Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Psychology of Color For Interior Design - Mood Enhancement

Bold colors, such as red, are often limited to little-used space or by people with a bold personality. Red is often associated with stimulation and has been known to increase blood pressure as well as increase appetite. By utilizing the psychology of color for interior design, restaurants may incorporate shades of red to stimulate their customers' eating habits. On the opposite end of the spectrum, terra cotta, a duller shade of red can evoke muted feelings of desire.

Some of the better choices of color for bedrooms, according to findings in the study of the psychology of color for interior design, are blue, or earth tones such as lighter shades of browns or greens. These work to promote feelings of tranquility. Browns take in a wide spectrum and can bring about a feeling of security while greens, especially sage, offer neutrality and can works quite well in a spare bedroom.

Colors Can Reflect Owner's Temperament

When using the psychology of color for interior design, it's important to understand the color's historical use. For instance, dark green was traditionally linked to banking, and deep purple is historically linked to kings, queens and royalty. A pastel purple, traditionally known as lavender, will appeal to younger females as well as have a calming effect. There are many aromas associated with aromatherapy involving the herb lavender for relaxation.

Gray is typically thought of as a neutral color and works well as background for many color combinations. The psychology of gray for interior design indicates that it can enhance productivity and is used in many offices. Black, on the other hand hints at submissiveness and will only work well in residential environments if it is used as an accent.

Yellow is most often used in kitchens and in children's rooms. This particular color can invoke arguments and the psychology of color for interior design has shown it to rile people to anger. Yellow can make some people feel happy and others feel angry. Studies have shown that people who like shades of yellow, like them immensely while those who do not like them, dislike them completely. There's no in between.

You can also find more info on gothic interior design. Interiordesignbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about interior designs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Hopkins

Interior Design Ideas - How to Spice Up Your Living Space

I know…I know…you’ve just finished watching that home design show on HGTV. Now you want to redesign your house as well. The good news is that even if you don’t have a lot of money or a consultant, there are some very simple things you can do to make your home feel brand new. In this guide to inexpensive interior design ideas, we’ll explore some quick and affordable tips to giving your living space a face lift.

Don’t Throw Out the Old Furniture…Paint It!

Paint is inexpensive, and the color choices are endless. Of course you might not want to paint that old cabinet a neon orange! But there’s also no rule that says you have to stick to neutral colors, like black, antique white, and tan. If you’re feeling bold, you can try a sage green or deep red. Or perhaps you’re looking for something more tranquil, like various blues, greens, and yellows. And while you’re at it, save some paint for the walls, too.

Glass Is Fragile, But It Can Be Quite Stunning

This may not be the best idea if you have small, rambunctious children. But if you don’t have to worry about things getting broken easily in your house, adding some glass is a great idea. Head down to the discount store for an inexpensive, yet trendy glass lamp. You can even find places where you can take an old vase and have it converted over to a lamp. If you want something with more pizzazz, you can purchase some artistic imported glass fixtures. Other ways of using glass to add décor to your home include French doors, window treatments in the bedrooms, and changing out some of those kitchen cabinet fronts with decorative glass insets.

In Short…Keep it Simple and Spacious

You don’t’ have to go all out to design a home. Keeping things simple and spacious can make a big difference. When choosing a window treatment, you don’t have go get a bulky curtain that you can’t even see through. Try an elegant, see-through curtain such lightweight Roman shades. Also consider the fact that less can sometimes mean more. If you remove some of the knick-knacks and anything that could be considered cluttered, it will open up your rooms and make it seem larger. Plenty of good interior design ideas simply rely on rearranging the things you already have.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.instant-interior-design-ideas.com - Interior Design Ideas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Murren

Decorate Your Home With Interactive Decor Accessories

Most people use the words 'accessories' and 'show pieces' interchangeably. They may not be altogether wrong in their assumptions as show pieces are in fact accessories; however accessories are not necessarily always showpieces. The major difference between the two is that showpieces are to be looked at and not touched; whereas accessories are accessible.

