, and medical records to support your claim.

This documentation serves as crucial evidence to substantiate your case during negotiations. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your position will be when presenting your claim to the insurance company.

Understand Policy Coverage

Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance policy. Understand what is covered, the limits of coverage, and any applicable deductibles. Knowing the specifics of your policy empowers you to negotiate from a position of knowledge.

Take note of your policy’s provisions related to collision coverage, liability limits, medical payments, and any additional coverages that might be relevant to your situation. This understanding will help you assess the insurance company’s offers accurately and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

Hire an Attorney

You have the ability to represent yourself and speak directly with insurance companies about your claim. However, in complicated situations – or even simple situations where there are a lot of medical bills or damages involved – you’re better off getting some help.

“When an insurance company receives a claim for an injury, they do not simply roll over and pay out any amount that the injured person wants,” Parham Smith & Arcenhold explains. “Instead, thorough investigations take place. These companies have the resources necessary to look out for their best interests financially, which is why any injured individual should have the same level of legal representation.”

A good attorney is someone who specializes in car accident claims, has an extensive track record of successful negotiations with car insurance companies, and has been in your local area for a number of years. You want someone you can trust and depend on throughout this case, no matter how many twists and turns it might take.

Stay Composed During Discussions

Negotiations with insurance adjusters can be intimidating, but maintaining composure is crucial. Be respectful and avoid being confrontational during discussions. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misconstrued as accepting liability.

Remain firm in advocating for fair compensation but avoid making rash decisions out of frustration. Take your time to review offers and consult with professionals, such as legal advisors or trusted experts, before accepting or rejecting any settlement offers.

As a general rule of thumb, an insurance company’s first settlement offer might only be worth 25 to 50 percent of the full value. This is why you should always reject the first offer and work with your attorney to negotiate back and forth.

Value Your Claim Accurately

Accurately valuing your claim is critically important for a successful negotiation. Consider all the damages incurred, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. Gather estimates from reputable auto repair shops and medical professionals to substantiate your claim.

Don’t undervalue your losses. Consider the long-term implications of the accident, including potential future medical treatments or the impact of injuries on your quality of life. Presenting a well-documented and accurately valued claim increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Negotiate With a Strategy

Remember, insurance wants to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. However, armed with proper documentation, knowledge of your policy, a composed demeanor, and an accurately valued claim, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate effectively and secure a fair settlement.

Sugarcoating this process won’t do anything good for you. The reality is that it’s you versus the insurance companies. If you choose to plug your ears and pretend that nothing is happening, you will get the raw end of this deal. However, if you fight back with the assistance of an attorney who has a good strategy, you’ll put the insurance companies on their heels and force them to give ground.

As a result, you’ll likely get a much more fair settlement.