When we enter any bedroom the first thing we notice is the furniture. All humans always see interiors and all decorating ideas that are executed in "elevation". This means we always see the face of the furniture.
Every object in the bedroom large or small has a direct relation to dimensions of the human body. This relation with our body decides the comfort level in a bedroom. If a double bed is over-sized, it will naturally occupy more floor space by reducing the volume of empty space. That's why proportions of every furniture piece are vital to maintain comfort levels.
Let's examine some important factors about bedroom furniture units.
1) Double Bed....
This piece of furniture occupies the maximum amount of floor space. A typical double bed measures about 1800mmX1800mmX450mm height. Of course this is a comfortable sized bed but can vary depending upon the requirements at the interior site.
Double beds come in steel/wrought iron/wooden frames. The most important point to note here is that 80% of the structural framework gets covered by linen. The mattress, bed sheets, pillows cover most of the part that supports the load of the users. That's why the real beauty of a double bed lies in the linen used. Linen defines the shape of a double bed to some extent.
The patterns and decorations used on the linen also ads to the overall design theme of the bedroom. The headboard of the double bed (the part of the double bed which stands behind the head when we lie down on the bed) is a prominent feature and can be used effectively by using semi-circular shapes.
One creative use of the headboard is that we can add artificial lighting in it by providing blur glass and the effect of indirect lighting can be created. This is helpful if the master wants to read a book or magazine by relaxing in the bed itself.
Most of the time we see that the space below the mattress is used for storing linen. This is done in the form of sliding drawers which slide out from sides.
I have seen one more creative way of supporting the platform where the master lies down. By giving an angular slant to the supporting structure of the bed we can save valuable circulation space in a small bedroom.
2) Wardrobe....
A wardrobe is another element in a bedroom that creates a significant impact on the entire interior design theme. We always see a wardrobe in elevation. A typical wardrobe is most of the times measures 2100mm in height. The length and depth of the wardrobe differs from location to location but
is typically around 1200mm in length and 600mm in depth for a single person's wardrobe.
The internal compartments of a wardrobe are divided keeping in mind the various styles and sizes of clothes we wear. The internal design of a wardrobe also depends upon regional influences. For example in Japan, women wear a typical kind of dress or in Indian, most women wear a dress code called as "Saree" which needs much more space similar to trousers.
Depending upon the requirements a wardrobe might also include a small "money safe" with locking arrangements, drawers for keeping smaller sized clothes such as under-garments.
3) Dressing Table....
A dressing table is a place to be happy about. This is the place where we spend a lot of time shaping our faces. A small bedroom may not have enough space for a dressing table. At such times the outer faces of the wardrobe can be used to fix a full height mirror. This also creates a reflection of the rest of the room it and thus creates an illusion of more space.
A wardrobe needs special spotlight arrangements to throw light spot on the person in front of the mirror. This will include a flat mirror and small storage spaces for the makeup-kits, perfumes, etc...
In a case where the mirror is fixed on the outer surface of the wardrobe shutter,(as mentioned above) the storage space for make-up kit can be arranged inside the wardrobe.
4) Study Table with extra storage desk....
A study table is just a place to do some important daily tasks Sometimes it is useful to keep a computer on it. This study table can be designed to include an elevated storage space for books/files.
This combination of a study table and a book shelf is a great way to save space in small bedrooms. If the table top in not occupied by a computer or other objects, it can be made to fold and thus increasing more floor area.
This was a very basic study of the most commonly used furniture items in a bedroom. There are hundreds of creative ways to improve the performance and efficiency of furniture items in interior design. This article was just a starting point to trigger the creative genius in you.
Showing posts with label house. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house. Show all posts
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Guide to Bedroom Decorating
When decorating a bedroom, keep in mind that the end result should produce a distinct and memorable impression. Colors, space and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when put together well, can create a definite, pleasurable look.
When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing. Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room.
Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.
When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing. Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room.
Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Unique Home Decor - Thinking Outside the Box
Home accents and surroundings today offer much more opportunity for self expression. Don’t be afraid to try something different. I’d rather decorate my home with items that appeal to my own individuality, than adhere to someone’s standards of what is the norm. Artisan crafted products truly create the ability to make one’s castle their own. It is our hope that by providing you with suggestions and ideas, we are encouraging you to enhance your home in a style befitting your distinctive personality.
The charm of artisan crafted items is in the originality it provides. Imagine decorating your bathroom in tropical decor, accented by a hand painted shower curtain. The bathroom is the one room that is often overlooked, but it need not be. Add an artistic designed mirror that reflects your unique persona. “One of the most exciting changes you can make to a bathroom is the addition of a distinctive toilet seat” says Dawn Fowler, co-owner of Unique Decor Online. “Believe it or not, there are many design possibilities, including our line of limited edition lithograph seats. Our customers are delighted by the whimsical characters that highlight our toilet seats.”
Decoupage is a popular craft that turns ordinary items into incredible works of art. A simple glass bowl becomes a cherished heirloom. You can turn a tray or platter into a relative’s favorite gift. The possibilities are limitless, and the works created are quite stunning.
Lighting is another outstanding way to set your rooms off. Don’t be afraid to add color. Versatile and vibrant, lamps are stylish accents that can turn a whole room around without much effort. Lighting comes in many different shapes and sizes for table, floor, and ceiling. There are many options and you are only limited by your imagination. It’s a simple change that can make a dramatic change.
Don’t forget your walls! Everyone has paintings and photos adorning their walls. Be different, add a piece of metal wall art. There are patterns available for everyone’s taste, so don’t be shy. Try something new and out of the ordinary. Like the title says, don’t be afraid to step out of the box. You’ll be rewarded with a home that is a representation of your unique personality.
Last, but not least, simple accessories provide the finishing touch to your unique home. The small things sometimes make the most difference.
Switch-plates
There are many different types of switchplates that can perk up a room while keeping within theme.
Picture Frames
Picture frames have become very popular over the past several years and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from.
Clocks
We can’t forget a very simple, yet important addition to every home in the world. Everyone needs a clock, but it doesn’t have to be your average run of the mill clock. Don’t settle for dull and boring, when you can have unique and striking in appearance. Christine Francis, co-owner of Unique Decor Online says “Another popular item that our customer’s often request is our line of whimsical clocks. We have a large variety from which to choose and each one is an artistic original design.”
There are many more accents which seem subtle, but really play an important role when decorating your home. We must not forget the many styles of mirrors, outlet covers, fans and more. The possibilities really are limitless. It is our mission to impart to everyone, don’t settle for ordinary, when you yourself are extraordinary.
The charm of artisan crafted items is in the originality it provides. Imagine decorating your bathroom in tropical decor, accented by a hand painted shower curtain. The bathroom is the one room that is often overlooked, but it need not be. Add an artistic designed mirror that reflects your unique persona. “One of the most exciting changes you can make to a bathroom is the addition of a distinctive toilet seat” says Dawn Fowler, co-owner of Unique Decor Online. “Believe it or not, there are many design possibilities, including our line of limited edition lithograph seats. Our customers are delighted by the whimsical characters that highlight our toilet seats.”
Decoupage is a popular craft that turns ordinary items into incredible works of art. A simple glass bowl becomes a cherished heirloom. You can turn a tray or platter into a relative’s favorite gift. The possibilities are limitless, and the works created are quite stunning.