If you have school-going age children, put all traditional home décor ideas on hold for a while and try re-orienting your decorating mind. Instead of putting out your porcelain figurines and forever admonishing, "Stand far and look! Do not touch!" why not have on display interactive accessories that are accessible to children. Whether on the wall or on the table, these interactive accessories encourage inquisitive minds to "Come on over and have a look. Go ahead and touch me too".

Interactive accessories don't just sit in a corner looking fabulous. They promote interaction between family members and can also teach children a lot, in a fun and interesting way.

Still puzzled? Think world maps, jigsaw puzzles, coffee table books, photographs and children's artwork and you'll immediately realize their potential as interactive home décor accessories.

Replace your conventional home décor with these ideas for interactive home accessories and see what a difference it makes:

Jigsaw Puzzles
Replace your designer centerpiece from the centre table in the living room with a large 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle and watch the whole family get more and more involved as bits and pieces come together right in front of their very eyes. Did you think most children considered jigsaw puzzles old-fashioned? On the contrary, any child would happily give up their X-Box or Play Station time for a chance to spend time doing something with their family. Put out a 1000-piece double sided jigsaw puzzle for twice the fun!

Even your guests are sure to enjoy trying to piece the puzzle together every time they come over to visit. Nobody will even notice the absence of the gorgeous centerpiece that you've taken away to accommodate the puzzle.

World Maps
Unless every inch of your wall space is already used up to hang picture frames and what not, you don't really need to remove anything. Just find a spot on the wall that is highly visible and hang a world map at a little lower level. Just pointing to any one country or city on the world map opens up endless windows of discussions. Tell your kids some interesting facts about the place they've pointed to- the geography of the place, an interesting historical anecdote or perhaps their culture.

In another area, hang up a frame map of your home town. Challenge your kids to identify places they have visited and if you spent your childhood in the same town, regale them with interesting stories of "your days" and what used to be at that very spot just a few years ago.

Photographs
Convert one part of your wall into an interactive album. You could change the display according to the occasion. For your child's birthday party, display photographs of all past parties. Your kids and their friends as well as all the parents, you too, are sure to have a blast remembering the fun times they all had. It also serves as a great way to see how the kids have grown over the years.

At other times, put up a random assortment of photographs of the immediate family with various friends and extended family. Photographic walls evoke a lot of bittersweet memories and make for a very emotional interactive décor accessory.

Rugs can also be interactive, if you choose the right kind. And for the kid's room it is easy to find interactive kids area rugs. Something like a traffic rug with roads and cars would be ideal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francis_Chang

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

10 Tips For a Good Nights Sleep Using Interior Decoration in the Bedroom

As a mother of two I know how important sleep is and as an interior designer I know how to help people create the right environment to achieve it.

1. Go easy on the colour scheme. Avoid dark, heavy colours and bright, stimulating colours, like navy blue, burgundy, red and bright orange. Instead, steer towards the softer more subtle tones of pale green, soft peach, gentle coral, pale blue and soft butter yellow. You can add highlights and accents of bolder colours but keep the bulk of the bedroom in soft neutrals or pale tints of colour to create a restful environment.

2. Avoid filling your bedroom with gym equipment, computers and TV's. Remove all mental and physically stimulating items. The bedroom is where you go to sleep so make sure that the rooms makeup portrays a cosy, comfortable and relaxing feeling.

3. Keep furniture to minimum- bedside tables, the occasional chair, set of drawers. Allow the bed to dominate and keep furniture uncluttered. You want to unclutter your mind before you sleep, so set the scene in your bedroom.

4. Ventilation. We all need fresh air for a good healthy lifestyle, so ensure your bedroom is well ventilated. During the day open windows and in the heat of summer, use a fan or air-conditioning to keep the temperature at a constant, comfortable level. In winter, try adding a few more blankets and keep the heating to a minimum as this can dry your body out and you will wake feeling tired and dehydrated.

5. Darkness. This triggers a reaction in your brain to sleep, so try blackout curtain linings. These are fantastic for places with daylight savings or people with young children. They keep the room dark and are very good if you have streetlights outside that shine through your windows. Wooden shutters can be used in warmer countries that don't require draperies but aren't as good as blackout linings.

