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“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”
Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing … View more“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”
Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing excessive noise is not only aggravating it can actually be harmful to your ears and has a significant impact on the way our spaces work in the home.
When it comes to residential design, the acoustics, (the way in which the structural characteristics of a space relate to how well sound can be heard) although a key design feature, are rarely considered during the building process and sometimes only tackled during a renovation.
Soundwaves seep through doors, windows, ceilings and cracks, so how do you reduce unwanted sound from affecting your day to day activities?
Hard flat surfaces tend to bounce sound waves around, sometimes creating a lasting echo effect if the surfaces are parallel walls. The softer and less uniform the surface, the less opportunity sound has to bounce off. Textiles, including drapery and upholstered furniture and furnishings not only deliver a design aesthetic they also play a significant role in the absorption of sound.
However not all textiles have equal sound absorption qualities however. The level of sound absorption is dependent upon a textile’s weight, composition, and/or construction. Generally (due to the large vertical mass) drapery provides the main textile source of sound absorption however, there are several other ways to achieve this.
To decrease the level of sound in a room you need to dampen the sound waves. This can be achieved by adding surfaces that absorb the sound (or reverberation) so the sound doesn’t bounce from one thing to another.
Here are some sound absorbing ideas that you can implement fairly simply into your home:
- Acoustic panels/tiles: These come in a range of colours and fabric styles and can be designed into your interior decor. The purpose of acoustic panels is to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, resonance within the room.
- Drapery: Fabrics are an effective solution for managing sound. The more drapery folds, the more sound absorption. Hanging a curtain a small distance off the wall increases sound absorption and softening opposing walls reduces sound waves from travelling wall to wall
- Upholstered furniture: The fabrics on your upholstered furniture also help to reduce sound waves. The thicker the fabric and foam the better. Add cushions and other textiles throughout a space for ultimate sound absorption.
- Cork flooring: While it may not be fashionable of late, cork is one of the best materials for sound absorption. Made up of a honeycomb design of air-sealed cells made of the bark of the cork oak. The cells each absorb the vibrations of sound, preventing those sounds from passing through to the other side. Cork reduces sound and noise vibration by trapping it in its cell structure. It reduces the sound transmission of sound through walls and absorbs the impact of feet through the floor to the ceiling below.
- Concrete flooring: Surprisingly, lightweight porous concrete can be effective in absorbing sound (however it essentially transmits the sounds through to the next room too).
- Carpets, rugs and padding: If your floors are timber, tiles or linoleum on subfloor concrete, you may want to try rugs or carpet coupled with a sound-absorbing underlay or foam rubber backing.
- Floating hardwood: This type of flooring installation includes a gap between the subfloor and your actual floors, which effectively dampens sound.
- Fabric pendant lamps/floor lamps: Update your light shades with a textile shade, the thicker the better. Every textile in a space will help.
A combination of the techniques above, depending on your budget and skill level should help in the overall acoustics in your home. Below we have outlined a selection of fabrics from our range that offer great sound absorption qualities due to the high level of either wool content, thickness and/or construction.
Design doesn’t end at the bathroom door. It’s a great place to create some cool storage space in your independent living apartment. If you’re not a fan of various bottles littering the floor, try a shower stool. Plus, it’s a great place to sit while washing or to shave your legs.
Ladder… View moreDesign doesn’t end at the bathroom door. It’s a great place to create some cool storage space in your independent living apartment. If you’re not a fan of various bottles littering the floor, try a shower stool. Plus, it’s a great place to sit while washing or to shave your legs.
Ladder shelves are very affordable and take up minimal room. They’re perfect for rolled towels and accessories that can live on the bottom shelves with more important products on the top.
Utilise the back of the bathroom door to hide towels, swimsuits and bathrobes by using some hanging hooks.
Click for more clever apartment storage ideas.
Create a birdbath with a natural sandstone paint effect with Resene Sandtex.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!
These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask … View moreNow’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Hi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you… View moreHi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.
Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
… View moreWe're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...
It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share … View moreIt's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share your vote and your reasons below!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.
Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.
If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do … View moreIf you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.
You can find more information on our website here: vote.nz...
You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....
If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.
However if yours hasn't … View moreYou can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....
If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.
However if yours hasn't arrived yet you can vote without it! Find your nearest voting place here:
map.vote.nz...
Happy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!
We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!
We extend our heartfelt … View moreHappy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!
We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their amazing nominations! Your stories have touched our hearts deeply. And the winner is... Koko Grant, nominated by Khalei-Marley Taylor-Karaitiana! Congratulations!
What an incredible turnout! Over 1360 Household Heroes were nominated by all of you for a chance to win a fabulous $350!
We know our nation is full of amazing Kiwis who keep things running at home, and you're all heroes!
But the real question is, did you win? Find out who's walking … View moreWhat an incredible turnout! Over 1360 Household Heroes were nominated by all of you for a chance to win a fabulous $350!
We know our nation is full of amazing Kiwis who keep things running at home, and you're all heroes!
But the real question is, did you win? Find out who's walking away with $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!
Stay connected with NZ Compare for the latest broadband and power deals and exciting competitions. We're all about making it easy for you to compare and save money! CLICK HERE to learn more: www.nzcompare.com...
Whip up this heart smart spring chicken stir-fry for World Heart Day. Packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty stir-fry sauce, this dish is both flavourful and nutritious.
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