Lighting is another outstanding way to set your rooms off. Don’t be afraid to add color. Versatile and vibrant, lamps are stylish accents that can turn a whole room around without much effort. Lighting comes in many different shapes and sizes for table, floor, and ceiling. There are many options and you are only limited by your imagination. It’s a simple change that can make a dramatic change.
Don’t forget your walls! Everyone has paintings and photos adorning their walls. Be different, add a piece of metal wall art. There are patterns available for everyone’s taste, so don’t be shy. Try something new and out of the ordinary. Like the title says, don’t be afraid to step out of the box. You’ll be rewarded with a home that is a representation of your unique personality.
Last, but not least, simple accessories provide the finishing touch to your unique home. The small things sometimes make the most difference.
Switch-plates
There are many different types of switchplates that can perk up a room while keeping within theme.
Picture Frames
Picture frames have become very popular over the past several years and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from.
Clocks
We can’t forget a very simple, yet important addition to every home in the world. Everyone needs a clock, but it doesn’t have to be your average run of the mill clock. Don’t settle for dull and boring, when you can have unique and striking in appearance. Christine Francis, co-owner of Unique Decor Online says “Another popular item that our customer’s often request is our line of whimsical clocks. We have a large variety from which to choose and each one is an artistic original design.”
There are many more accents which seem subtle, but really play an important role when decorating your home. We must not forget the many styles of mirrors, outlet covers, fans and more. The possibilities really are limitless. It is our mission to impart to everyone, don’t settle for ordinary, when you yourself are extraordinary.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Using Concrete for Interior Applications
Concrete is an extraordinary material that is practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. From a primal and formless slurry, you can transform it into virtually any shape that becomes a solid mass. The possibilities for creative expression are endless. You can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. You can embed meaningful objects within it.
Concrete has substance and mass, permanence and warmth. It feels earthy, and is at home in both traditional and modern settings. It assumes forms that irrevocably touch our daily lives-bridges, highways, floors, walls... even countertops. Concrete is also surprisingly tactile. Cast and shaped, it can feel like stone rounded by the sea. Textured and colored, it can echo the patina of timeworn tile.
It first occurred to me to make a countertop out of concrete in 1985, when a friend and I were hired to design and renovate a professor's house in the Berkeley Hills. He gave us a modest budget and announced, "This is all I can afford to spend; do whatever you want." Armed with this rare creative license (and plenty of youthful exuberance) we aimed to be as innovative as possible.
This invitation to imagine, play, and explore inevitably led me to experiment in my own kitchen, where concrete and I began what is now our nearly two-decade dance. My first countertop was a single piece containing 11 cubic feet of concrete. It weighed nearly 1500 pounds and took 10 people-and 2 engine hoists-to turn it over once it had cured. We barely managed it, but the piece came out beautifully and is still being put to good use today.
Because of its adaptability, concrete finds itself welcome in all areas of the home, especially in the kitchen and bath, but also in fireplaces, patios, garden paths, or water features. Concrete can also be used as a floor material with enormous creative advantages whether seeded, stained, stamped, broomed or diamond-finished. It can be a sole performer or play the supporting role to tile, mosaics, decorative aggregates, stone, wood, or metal. It is inexpensive, durable, noncombustible, impervious to decay, and also very effective for passive solar gain in the right application.
With vertical treatments, concrete gives us an opportunity to recapture some of the feeling of the monolithic wall-the feeling of substance, of protection. Walls are also a great place to explore form. A wall doesn't have to be flat or straight, but can curve and undulate. It can be textured to be rough as stone or smooth as glass.
Surrender to the impulse... carve your initials in concrete.
Concrete has substance and mass, permanence and warmth. It feels earthy, and is at home in both traditional and modern settings. It assumes forms that irrevocably touch our daily lives-bridges, highways, floors, walls... even countertops. Concrete is also surprisingly tactile. Cast and shaped, it can feel like stone rounded by the sea. Textured and colored, it can echo the patina of timeworn tile.
It first occurred to me to make a countertop out of concrete in 1985, when a friend and I were hired to design and renovate a professor's house in the Berkeley Hills. He gave us a modest budget and announced, "This is all I can afford to spend; do whatever you want." Armed with this rare creative license (and plenty of youthful exuberance) we aimed to be as innovative as possible.
This invitation to imagine, play, and explore inevitably led me to experiment in my own kitchen, where concrete and I began what is now our nearly two-decade dance. My first countertop was a single piece containing 11 cubic feet of concrete. It weighed nearly 1500 pounds and took 10 people-and 2 engine hoists-to turn it over once it had cured. We barely managed it, but the piece came out beautifully and is still being put to good use today.
Because of its adaptability, concrete finds itself welcome in all areas of the home, especially in the kitchen and bath, but also in fireplaces, patios, garden paths, or water features. Concrete can also be used as a floor material with enormous creative advantages whether seeded, stained, stamped, broomed or diamond-finished. It can be a sole performer or play the supporting role to tile, mosaics, decorative aggregates, stone, wood, or metal. It is inexpensive, durable, noncombustible, impervious to decay, and also very effective for passive solar gain in the right application.
With vertical treatments, concrete gives us an opportunity to recapture some of the feeling of the monolithic wall-the feeling of substance, of protection. Walls are also a great place to explore form. A wall doesn't have to be flat or straight, but can curve and undulate. It can be textured to be rough as stone or smooth as glass.
Surrender to the impulse... carve your initials in concrete.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Paint Neutral Tones
Neutral tones are especially practical in the world of decoration because their neutrally means they can easily be teamed up with other colors. Warm colors make a room seem smaller and more homey, a place where we can retreat to unwind. There are many techniques for increasing the expressiveness of the walls and for making your home a place where you feel at ease. Many neutral tones are associated with natural materials, stone, earth, wood, straw, sand or with artificial materials such as metal, glass, and concrete.
Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing colors and wall covering fabrics to decorate your home:
1. White and neutral tones are an ideal backdrop to make a work of art or tapestry stand out.
2. Neutral tones should be applied when a space is overloaded architecturally, or when we want something to fade into the background.
3. Neutral tones age well so they can be used where you do not redecorate, or touch up, very often; or if our intention is to specifically create an aged effect.
4. Variations on neutral tones are ideal for small rooms.
5. White and neutral tones are a great way of combining different decorative styles as they act as a neutral transition zone between one style and the other.
6. Gray metal or gray concrete, two neutral tones, are especially apt for creating modern ambiance with a cutting edge feel.
7. Textured neutral tones, like limestone or temperate paint, are perfect for creating rustic effects.
8. Neutral tones fabrics, carpets, curtains, or tapestries are a great help when decorating because they go well with all the colors.
9. If you want a room steeped in neutral tones to be livelier, you can introduce a few dramatic color touches dark colors, even black, are a good solution.
10. A neutral tone is perfect for painting a wall or doors that you want to be inconspicuous.
Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing colors and wall covering fabrics to decorate your home:
1. White and neutral tones are an ideal backdrop to make a work of art or tapestry stand out.
2. Neutral tones should be applied when a space is overloaded architecturally, or when we want something to fade into the background.
3. Neutral tones age well so they can be used where you do not redecorate, or touch up, very often; or if our intention is to specifically create an aged effect.
4. Variations on neutral tones are ideal for small rooms.
5. White and neutral tones are a great way of combining different decorative styles as they act as a neutral transition zone between one style and the other.
6. Gray metal or gray concrete, two neutral tones, are especially apt for creating modern ambiance with a cutting edge feel.
7. Textured neutral tones, like limestone or temperate paint, are perfect for creating rustic effects.
8. Neutral tones fabrics, carpets, curtains, or tapestries are a great help when decorating because they go well with all the colors.