6. Sheets. Cotton! 100%- no polycotton. Cotton absorbs moisture better than polycotton and allows you to stay cool and feel fresh whilst sleeping, and they don't pill. Choose high quality cotton sheets with a high thread count- anything over 200 are good quality.

7. Quality duvet- from personal experience 100% goosedown is the best option. It is light yet incredibly warm and they last forever. It absorbs moisture, which then evaporates into the air keeping you warm and dry. Did you know that you lose on average a litre of water every night while you sleep? Thank goodness for goosedown duvets and cotton sheets! Wool is another quality product for duvets. It has similar features to down but is a lot heavier.

8. The perfect bed. This is one thing I can't tell you- which type of bed is best as it really is a personal choice. But I can tell you to spend as much as your budget allows on a good quality mattress. As you have read above, you lose a lot of moisture from your body at night, so the mattress must breathe. It should be firm enough to support your body but not too hard that you ache lying on it. Some mattresses allow for turning, which reduces the eventual role-together syndrome. Slat beds allow you to adjust the slats to make your bed firmer or softer. Some beds come in two parts so each partner can have different spring mattresses. The choices are endless, so definitely lie on as many as possible before you buy!

9. A good quality pillow will ensure your neck is well supported and provide you with the environment for a good nights sleep. Most top class hotels allow you to order the pillow you require, as they know the difference it makes to a guests enjoyment of their stay. Whatever product you select, remember it should breathe and be comfortable fro you. It should be replaced every two years as they get flattened and lose their shape and fail to support you any longer. I have slept at a friend's house on a pillow that had lavender essentials oils built in- wow did I have a good nights sleep! The choice of pillow is extensive- as you can see they even come scented now!

10. Keep the lighting soft- you want to set the mood for sleep. The subtle glow from a side lamp is best. Enough so that you don't crash into anything, but your body has started to count down to a good nights sleep.

Lee Brown is a professional designer with 15 years experience and co founder of interiordezine.com, a website dedicated to providing free interior design and decorating information.
http://www.interiordezine.com
For your free interior decorating course visit
http://www.interiordezine.com/index.cfm/Products/interior_decorating_ecourse
For more information on bedroom design visit bedrooms.interiordezine.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Brown

Design Your Home Sweet Home by Yourself With Your Design Theme Choice

First, you have to prepare your floor plan of your home. Then, you have to decide which area you want to redesign or remodeling.

There are a few questions must be provided before you start to design your home:

1. What is your home design theme do you want? modern minimalist, art deco, resort, transitional or ethnic contemporary?
2. What is your most favorite color do you like?
3. Any specific needs of your family member for their room? For example, your son has so many toys at his room, so he needs some cabinet or display to keep.
4. And the important thing is, how many budget do you have to redesign your home? This will determine everything.

Modern minimalist is the most favorite design theme that people like. Because it is simple , clean look, easy to maintain and no need a lot of furniture. I think for 3-5 years from now, people still will like it. And because it is simple style, so no need many colors to use. But, the important thing is, you must careful with the size of material will be used ( must be accurate and suitable with the lay out of the room , so will look nice ).

But, for some persons, they prefer like a transitional design. What is transitional design? It is combination of contemporary style and traditional ( ethnic ) style.

Transitional design is a brilliant new take on an old thought. The combination is fast becoming the decorating style of choice for many who are ready for a change. Embracing the comfort of traditional design with the stylish looks of contemporary design, consider pairing traditional-looking furnishing with contemporary fabrics like ultra suede or chenille.

Transitional decorating represents a kind of compromise between contemporary and traditional decor, a halfway point in which the subtle elegance of contemporary styles meets the comfort and familiarity of traditional styles.

Similarly, some of the sleek lines and stark minimalism that define contemporary decor are replaced by the gentle curves, coziness, comfort, and lived in appeal of traditional decor in the transitional interior.

And how about art deco style? Art deco style is almost same with the modern minimalist style but the colors more blowing and appears. Usually colors used are red, orange, yellow, blue and purple. But sometimes black and white color also can be used, depends on the color theme.