9. If you want a room steeped in neutral tones to be livelier, you can introduce a few dramatic color touches dark colors, even black, are a good solution.
10. A neutral tone is perfect for painting a wall or doors that you want to be inconspicuous.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Planning Your Own Rustic Home
Whatever your circumstances, if you like the idea of getting back to nature, why not think about creating a rustic home? You don't need to relocate or live in the country to achieve the rustic home look; you just need to get inspired.
It doesn't matter whether you live in a loft apartment, or a larger property; you can still create a charming rustic home.
Let's start by looking at flooring. You can give your home an immediate rustic feel by taking up the carpet and going natural. Bring some early American history into your home and use reclaimed solid wood plank flooring. It will bring warmth and atmosphere to your home and become a talking point, as much reclaimed wood comes from buildings that are well over a century old. If you don't want to use reclaimed wood there are many companies offering flooring that comes with the assurance that the wood is taken from a certified well-managed forest. You need have no worries that your new rustic home won't be ecologically friendly.
One of the most important choices to make when choosing a rustic decorative theme is lighting. There are many unique designs to choose from. Consider a wagon wheel chandelier to give an authentic western feel to your home, or reproduction antlers to add a feeling of the wild and the natural. Advantages of bringing in reproductive lighting, particularly in the case of antlers, are that they are practical and affordable. Rustic tin lamps can also bring a rustic feel to your home.
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting furniture for your rustic home. The rustic look is full of texture and for this reason it is important not to overdo it. Choose only a few select items, and if you want to avoid using too much wooden furniture, consider mixing in some wrought iron. Wrought iron can often incorporate wildlife or nature images that blend beautifully with the rustic natural feel. Decorative coat racks, wood and newspaper bins can add country charm. Add a bit of style and warmth with fabrics and accessories, from country-style cushion covers to duvets and throws.
You don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to create a rustic home. Think about adding thoughtful little touches that cost little or nothing at all - except some imagination. Press some flowers or leaves, collect some shells or acorns, and arrange them into an attractive display that can be mounted on a wall. Make use of an existing hobby - or start a new one - and create some artwork. From needlework, cross-stitch to photography and drawing - all of these can add to the lovely feel of your rustic home.
A rustic home can be for everyone. If you want to live in the country but are unable to do so, bring the country feel into your home by making it rustic. If you live in the country, make yours a rustic home to blend in with your surroundings. Whoever and wherever you are, you can create a rustic home.
It doesn't matter whether you live in a loft apartment, or a larger property; you can still create a charming rustic home.
Let's start by looking at flooring. You can give your home an immediate rustic feel by taking up the carpet and going natural. Bring some early American history into your home and use reclaimed solid wood plank flooring. It will bring warmth and atmosphere to your home and become a talking point, as much reclaimed wood comes from buildings that are well over a century old. If you don't want to use reclaimed wood there are many companies offering flooring that comes with the assurance that the wood is taken from a certified well-managed forest. You need have no worries that your new rustic home won't be ecologically friendly.
One of the most important choices to make when choosing a rustic decorative theme is lighting. There are many unique designs to choose from. Consider a wagon wheel chandelier to give an authentic western feel to your home, or reproduction antlers to add a feeling of the wild and the natural. Advantages of bringing in reproductive lighting, particularly in the case of antlers, are that they are practical and affordable. Rustic tin lamps can also bring a rustic feel to your home.
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting furniture for your rustic home. The rustic look is full of texture and for this reason it is important not to overdo it. Choose only a few select items, and if you want to avoid using too much wooden furniture, consider mixing in some wrought iron. Wrought iron can often incorporate wildlife or nature images that blend beautifully with the rustic natural feel. Decorative coat racks, wood and newspaper bins can add country charm. Add a bit of style and warmth with fabrics and accessories, from country-style cushion covers to duvets and throws.
You don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to create a rustic home. Think about adding thoughtful little touches that cost little or nothing at all - except some imagination. Press some flowers or leaves, collect some shells or acorns, and arrange them into an attractive display that can be mounted on a wall. Make use of an existing hobby - or start a new one - and create some artwork. From needlework, cross-stitch to photography and drawing - all of these can add to the lovely feel of your rustic home.
A rustic home can be for everyone. If you want to live in the country but are unable to do so, bring the country feel into your home by making it rustic. If you live in the country, make yours a rustic home to blend in with your surroundings. Whoever and wherever you are, you can create a rustic home.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Guide to Bedroom Decorating
When decorating a bedroom, keep in mind that the end result should produce a distinct and memorable impression. Colors, space and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when put together well, can create a definite, pleasurable look.
When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing. Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room.
Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.
When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing. Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room.
Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Decorations: Make Any House a Home
Can you tell the difference between entering a house and a home? If so, what makes the difference to you? Is it something about the way a living space looks that helps you decide? Or perhaps it is a feeling, something about the atmosphere that makes a house different than a home? I guess that there are many factors that could account for the differences we all experience as we enter a living space. For me, one of the biggest things that helps me determine whether a living space feels like a house or a home is decorations.
You know how it is. You enter someone's house and look around to see nothing but blank walls and minimal furniture. You silently wonder how they live in a place as drab and uninviting as this. There is no art work, no color, and certainly no sense of ownership and pride about the house you are seeing. It seems like they haven't put in any time to adding decorations or the touches that make a house seem like more than a house.
Enter house two. From the time you walk through the front door all of your senses are awakened. There is a wonderful smell coming from the candles burning throughout the house, and the lighting of the candles isn't too bad either. The house is bursting with color and personality, almost as if it reflects something about the people who live there. The walls, bookshelves, and furniture are all a part of the decorations that fill this home and make anyone want to spend time there.
Most everyone I know wants to have a home rather than a house. They want their living space to feel lived in, inviting, and special. They want their home to reflect who they are and the things they care about, and they certainly want it to be filled with amazing colors, great textures and smells, and a lot of great decorations.
The good news for you is that regardless of what your house looks like now, you can transform your space into a wonderful home by doing a few simple things. Don't be afraid to experiment and try risky things in your space, after all, it is your own. If there is a crazy color or a unique couch that you like, just go for it. Gather ideas from friends and buy a few decorating magazines to see what is in styles before you begin.
No matter what you decide to do to transform your house into a home, make sure you fill your home with great decorations that are truly your taste and that allow all of your guests to feel welcomed and comfortable.
You know how it is. You enter someone's house and look around to see nothing but blank walls and minimal furniture. You silently wonder how they live in a place as drab and uninviting as this. There is no art work, no color, and certainly no sense of ownership and pride about the house you are seeing. It seems like they haven't put in any time to adding decorations or the touches that make a house seem like more than a house.
Enter house two. From the time you walk through the front door all of your senses are awakened. There is a wonderful smell coming from the candles burning throughout the house, and the lighting of the candles isn't too bad either. The house is bursting with color and personality, almost as if it reflects something about the people who live there. The walls, bookshelves, and furniture are all a part of the decorations that fill this home and make anyone want to spend time there.
Most everyone I know wants to have a home rather than a house. They want their living space to feel lived in, inviting, and special. They want their home to reflect who they are and the things they care about, and they certainly want it to be filled with amazing colors, great textures and smells, and a lot of great decorations.
The good news for you is that regardless of what your house looks like now, you can transform your space into a wonderful home by doing a few simple things. Don't be afraid to experiment and try risky things in your space, after all, it is your own. If there is a crazy color or a unique couch that you like, just go for it. Gather ideas from friends and buy a few decorating magazines to see what is in styles before you begin.