Art deco usually come with wall art painting ( with blocks, squares and stripes design ) in variety and mixed colors. For myself, I rather prefer this style. Why? Because, I like the colorful of the art painting and it looks modern and young.

And do you know about the ethnic style? Ethnic style is mixed with javanese and balinese style from Indonesia. Many people from European like this style. Especially with the balinese style. Yes, it is unique, and not everybody can do the design. For the materials also not easy to find. Just in tropical country can provide, such as coco husk for feature wall or the special woods from Bali. And chiefly, the home accessories such as coconut bowl, wood plate, plants for indoor or outdoor and many thing else not easy to provide as well. But, do not worry, nowadays, many stores online can provide these items. You can buy from them by online and they will deliver to you directly.

Home furniture admirably important for home designing decision. If every materials ( carpentry works, home accessories, lighting, tiles, painting colors and others ) used are already suitable with the design theme but if the furniture not appropriate, it will look awful.

So, you have to learn more about the furniture style properly before you start to design your cozy home sweet home.

For further information of home designing, you can visit to my web, http://www.designhomefurniture.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Wang

Designer's Guide to Choosing the Right Bed For Your Bedroom

Choosing the right bed is vital for a good nights sleep and a productive day following. I can't tell you which one to buy but I can provide you with some things to look for to help make your own bed buying decision.

Things to look for are:

1. Size. Think about where you are going to put your bed. Does it need to fit through narrow doors or go up narrow stairwells? Measure it to ensure you can get it into your home and then that it will fit in your bedroom. Sounds simple but it can be an expensive mistake if overlooked!

2. Support. Try out the mattress, lie on the bed in the store, take your time and try different positions. Ensure you feel supported, that the bed is not too soft or too hard. You will need to spend quite a bit of time doing this- take a book with you and leave the kids at home!

3. Comfort. Is it warm to lie on? It may have a wool topper that makes it feel soft and cosy. Get someone to lie beside you, ask then to move around and toss and turn to see if it upsets your side of the bed. You want to both be able to have an undisturbed lights sleep.

4. Design. Something that often sways out decision the wrong way is what it looks like! As a designer I know it is important, but not as important as what you lie on! Find the mattress first, then look at the bed head and matching furniture. Don't let design get in the way.

5. Price. Beds vary greatly in price and so does the quality. Most mattresses will last for 10 years but you should start checking for wear and tear after five years. The price does often reflect the quality of the beds structure and the mattress materials. So spend as much as your budget will allow remembering that you do spend a third of your life in bed! I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it but averaged out over your lifetime it is a great deal of lying down, so best be comfortable!

Main Types of Beds

Spring Base or Boxed Base Beds

These have large coil springs in the base and are boxed in. the spring mattress then sits on top. This style of bed has been popular but is losing its status, as it tends to sag in the middle over time and is heavy and cumbersome to move in the bedroom and clean around. It also doesn't allow for any under bed storage- vital in small apartment bedrooms.

Flexi-slat Base

This is becoming a popular choice of bed as it allows for air movement under the mattress, leaves space for under bed storage, has adjustable slats to personalise the support of the bed and is easy to get in and out of small apartments or through narrow stairwells as the base comes apart and can be reassembled. It is easy to clean around and the bed will never sag in the middle due to the style of slat construction- a support strut through the centre of the bed. Ensure you love the design of the bed head, as this is usually part of the bed construction and will be expensive to alter at a later date.

Solid Base

Not recommended as an everyday base as there is no movement, it doesn't breathe and is very hard to lie on it generally used as a spare bed in a guest room as it is usually an economical price for a bed. Solid slats are available and a better option.

Main Types of Mattresses

Spring Mattress

Most mattresses use coil springs. They vary by the spring size and their configuration and packing: the springs are wrapped in cotton and then covered with wool or latex. The amount of padding varies and defines the comfort level.

The topping of the mattress varies and is either wool or latex. You can purchase additional toppings to enhance the comfort level of the mattress. The mattress is covered in a breathable fabric and often has airholes for ventilation.

Latex Mattress

Latex is a natural product but is also produced synthetically. The latex is manufactured with a series of small holes. It feels unusual to lie on if you have come from a spring mattress as it is firmer and has less movement. It is a cost effective mattress as latex is very strong and durable and lasts for a long time.