No matter what you decide to do to transform your house into a home, make sure you fill your home with great decorations that are truly your taste and that allow all of your guests to feel welcomed and comfortable.
Decorating Your Home in Style
Creating a cohesive interior design for you home isn’t that hard if you know some of the basics. In fact, decorating your home so that all the various elements combine to create the look you’ve always wanted can be a lot of fun.
Following are some proven tips to help you turn your house into a designer home:
Taking the first step
As they say, let’s start at the beginning. Chances are good that your home is a mish mash of furnishings, art, accents and accessories that have been collected over time. To create the perfect designer look, you want to first consider the purpose for each room, how you want it to look, your personal tastes, features that can and can’t be changed, and finally, the budget you have available.
Start with the key elements
The success of a room’s design lies in the balance you create. The basics of good design are proportion, balance, contrast, rhythm, pattern/texture and harmony. Knowing how these elements work together will help you design your space so that it’s not only beautiful, but comfortable and functional as well.
Proportion
Scale is one of the most important things to consider when creating the look of a room. A room that is proportioned correctly will feel welcoming while an incorrectly portioned room will just feel crowded and unfriendly. The trick is to match pieces in terms of their scale. A large overstuffed sofa needs an equally large end table or coffee table; otherwise, these accents simply disappear as the sofa dwarfs them proportionally. When considering scale, look to the other rooms in your home for furniture that may be a better fit with the focal pieces you have in your room.
Balance
When creating balance, there’s two ways to go here. The first is symmetrical design, where everything is perfectly balanced. With symmetrical design, there’s roughly two of everything or items are mirrored in the room. For instance, one chair is placed exactly opposite another one just like it. While this creates balance, it can also make a room look static and lacking any visual interest or energy. Experienced designers use asymmetry to create this interest. Objects balance well because they are judged by their visual weight, not pairings. For instance, you may have a large sofa on one side of the room that is balanced by two large overstuffed chairs with an accent table in the middle and floor lamp behind. These pieces balance the sofa visually, even though they aren’t equal in size or shape. The design works because there is balance in the asymmetrical layout of the furniture.
Contrast
Imagine walking into a white room with white carpet and white furniture. Pretty boring, huh? Contrast helps draw the eye around a room through the intelligent use of color. Bold use of colors creates energy while the use of muted shades in complementary tones creates calm. The more contrast you create, the easier it is for the human eye to follow the intended design of the room, moving visually from one space to another, guided by the use of color and contrast.
Rhythm
While creating contrast with the use of light and dark tones can be effective, it can also create boredom. To keep the room connected, you want to use rhythm. This means reusing specific colors, patterns, textures or themes throughout the room. Pick a couple main colors and repeat them in different ways in your paint scheme, fabrics and accents.
Pattern & Texture
As the eye moves about a room, it picks up specific patterns. These are grouped together, so a blue wall is combined with a striped piece of fabric that has the same blue in it. Patterns that don’t fit create conflict in the mind, compromising the appearance of the space. Again, you want to pick one or two primary patterns or textures and vary them within the color palette you’ve already created for the room. Right alongside the elements of contrast and rhythm in home decorating is pattern/texture.
Harmony
If you’ve ever heard three singers sing different parts that sound amazing together, then you already know what harmony is. The same is true for the harmony in your home. Different colors, different designs and different proportions combine to create a new look that was never there before, just as new notes are created by singers singing three different parts. The room is suddenly complete. It has a look that if you remove just one element, won’t have that harmonic feel to it any longer. When you’ve achieved harmony, you’ve achieved your design goals.
Taking the first step
As they say, let’s start at the beginning. Chances are good that your home is a mish mash of furnishings, art, accents and accessories that have been collected over time. To create the perfect designer look, you want to first consider the purpose for each room, how you want it to look, your personal tastes, features that can and can’t be changed, and finally, the budget you have available.
Start with the key elements
The success of a room’s design lies in the balance you create. The basics of good design are proportion, balance, contrast, rhythm, pattern/texture and harmony. Knowing how these elements work together will help you design your space so that it’s not only beautiful, but comfortable and functional as well.
Proportion
Scale is one of the most important things to consider when creating the look of a room. A room that is proportioned correctly will feel welcoming while an incorrectly portioned room will just feel crowded and unfriendly. The trick is to match pieces in terms of their scale. A large overstuffed sofa needs an equally large end table or coffee table; otherwise, these accents simply disappear as the sofa dwarfs them proportionally. When considering scale, look to the other rooms in your home for furniture that may be a better fit with the focal pieces you have in your room.
Balance
When creating balance, there’s two ways to go here. The first is symmetrical design, where everything is perfectly balanced. With symmetrical design, there’s roughly two of everything or items are mirrored in the room. For instance, one chair is placed exactly opposite another one just like it. While this creates balance, it can also make a room look static and lacking any visual interest or energy. Experienced designers use asymmetry to create this interest. Objects balance well because they are judged by their visual weight, not pairings. For instance, you may have a large sofa on one side of the room that is balanced by two large overstuffed chairs with an accent table in the middle and floor lamp behind. These pieces balance the sofa visually, even though they aren’t equal in size or shape. The design works because there is balance in the asymmetrical layout of the furniture.
Contrast
Imagine walking into a white room with white carpet and white furniture. Pretty boring, huh? Contrast helps draw the eye around a room through the intelligent use of color. Bold use of colors creates energy while the use of muted shades in complementary tones creates calm. The more contrast you create, the easier it is for the human eye to follow the intended design of the room, moving visually from one space to another, guided by the use of color and contrast.
Rhythm
While creating contrast with the use of light and dark tones can be effective, it can also create boredom. To keep the room connected, you want to use rhythm. This means reusing specific colors, patterns, textures or themes throughout the room. Pick a couple main colors and repeat them in different ways in your paint scheme, fabrics and accents.
Pattern & Texture
As the eye moves about a room, it picks up specific patterns. These are grouped together, so a blue wall is combined with a striped piece of fabric that has the same blue in it. Patterns that don’t fit create conflict in the mind, compromising the appearance of the space. Again, you want to pick one or two primary patterns or textures and vary them within the color palette you’ve already created for the room. Right alongside the elements of contrast and rhythm in home decorating is pattern/texture.
Harmony
If you’ve ever heard three singers sing different parts that sound amazing together, then you already know what harmony is. The same is true for the harmony in your home. Different colors, different designs and different proportions combine to create a new look that was never there before, just as new notes are created by singers singing three different parts. The room is suddenly complete. It has a look that if you remove just one element, won’t have that harmonic feel to it any longer. When you’ve achieved harmony, you’ve achieved your design goals.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Home Interior Design
When most people move into a new home, there is some changes that they want to make. The rules of interior design are especially powerful when it comes to the ladies of the house who can walk through any home and easily spot furniture that needs to be moved and cabinets that need refacing. The entire idea behind interior design is to make the home that you have purchased your own. It stands to reason because you are living in a home that was built by someone else and their style may not be yours. Interior design and home improvement is the way to go.
Most people consider home improvement to be a daunting task, which it can be if you go to extremes. Those who attempt to completely renovate their entire home at once are faced with a multitude of problems that are associated with having to move furniture and other items out of the way so the interior design process can take place. For others, it is easier to do a little bit at a time to make sure that each project gets completed with the minimum of hassle and interruption to daily life.