Memory Foam

I just tried this out last week- it feels really bizarre. It was supportive and had no "sound", no movement and was very solid to touch. The foam was invented by the space programme and is relatively new on the market. It has a high price point but like latex is very durable and has a long life expectancy.

Foam Mattress

A simple, synthetic foam mattress is ideal for a trundler bed, spare bunk bed or as a throw down on the floor mattress for visiting kids. However, it isn't very supportive and doesn't breathe so is not recommended for everyday sleeping.

So now you are armed with basic bed knowledge you can go and quiz the sales people at the bed store to find yourself the perfect bed.

Lee Brown is a professional designer with 15 years experience and co founder of http://www.interiordezine.com - a website dedicated to providing free interior design and decorating information.

For your free interior decorating course visit free interior decorating course Find more information on bedroom design.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Brown

Where Do Granite Slabs Come From?

Granite, the widely acclaimed material for kitchen, bathroom, vanity, fireplaces, mantles and many other such applications basically is an igneous rock formed by the intense heat and pressure of the volcanoes, over a period of time is transformed to a metamorphic rock. Granite, feldspar and quartz are the main components with some minor quantities of mica and other minerals. The quantity of feldspars presence and the different mountain terrains across the world impart the diverse color to granite.

Granite is quarried across the world with the major part being imported to the United States is from India, Brazil, Italy, China and some parts of Africa. It is from the quarries that the granite is excavated in the form of large blocks. The blocks could be 20 feet in length, 10 feet in height and more than 10 feet wide, blocks do not have to be a standard size, at times blocks could be much larger, up to 50 feet in height.

These granite blocks are then cut using the sophisticated and modern state of the art machinery, making easier the transportation of these blocks to the stockyards. Further, in the stockyard the granite blocks are sawed to get the desired thickness of slabs. These granite slabs are checked for fissures and surface pits by the resin process. Then granite slabs are subjected to polishing with abrasives and diamond wheels which brings out the beauty of texture, pattern and the color in the granite.

The granite slabs are then stacked together into various categories, based on color and thickness, and dispatched to the importers or the local warehouses per their requirements.

Marble City Company is the leading and largest importer of granite slabs in the Bay Area, California.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Govindan

Netsuke Designers - Artistically Expressive

The awe and fascination that Netsuke still continues to bring to us today, from a Japanese culture in a time frame of over 300 years ago, still can stir the emotions of today's various cultural backgrounds of Netsuke makers and Netsuke collectors from all around the world. Just as back then in the socially controlled era of Japan's people, the original highly expressive tiny little detailed one-inch objects would openly say so much through the very detailed and exquisite formations of carvings that only Netsuke was allowed to express under the Japanese dynasty rule.

Starting out so innocently by the means of quintessential needs of the Japanese, the small Netsuke toggles were first made only for holding in the personal belongings around their waists, while going throughout their average day. Since the Japanese traditional dress of Kimonos did not have pockets, there were pouches, or small woven boxes worn around the waists by most of the Japanese culture, so to carry along their coins, medicines, tobaccos and so forth, while going about their daily routines. It was the small 1-inch size toggle that kept the personal items from falling out of the personal carrying device.

In a closed society that was not allowed to be freely expressive, the Netsuke toggle soon became a way of quiet individual expression that could be worn. These Netsuke creations quickly became the ways of expressing all that was seen, desired and experienced during the daily lives of the average Japanese person. Not only were the Japanese Netsuke craftsmen personally being openly expressive and very individual with their highly detailed creations, but so were those that chose to wear the openly expressive Netsuke carvings.

Netsuke carvings would be based upon all of the different types of surroundings and actions of the natural world, such as animals above and below the seas, trees, and humanistic formations with and without animals intertwined, along with the fantasy realm of Japanese culture. Netsuke was and still is made today from some of the most precious natural resources around, such as various legal animal ivories, natural hard woods, hard ocean corrals, along with glass, and ceramic mixtures for making the delicately beautiful Netsuke art forms.