One of the easiest things to start with when it comes to interior design and home improvement is cabinet refacing. Cabinets that you are going to reface will not interrupt the day to day activities as other type projects can and will when doing home improvement. To reface cabinets it is best to start with the doors as they simple to remove and take to a workshop or basement. When you reface you are basically just changing the tone of the wood that is used for design of the cabinets. This is done most times because the color or tone does not fit with the new furniture that has been purchased. This is a common practice among existing home buyers who want to create their own personal style.
Cabinet refacing also entails changing the front face plate of the cabinets to match the doors that have been changed. This is another common practice but it can be quite difficult. It is best to hire a professional when you are planning on refacing any type of cabinets as the skills required to do so do take a long time to learn. There are several books on the subject floating around but they tend to only give the base knowledge that is necessary and do not give the complete picture for dealing with all the different types of problems that you could run into.
Furniture is another big issue when it comes to interior design. When moving into a new home many people like to get new furniture but they cannot always afford the new stuff as prices seem to go up every year. The best course of action is to try and buy the new items piece by piece instead of all at the same time. This will actually save you money in the long run as you can get a better deal as the pieces that you want go on sale over the time that you are purchasing them. There are plenty of furniture dealers around the world and all you need to do is search through them instead of dealing with only one place. There is a matter of finding all the best for the best prices and that is not hard when you take and do a little research on the subject.
If you are planning on doing any painting as part of your home improvement project then it is best to do so before you have moved in. This will save you a lot of hassle as it is hard to find a place to put everything when the house is full of furniture and other items. Paint does not take a long time to dry so it should not hold up the moving in process for very long. The best course of action is to go with the higher quality of pain. The better the quality the better coverage you get when you are painting in the darker colors. If you are painting before you move in then you have the option of using a paint sprayer with a lot more ease. This will cut your painting time in half and will save you money in the long run as you use about half as much paint as you do with the brush and roller method.
Don’t forget to check all the walls for holes before you start any projects. It is easier to reface a wall when there is nothing else going on. You will need to read up on wall refacing before tackling it to make sure that it is done properly. If not then you may end up with a not so nice looking wall that is full of dimples and holes and other unsightly blemishes. Hiring a professional is the best way to go when you have something that needs done with the walls. A professional drywall contractor can easily repair all the problems in less than a day and most likely for a fraction of the cost that you would pay if you tried to do it yourself and messed it up.
Interior design is a fun and exciting time for a lot of people but it can also make for a lot of stress and cost if you are not careful. Before tackling any home improvement project you should first make sure that you have the required skills and funds to complete the project. If you don’t then it is best to hire a professional. More than likely they will be able to save you money in the long run even though their fees sound like they are high. They do have the right to charge higher fees as they have spent years learning their trade. You will find that hiring a professional for your project will make the time a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.
Most people consider home improvement to be a daunting task, which it can be if you go to extremes. Those who attempt to completely renovate their entire home at once are faced with a multitude of problems that are associated with having to move furniture and other items out of the way so the interior design process can take place. For others, it is easier to do a little bit at a time to make sure that each project gets completed with the minimum of hassle and interruption to daily life.
Cabinet refacing also entails changing the front face plate of the cabinets to match the doors that have been changed. This is another common practice but it can be quite difficult. It is best to hire a professional when you are planning on refacing any type of cabinets as the skills required to do so do take a long time to learn. There are several books on the subject floating around but they tend to only give the base knowledge that is necessary and do not give the complete picture for dealing with all the different types of problems that you could run into.
Furniture is another big issue when it comes to interior design. When moving into a new home many people like to get new furniture but they cannot always afford the new stuff as prices seem to go up every year. The best course of action is to try and buy the new items piece by piece instead of all at the same time. This will actually save you money in the long run as you can get a better deal as the pieces that you want go on sale over the time that you are purchasing them. There are plenty of furniture dealers around the world and all you need to do is search through them instead of dealing with only one place. There is a matter of finding all the best for the best prices and that is not hard when you take and do a little research on the subject.
If you are planning on doing any painting as part of your home improvement project then it is best to do so before you have moved in. This will save you a lot of hassle as it is hard to find a place to put everything when the house is full of furniture and other items. Paint does not take a long time to dry so it should not hold up the moving in process for very long. The best course of action is to go with the higher quality of pain. The better the quality the better coverage you get when you are painting in the darker colors. If you are painting before you move in then you have the option of using a paint sprayer with a lot more ease. This will cut your painting time in half and will save you money in the long run as you use about half as much paint as you do with the brush and roller method.
Don’t forget to check all the walls for holes before you start any projects. It is easier to reface a wall when there is nothing else going on. You will need to read up on wall refacing before tackling it to make sure that it is done properly. If not then you may end up with a not so nice looking wall that is full of dimples and holes and other unsightly blemishes. Hiring a professional is the best way to go when you have something that needs done with the walls. A professional drywall contractor can easily repair all the problems in less than a day and most likely for a fraction of the cost that you would pay if you tried to do it yourself and messed it up.
Interior design is a fun and exciting time for a lot of people but it can also make for a lot of stress and cost if you are not careful. Before tackling any home improvement project you should first make sure that you have the required skills and funds to complete the project. If you don’t then it is best to hire a professional. More than likely they will be able to save you money in the long run even though their fees sound like they are high. They do have the right to charge higher fees as they have spent years learning their trade. You will find that hiring a professional for your project will make the time a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.
Tips for Indoor Lighting
Nothing impresses us quite the way lighting does. And if you’re entertaining nothing could make your guests feel more welcome that the good lighting in you home. Create a warm and inviting feeling for your prestigious guests and let them also enjoy some good food and conversation. Designing with light has never been an easier task, and it is always enjoyable.
When is actually comes to villa lighting, the potentials are limited only by your imagination. A good lighting plan could help in making you villa more attractive by combining both style and function.
Few type of Indoor lighting are listed below
Ambient Lighting – It provides overall lighting and a comfortable level of brightness, and allows you and your guests to see and move about safely.
Task Lighting – Task lighting helps you perform a precise activity, such as reading or playing games as well.
Accent Lighting – It creates an awesome mood and adds interest to a room by highlighting certain areas and objects, such as paintings, walls, and collectibles.
Decorative Lighting – It become essentials for chandeliers and candles.
Tips for Dining Rooms
•Use more chandeliers or just one fixture to light the room. Layer with light from a selection of sources to get the most flexibility required for creating special moods in the same room.
•Using dimmers and layering with light allows you to use the brilliant light you require while setting your table, and then carry the light down when your guests arrive.
•For a stylish setting, blend candlelight and lesser levels of electric light sources all over the room. Dim every group of lights separately to make a variety of dining moods.
Tips for Living Rooms
•Use Layers of light, wall washers, down lights, and accent lights on dimmers to make a medley of possible effects – from spacious to intimate.
•Place light sources at a variety of heights within the room (ceiling, table, floor) to add image interest and human scale.
•Use translucent shades on table lamps to add to the ambient light level.
Tips for Kitchens
•Use White fluorescent bulbs to improve cool colors like gray and blue, use White bulbs to enhance warm colors like yellow, red, and beige or to balance wood cabinets.
•Try fluorescent under cabinet fixtures at the border of your cabinets to illuminate your workspace and decrease shadows in food preparation areas.
•Consider dense fluorescent down-lights for universal lighting to help reduce heat and electric bills.
Tips for Bedrooms
•Break the room into several zones by lighting and switch them separately, and then regulate accordingly for the mood you want to set.