The Netsuke handcrafting designers and the collectors of today have continued to carry the history, tradition, the beauty and the passion for the love of Netsuke today, just as was felt by the original Japanese creators and collectors in the beginnings of Netsuke so many centuries ago within the Japanese culture.

Anita Satin Choudhary writes for Ivory and Art Gallery. Browse the gallery for unique collection of artifacts ranging from Netsuke to Bronze and Silver Art

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anita_Satin_Choudhary

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Turn Your Bedroom Into A Getaway!

Your bedroom should be one of the most relaxing places in your home. If your bedroom feels disordered, you may not sleep well. Experts suggest mess or reminders of work in your sleeping space will interfere with getting a good night of sleep. These things keep your mind moving, and you may be worried about what you forgot to do, or what you will have to do the next day. You have to design your sleeping space for peace and relaxation. Bedroom decorating ideas are abundant, and your biggest problems might not be finding ideas, it might be narrowing down what you want from a list of things you like.

Bedroom decorating ideas are everywhere. You can find inspiration in magazines, on television, in movies, and even in store displays and catalogs. What you have to do is decide what feel you want for your sleeping area. In most cases, you want a relaxing color. A bright red or yellow might not be the best idea. However, a deep maroon or a very light yellow might be all right. The idea is to make sure the color is relaxing to your eye and not energizing or bright.

There are other bedroom decorating ideas you can consider. If you don’t want to paint, you can choose to go with wallpaper. There are many from which to choose, and what you choose should be to your taste, but again, not bright or noisy. Look for something soothing, elegant, and easy on the eyes. You can find unique wallpaper designs by shopping around. You may not know what you are looking for, but don’t let that stop you. You will know what you like when you see it.

You can also watch home improvement shows like Trading Spaces, or television networks like HGTV to get bedroom decorating ideas. The options are endless, and you may end up feeling overwhelmed. Once you have found three or four ideas you have fallen in love with, turn the television off. If you have too many choices, you will end up having a hard time narrowing it down. Don’t let your selection of bedroom decorating ideas get the best of you.

If you can’t decide and don’t know what to do, you can ask with an interior designer to get bedroom decorating ideas. They will charge you a consulting fee, but it may be well worth it when you really want to do it yourself, but you have no idea where to begin. You can give them a general idea of what you want, and they can design something to fit the space you have, with the look you are looking for. They know how to mix and match colors, patterns, and ideas to make the perfect sleeping space for you.

Nursery Decorating Ideas - Coastal Decorating Theme

For many people, decorating the nursery can be one of the most important tasks of preparing for a new baby. But what if you have no idea what theme to use? While most people use baby type themes, there are others who prefer something a little different. Here are some nursery decorating ideas for a coastal theme that both baby and parents will love.

Use light colors like beiges, light blues and whites color palette in your seashore decor nursery. You can get paint cards at the local hardware store with the different color tones you want for the room and choose the ones you like best. Save the cards and bring them with you when shopping for accessories and furniture and be assured that the colors will match.

In the nursery, you want to add stuffed animals, artwork and photos in frames as well as crib and baby accessories. Stick to a beach themed style with wicker or painted wood furniture. Choosing your accessories and furniture wisely will help refine your seashore decor design theme.

Some other nursery decorating ideas for accessories include large starfish and bowls of shells for adding flavor to the room, but don't forget about your flooring, windows and walls. Window treatments for the coastal decorating theme should be light and breezy. Try enhancing your windows with sheers or plantation shutters. When you have the look you want on your windows, you might notice the walls are boring by comparison. For wonderful wall decor, you might try adding beach and ocean scene prints in light frames.

The right lighting can also help to accentuate your decorating theme. Nursery's usually have ceiling fans and lamps as lights. Shop for lighting that is hollow glass filled with shells or beach themed to add appeal to the coastal decorating theme interior decor.

Another key component that will help make the room look "put together" is flooring and adding carpet to your nursery can make the room look charming as well as provide a soft cushion for baby to crawl on. What you should keep in mind for the light and breezy look is sisal mats, short pile rugs or stenciled floormats which you will want to buy in tans and blues.