•Provide light for reading by selecting swing-arm or flexible bedside lamps.
•Use night-lights to give guests the facility to see in the dark if they require getting up during the night.
Tips for Powder Rooms
•Place strip lights to either side of the mirror other than above to improve visibility and reduce shadows for shaving and applying make-up.
•Select a couple of decorative wall scones to flank the mirror in a powder room.
•To make the room more inviting, try to dim all incandescent and halogen sources and keep a candle burning.
When amusing family and friends at home, lighting for safety and security is forever a priority. Keep these tips in mind as you believe how best to protect your home – and your guests – from accidents and crime.
When is actually comes to villa lighting, the potentials are limited only by your imagination. A good lighting plan could help in making you villa more attractive by combining both style and function.
Few type of Indoor lighting are listed below
Ambient Lighting – It provides overall lighting and a comfortable level of brightness, and allows you and your guests to see and move about safely.
Task Lighting – Task lighting helps you perform a precise activity, such as reading or playing games as well.
Accent Lighting – It creates an awesome mood and adds interest to a room by highlighting certain areas and objects, such as paintings, walls, and collectibles.
Decorative Lighting – It become essentials for chandeliers and candles.
Tips for Dining Rooms
•Use more chandeliers or just one fixture to light the room. Layer with light from a selection of sources to get the most flexibility required for creating special moods in the same room.
•Using dimmers and layering with light allows you to use the brilliant light you require while setting your table, and then carry the light down when your guests arrive.
•For a stylish setting, blend candlelight and lesser levels of electric light sources all over the room. Dim every group of lights separately to make a variety of dining moods.
Tips for Living Rooms
•Use Layers of light, wall washers, down lights, and accent lights on dimmers to make a medley of possible effects – from spacious to intimate.
•Place light sources at a variety of heights within the room (ceiling, table, floor) to add image interest and human scale.
•Use translucent shades on table lamps to add to the ambient light level.
Tips for Kitchens
•Use White fluorescent bulbs to improve cool colors like gray and blue, use White bulbs to enhance warm colors like yellow, red, and beige or to balance wood cabinets.
•Try fluorescent under cabinet fixtures at the border of your cabinets to illuminate your workspace and decrease shadows in food preparation areas.
•Consider dense fluorescent down-lights for universal lighting to help reduce heat and electric bills.
Tips for Bedrooms
•Break the room into several zones by lighting and switch them separately, and then regulate accordingly for the mood you want to set.
•Provide light for reading by selecting swing-arm or flexible bedside lamps.
•Use night-lights to give guests the facility to see in the dark if they require getting up during the night.
Tips for Powder Rooms
•Place strip lights to either side of the mirror other than above to improve visibility and reduce shadows for shaving and applying make-up.
•Select a couple of decorative wall scones to flank the mirror in a powder room.
•To make the room more inviting, try to dim all incandescent and halogen sources and keep a candle burning.
When amusing family and friends at home, lighting for safety and security is forever a priority. Keep these tips in mind as you believe how best to protect your home – and your guests – from accidents and crime.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Interior Design Tips and Ideas
Take Away All Interior Design Ideas
Why should the interior design of your home be any different from anyone else's? It could be so much easier to simply follow the crowd and show no fear about a lack of originality if every home was pre-packaged with a unit appearance. Here are some ideas to keep the interior of your home as conformist as you can, and perhaps these will allow you the simple peace of a non-designed house.
First - please be sure to remove all coordination from your home. Recent studies have shown that balancing the cloth of your living room upholstery to the window and floor treatments can spark sensations of appreciation and pleasure in household members and guests. It is therefore critical for the practicing conformist to remove all hints of matching or complimentary designs from his or her household.
After dealing with those messy matching issues, be sure to walk through the rest of the interior searching for original art pieces such as paintings, sculpture and folk art. An interior which includes originality in their wall décor would evoke a sense of personality and interest in guest of the home, and it should also be noted that these guests might then find themselves assuming the "good taste" of their host. That defeats the purpose.
To the delight of the true conformist, many interior designs are stagnating into set themes. But you must take this a step further, and be certain that no new design or decorating ideas are found throughout your home. Do not allow any inspiration to come from, say, your favorite books, magazines, or movies. In fact, stop using any of things for entertainment. They will only lead to further thought "outside the box."
Use your head people. Actually, do not use it at all, because that is the best way to avoid any originality or sensationalism in any interior design ideas. It is, unfortunately, too easy to find simple inspiration throughout your daily life. It is imperative that you do not write any of these ideas down, and then you will have a chance to forget your initial reaction and idea and move along in your simple, easy, and non-threatening little life.
Interior Design Tips
An interior designer faces many of the same questions when faced with a residential client. Issues such as theme and fundamental style are not frequently an issue with the home client. But there will always be concerns about painting walls, the furniture currently inside the home, and of course the floors. There are tips to alleviate concerns and questions regarding these specific design problems.
"What about this color of paint? It is too bright/dark/soft/etcetera." The first and best tip to eliminate concerns about paint choices is to purchase a sample of paint to place on the wall. Then, there will be a true understanding of what the actual appearance of a color will be. However, many colors - especially darker ones - attain their true beauty from the look of the entire wall after being layered with several coats of paint.
Trust a color pallet and a designer, but of course only follow intuition. A color that is difficult to stomach may settle eventually to delightful surprise, or it may lead to a horrible bellyache. Only cover a wall with a design's color that will provide security and happiness in a homeowner.
"Should existing and endurable furniture be reupholstered?" An excellent tip to be considered: evaluate the furniture for style and value versus the cost of the reupholstering. An antique chair that fits the feeling of a formal living room that was purchased for many thousands of dollars would be an excellent candidate as long as replacing the original upholstery did not degrade its value or worth.
"I don't know what to do about my floor." Decisions about floor designs should be based on a person's budget, the room's use, and personal preference. Certain floor treatments are incredibly expensive, such as hard oak floors, and they may not be practical in an area where stomping kids thrash through the interior. Carefully weigh options such as dying carpet or laying rugs over existing hard floors. It is all a matter of personal preference.
Actually, all interior design should be a matter of personal preference. It is not worth any expense to put something in a home that will force a homeowner to cringe every time he or she looks around.
Why should the interior design of your home be any different from anyone else's? It could be so much easier to simply follow the crowd and show no fear about a lack of originality if every home was pre-packaged with a unit appearance. Here are some ideas to keep the interior of your home as conformist as you can, and perhaps these will allow you the simple peace of a non-designed house.
First - please be sure to remove all coordination from your home. Recent studies have shown that balancing the cloth of your living room upholstery to the window and floor treatments can spark sensations of appreciation and pleasure in household members and guests. It is therefore critical for the practicing conformist to remove all hints of matching or complimentary designs from his or her household.
After dealing with those messy matching issues, be sure to walk through the rest of the interior searching for original art pieces such as paintings, sculpture and folk art. An interior which includes originality in their wall décor would evoke a sense of personality and interest in guest of the home, and it should also be noted that these guests might then find themselves assuming the "good taste" of their host. That defeats the purpose.
To the delight of the true conformist, many interior designs are stagnating into set themes. But you must take this a step further, and be certain that no new design or decorating ideas are found throughout your home. Do not allow any inspiration to come from, say, your favorite books, magazines, or movies. In fact, stop using any of things for entertainment. They will only lead to further thought "outside the box."
Use your head people. Actually, do not use it at all, because that is the best way to avoid any originality or sensationalism in any interior design ideas. It is, unfortunately, too easy to find simple inspiration throughout your daily life. It is imperative that you do not write any of these ideas down, and then you will have a chance to forget your initial reaction and idea and move along in your simple, easy, and non-threatening little life.
Interior Design Tips
An interior designer faces many of the same questions when faced with a residential client. Issues such as theme and fundamental style are not frequently an issue with the home client. But there will always be concerns about painting walls, the furniture currently inside the home, and of course the floors. There are tips to alleviate concerns and questions regarding these specific design problems.
"What about this color of paint? It is too bright/dark/soft/etcetera." The first and best tip to eliminate concerns about paint choices is to purchase a sample of paint to place on the wall. Then, there will be a true understanding of what the actual appearance of a color will be. However, many colors - especially darker ones - attain their true beauty from the look of the entire wall after being layered with several coats of paint.
Trust a color pallet and a designer, but of course only follow intuition. A color that is difficult to stomach may settle eventually to delightful surprise, or it may lead to a horrible bellyache. Only cover a wall with a design's color that will provide security and happiness in a homeowner.
"Should existing and endurable furniture be reupholstered?" An excellent tip to be considered: evaluate the furniture for style and value versus the cost of the reupholstering. An antique chair that fits the feeling of a formal living room that was purchased for many thousands of dollars would be an excellent candidate as long as replacing the original upholstery did not degrade its value or worth.
"I don't know what to do about my floor." Decisions about floor designs should be based on a person's budget, the room's use, and personal preference. Certain floor treatments are incredibly expensive, such as hard oak floors, and they may not be practical in an area where stomping kids thrash through the interior. Carefully weigh options such as dying carpet or laying rugs over existing hard floors. It is all a matter of personal preference.
Actually, all interior design should be a matter of personal preference. It is not worth any expense to put something in a home that will force a homeowner to cringe every time he or she looks around.
Friday, October 29, 2010
How to Combine Styles in Any Room
A well decorated home is one unified whole with rooms that blend and relate to each other like members of a family. The goal of any room arrangement in your house is a simple grouping of furniture pieces that work toward its purpose, dining, sleeping, working, or relaxing. Create easy access through your rooms with 3-fott-wide passages that suggest where you want traffic to flow. Use entry furnishings constant with the rest of your home.
When you are dealing with furniture the whole collection must take priority over individual pieces. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of an antique piece of furniture, but you have to consider how it will fit in with everything else. Plus, you have to ask whether it meets your needs. Everybody loves to buy new things, but before bring in new furniture you must figure out whether to take advantage of what you already have.
You may want to restore or renovate the external appearance of furniture if it is shabby or drab. Decorating is not merely throwing out the old and brings in the new objects. New furniture is certainly attractive, not to mention pricey, if you were to search secondhand market and antique stores, you would probably come across some surprising pieces of furniture that add a touch of distinction to our home. Remember that some old furniture has more personality than new designs and can be a source of inspiration as you seek to create your own decorating scheme.
Old furniture is adequately interesting to be the central feature of a room but be sure never to mix antique furniture with different styles. The general rule is that if you have one very quality piece of antique furniture, the other, more reserved pieces, should stay out of the limelight. In bigger rooms you can place two or three pieces of antique furniture without overdoing it. Decorating a home is a lifelong process that changes as you adjust. It’s an unfolding experience that lets you express yourself. Enjoy the time you spend doing it.
When you are dealing with furniture the whole collection must take priority over individual pieces. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of an antique piece of furniture, but you have to consider how it will fit in with everything else. Plus, you have to ask whether it meets your needs. Everybody loves to buy new things, but before bring in new furniture you must figure out whether to take advantage of what you already have.
You may want to restore or renovate the external appearance of furniture if it is shabby or drab. Decorating is not merely throwing out the old and brings in the new objects. New furniture is certainly attractive, not to mention pricey, if you were to search secondhand market and antique stores, you would probably come across some surprising pieces of furniture that add a touch of distinction to our home. Remember that some old furniture has more personality than new designs and can be a source of inspiration as you seek to create your own decorating scheme.
Old furniture is adequately interesting to be the central feature of a room but be sure never to mix antique furniture with different styles. The general rule is that if you have one very quality piece of antique furniture, the other, more reserved pieces, should stay out of the limelight. In bigger rooms you can place two or three pieces of antique furniture without overdoing it. Decorating a home is a lifelong process that changes as you adjust. It’s an unfolding experience that lets you express yourself. Enjoy the time you spend doing it.
How to Give a Room a New Look on a Budget
As a homeowner, you don’t need to have a large budget to give your home a remodel look straight out of the home and garden magazines. Any motivated do it yourselfer can redecorate a room and have it looking sleek and fashionable for under $1000. Remodeling with a budget in mind not only saves you money, but also increases the resale value of your home.
You can change the mood of your house just by painting and changing colors, especially uplifting your spirits during the cold winter season. Painting your house is a simple to do home improvement project that's easy on your budget if you do it yourself. Don’t go after the most expensive paint you can find.
Expensive doesn’t necessarily always mean the best quality paint. A good rule of thumb as to how much you will spend painting just one room around 300 square feet will be less than $200, including necessary supplies of rollers, paint roller tray, duct tape and paint brushes.
Other materials such as a drop cloth, paint bucket, or rags are optional. You can use old blankets that you don’t mind getting paint on, or use cardboard. Rags can be replaced with old towels or damp paper towels, and paint buckets will only be necessary if you plan to mix paints for faux finish painting.
Using wallpaper is another way to change the look of a room without breaking the bank. Proper wallpapering can suit anyone’s need and budget, and can help to change the mood as well as adding elegance to a room. You can make a room appear larger or smaller just by choosing the right wallpaper, giving an illusion of height for rooms with lower ceilings. Using wallpaper can also add a design and pattern that is very difficult to accomplish with paint unless you are a talented artist.
The average price for a single roll of wall covering is about $12. The price is affected by the type of wall covering, how elaborate the design, the exclusivity of the design, and if it’s made by a famous designer.
Faux finishes are all the latest rage and are really easy to do. Almost anyone with just a little desire and some simple practice can create attractive faux finishes. Just get a simple guidebook to get you started and you will be creating beautiful faux finishes in no time.
You can change the mood of your house just by painting and changing colors, especially uplifting your spirits during the cold winter season. Painting your house is a simple to do home improvement project that's easy on your budget if you do it yourself. Don’t go after the most expensive paint you can find.
Expensive doesn’t necessarily always mean the best quality paint. A good rule of thumb as to how much you will spend painting just one room around 300 square feet will be less than $200, including necessary supplies of rollers, paint roller tray, duct tape and paint brushes.
Other materials such as a drop cloth, paint bucket, or rags are optional. You can use old blankets that you don’t mind getting paint on, or use cardboard. Rags can be replaced with old towels or damp paper towels, and paint buckets will only be necessary if you plan to mix paints for faux finish painting.
Using wallpaper is another way to change the look of a room without breaking the bank. Proper wallpapering can suit anyone’s need and budget, and can help to change the mood as well as adding elegance to a room. You can make a room appear larger or smaller just by choosing the right wallpaper, giving an illusion of height for rooms with lower ceilings. Using wallpaper can also add a design and pattern that is very difficult to accomplish with paint unless you are a talented artist.
The average price for a single roll of wall covering is about $12. The price is affected by the type of wall covering, how elaborate the design, the exclusivity of the design, and if it’s made by a famous designer.