The decorative accessories give your room a top notch appeal so consider enhancing your seashore decor with seashells in bowls and clear vases or lobster trap markers and fish net in strategic places In addition to carved wooden birds, flowers in vases, and ferns to make the most of your decorating approach. To soften up the look, consider adding pillows which are in blues and whites.

These nursery decorating ideas for a coastal decorating theme nursery can be a breeze if you spend some time planning out what you want in the room and where to put it. Shop wisely for exactly the items in your plan and place them accordingly and you'll have the alluring look of the shore before you know it!

Friday, February 1, 2008

How To Add Modern Decorating Style To Your Home

Decorative items are to your interior design what jewelry is to an outfit, and your Modern home decorating style is no exception. Using modernistic decorative items will help show off the stylish and sleek allure of design style, making it have the style of a sleek designer home. Shop for good quality decor such as pillows, kinck-knacks and artwork that compliment your Modern home to complete the look.

In order to get your wall art to look appealing you have to understand the correct way to hang it. You wish the middle of the piece of art to be at eye level. If you have many piece to display on one wall, work out the design on the floor first to select the perfect placement. The Modern home decorating style can be improved with black and white photos which you should plan to put in sleek dark frames.

Decorative pillows can provide a soft touch to your room décor. If you were under the impression that pillows were only for the bedroom, think again, they can provide a pleasing touch to any room including the dining room, kitchen, bathroom and living room. You can display pillows in the bath or kitchen by using chairs, shelving and any corner or any interesting spot. Pillows will be a perfect compliment to the bedroom when piled in front of the headboard. Pillows on your sofa or chair might help insert the modern decorating ambiance to the furniture. For this style of décor, pillows that are simple with solid colors will match best.

Finding the ideal knick knacks to enhance your room can be fun and also help pull the room together. To compliment your modern decorating, stick with accessories that have a stylish and sleek appeal. You might try citrus fruits in a sleek aluminum bowl or providing a bamboo plant in a low vase. You can inject your own diverse personality to the room design by acquiring accessories that mirror your unique style. If you don't have tons of money, consider shopping at yard sales and flea markets for wonderful unusual knick knacks.

Try adding some retro kitsch, stainless steel bowls, or angular pieces for more of a feeling of a sleek designer home. To ideally add appeal to your design theme, you should select accessories that not only match each other, but also the interior decorating scheme. Steer away from being too varied in your choices or the ambiance you are going for might become diluted.

Using modernistic accessories and furniture with plain but interesting shapes can add the final touches to your Modern home decorating style. Before you go shopping, it’s a terrific idea to figure out the styles, and types of accessories you need so that you don’t buy items that won’t fit. When getting accessories, proportion is essential so be sure you end up with items in the sizes you need. Choose your decorative pieces with care and your home is certain to look wonderful!

Interior Redesign: How To Choose A One Day Decorator

Interior redesigners – also known as interior refiners, redecorators, interior arrangers, one day decorators, room makeover specialists and home stylists - bring a unique perspective to their clients' decorating dilemmas. While the business model of traditional interior design services is largely based on profits from the markup of furnishings and contract services which are resold to the client, interior redesigners are overwhelmingly service oriented. Charging flat rates per room or hourly fees which make their services accessible to those who aren't interested in major purchases, interior redesigners provide creative services to transform your rooms using what you already own and limiting, or even eliminating, the need for new investment.

The interior redesign segment of the decorating and design industry is growing every day. Yet, while just about all the professionals in the field are service, rather than sales, oriented, there are important differences in the approaches of interior redesigners, even among those using the same professional designation.

Some interior redesigners will interview you in advance and then politely request that you absent yourself from your home during the room redesign. While all the furnishings that will be used are already in your home, you will be coming home to a surprise redesign and possibly other rooms that have been substantially changed by the relocation of furnishings to the redesigned room. Other redesigners will insist on your presence, however, the degree of collaboration will vary from those who will give you advice and leave it at that to those who really want to find ways to bring your personal preferences into the design scheme.