Faux finishes are all the latest rage and are really easy to do. Almost anyone with just a little desire and some simple practice can create attractive faux finishes. Just get a simple guidebook to get you started and you will be creating beautiful faux finishes in no time.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Home Decorating Ideas for Different Furniture Styles
Have you ever thought about the many different furniture styles? Probably you have ever watched a program TV, where they showed people how to update an entire room of your house; let’s say the living room or bedroom. You can also read everywhere about the rustic style or about the Italian designs. However, do you know really what do these styles mean? We go deep into the different styles, which are the most demanded around the globe. Let’s start:
Rustic
This style is known because the using of natural materials. The pieces of furniture included into the rustic designs use to be handcrafted, with a strong cultural and regional touch in their pieces. Rustic style also brings to any home the feeling of begin more comfortable. It also reflects to be on most of their instances, casual tends, which makes it more personal than other styles.
Antique
Antique furniture styles are characterized by European interior houses designs. What is very important to point up is the fact of antique furniture is commonly made to be used, not displayed. This makes of antique designs look boring or without further interesting additions, such as fancy details.
Modern
What we need to know about modern furniture is the clean lines that offers to the room itself. Modern styles for interior designs are often made of vinyl, plastic or chrome. These materials came up around the 50’s, and since then they have found a place into modern houses, as the standard.
European furniture
This style of furniture can be roughly split in 3 main branches: Italian, English and French. We begin by the Italian, because it is becoming very popular over the last decade for US citizens. Why? because the Italian style offer a wide range of materials to choose from, from wood up to marble, stone or fabric. Furniture pieces into the Italian furniture are ornate as well as large, sometimes using Roman sculpture and architecture. We go then to the French style. If you like crowed decorating prices of furniture, French is definitely yours. It often includes designs, elaborated and perhaps handcrafted with detailed carvings, with highly ornate patterns.
Fancy details with English furniture
The English furniture has been always made of woods, including principally walnut, oak or mahogany. This styles is very close to the American rustic one, due to its fancy details and the use of natural colors. The predominant color used on these pieces of furniture used to be is dark or natural colors. However, it depends on the era you base the English decoration. In the current world, there exist so many styles, materials and furniture designs, and it is evolving year after year. All type of influences comes up every day on furniture designers, and changes in the technology of materials affect directly on the new home decorating ideas.
Rustic
This style is known because the using of natural materials. The pieces of furniture included into the rustic designs use to be handcrafted, with a strong cultural and regional touch in their pieces. Rustic style also brings to any home the feeling of begin more comfortable. It also reflects to be on most of their instances, casual tends, which makes it more personal than other styles.
Antique
Antique furniture styles are characterized by European interior houses designs. What is very important to point up is the fact of antique furniture is commonly made to be used, not displayed. This makes of antique designs look boring or without further interesting additions, such as fancy details.
What we need to know about modern furniture is the clean lines that offers to the room itself. Modern styles for interior designs are often made of vinyl, plastic or chrome. These materials came up around the 50’s, and since then they have found a place into modern houses, as the standard.
European furniture
This style of furniture can be roughly split in 3 main branches: Italian, English and French. We begin by the Italian, because it is becoming very popular over the last decade for US citizens. Why? because the Italian style offer a wide range of materials to choose from, from wood up to marble, stone or fabric. Furniture pieces into the Italian furniture are ornate as well as large, sometimes using Roman sculpture and architecture. We go then to the French style. If you like crowed decorating prices of furniture, French is definitely yours. It often includes designs, elaborated and perhaps handcrafted with detailed carvings, with highly ornate patterns.
Fancy details with English furniture
The English furniture has been always made of woods, including principally walnut, oak or mahogany. This styles is very close to the American rustic one, due to its fancy details and the use of natural colors. The predominant color used on these pieces of furniture used to be is dark or natural colors. However, it depends on the era you base the English decoration. In the current world, there exist so many styles, materials and furniture designs, and it is evolving year after year. All type of influences comes up every day on furniture designers, and changes in the technology of materials affect directly on the new home decorating ideas.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Make Your House Your Home - Interior Decorating
There is no better haven than our home. “East or West, home is the best,” is a common saying. Whoever it may be, whatever position he or she may hold, finally everyone returns home to find peace and relax.
A home is cozier and more comfortable than any other place. We build our homes with the utmost care and sincerity. After all, it is a place where we spend most of our lives.
Home decorating means a lot to the owner. It also demands hard work and devotion, as it is not an easy task. Decorating includes both the interior as well as exterior aspects.
As far as home interior decorating is concerned, every nook and corner has to be studied so that the available space is utilized to the maximum. A good interior decorator should be able to help you in selecting the correct interior decorating solution for your home. Before actually starting the work, you need to be sure whether the emphasis is going to be on beauty, comfort, or the appearance of your home.
You need to attend to all parts, namely, doors, windows, floors, furniture and accessories. For windows, curtains, blinds, rods and panels should be attractive and appealing. Some people prefer light colors, while others prefer heavy and striking upholstery. Doors can be tastefully designed and the material itself can be exotic.
There is a wide range of flooring options available. You can choose from marble, granite tiles, bricks, slates, concrete, or steel. To add more color, suitable carpets can be spread. Rugs can be used to complement them.
Walls, pillars, and other standouts can be decorated using artifacts, paintings or wall hangings. Modern arts are becoming a common choice.
Not just the living room, but also every part of your home needs your attention. The kitchen should be convenient and easy to use. The gas tables, racks and shelves, cooking range, utensils, and all other accessories should be chosen carefully and arranged neatly to avoid messing them.
Further, furniture selection should be done wisely. The sofa sets, chairs, dining table, dressing table and cots must reflect your taste.
Pottery and decorative plants are also a welcome addition in home interior decorating. Sculptures or a mini-fountain may seem incredible. An aquarium can add beauty to your home. You need to pick the right colors and paints for your wonderful home.
While deciding on the interiors, themes like energy-efficiency can prove useful. As you see, there is no limit to home interior decorating.
A home is cozier and more comfortable than any other place. We build our homes with the utmost care and sincerity. After all, it is a place where we spend most of our lives.
Home decorating means a lot to the owner. It also demands hard work and devotion, as it is not an easy task. Decorating includes both the interior as well as exterior aspects.
As far as home interior decorating is concerned, every nook and corner has to be studied so that the available space is utilized to the maximum. A good interior decorator should be able to help you in selecting the correct interior decorating solution for your home. Before actually starting the work, you need to be sure whether the emphasis is going to be on beauty, comfort, or the appearance of your home.
There is a wide range of flooring options available. You can choose from marble, granite tiles, bricks, slates, concrete, or steel. To add more color, suitable carpets can be spread. Rugs can be used to complement them.
Walls, pillars, and other standouts can be decorated using artifacts, paintings or wall hangings. Modern arts are becoming a common choice.
Not just the living room, but also every part of your home needs your attention. The kitchen should be convenient and easy to use. The gas tables, racks and shelves, cooking range, utensils, and all other accessories should be chosen carefully and arranged neatly to avoid messing them.
Further, furniture selection should be done wisely. The sofa sets, chairs, dining table, dressing table and cots must reflect your taste.
Pottery and decorative plants are also a welcome addition in home interior decorating. Sculptures or a mini-fountain may seem incredible. An aquarium can add beauty to your home. You need to pick the right colors and paints for your wonderful home.
While deciding on the interiors, themes like energy-efficiency can prove useful. As you see, there is no limit to home interior decorating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)