Some interior redesigners will physically rearrange your furnishings, accessorize your room and hang your artwork on the day of the redesign, while others will only give you a written plan. Still others will both rearrange your rooms and provide you with written plans to take your rooms to the next level. Some will only work with what you already own, while others are willing to develop design plans for partially furnished and even empty rooms. Some will include paint, window treatment and lighting consultations in the plan, and offer a range of follow-up services, while others will not go beyond what is possible to physically accomplish on the day of the redesign.

Questions You Need to Ask

It is important that you take the time to decide what it is that you want from an interior redesigner before you shop for professional help. Once you are clear about your own goals and expectations, you can start asking the questions that will enable you to match your needs with a particular redesigner’s services:

1. What is the scope of services included in the interior redesign?

2. Will the rooms actually be rearranged on the day of the redesign? If so, is there an additional cost for movers or moving assistants?

3. Will you be given a written design plan and, if so, what will it include?

4. If you have a budget to go beyond the one day decorating, will the redesigner provide specific ideas and guidance to maximize your budget and further enhance your room?

5. Will you be expected to be present to work collaboratively with the redesigner or will you be asked leave your home?

Whether you choose to collaborate with an interior redesigner or leave your home, it is important that you have a good rapport with the professional you choose - after all, a successful room redesign should reflect your personality and vision for your home, not the designer's. You should feel that the interior redesigner is approachable, would value your ideas and is willing to take the time to understand what you want and answer all of your concerns. Be wary of anyone who promises to do so, but won’t take the time to listen and respond to you when you call to inquire about services.

Also, be wary of anyone who promises that a room makeover can be done in “as little as an hour” in order to get the appointment. A good interior redesign can take many hours, and while there are rooms that can be completed in an hour, no honest interior redesigner will tell you so without first seeing the room and speaking with you about your needs and expectations.

If the redesigner offers flat rates based on the size of the room, ask for a rate card or other written documentation. If hourly charges are involved, ask for an estimate of hours based on the size and complexity of your project.

Companies marketing interior redesign services vary greatly, from the independent redesigner to design agencies, referral operations and even franchises. Before you book an appointment, insist upon speaking directly with the interior redesigner who would be handling your project and assess that person's experience and training independently from the company marketing the services. Ideally you always want the principal of the firm on your project, after all the firm's reputation - not to mention all those before and after photos on the Web site - reflect the abilities of the principal, not its lower level staff. Check whether this would involve additional unadvertised fees, as is often the case.

If you take the time to find a great interior redesigner, you will find Interior redesign to be a great decorating solution, offering an affordable means to a dramatic transformation of your home in one day with little or no additional investment.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Planning Your Bathroom Decorating On A Budget

Making plans for your bathroom decorating on a budget. It doesn't matter how big or small your house is, you will still need a bathroom. Having a bathroom is very important to us because its not just about having a wash in the bathtub or using the toilet, its also a room where we can rest and relax after a hard day at the office. This makes the bathroom an important part of our lives and a place we like to feel good in. Therefore, it would be a good to have a decorating ideas list to enable you to keep this room in good decorative order, you could also have the bathroom decorating on a budget if you don't have a lot of money spare.

It is essential to keep it clean and tidy and maybe decorate it with accessories like a towel rail or nice rug, don't worry these things don't have to be expensive. Just consult your decorating ideas list to check what needs to be changed. If you feel this isn't enough then ask for input from friends and family.

The bathroom decorating on a budget list of decorating ideas:
1. Use good lighting to enhance the decor.
2. Add to your bathroom design by using plants
. 3. Decorative toothbrush holders and soap dishes.
4. Carpets.
5. New bathtub
6. Shower Curtain.

The many interior design magazines that are on the market today will help you come up with some great budget decorating ideas, that can be used in remodeling the bathroom.

The bathroom could contain lots of items that are out of date or you don't have a use for anymore such as shampoo, hair styling tools, etc. Those that are still in good condition should be kept and the remainder thrown away. Replace only things that are necessary to save money.

Keep the bathroom smelling great, by using aromatherapy or scented candles and potpourri which shouldn't be a major drain on your decorating budget, they will also longer than spray deodorizers.

Bathroom decorating on a budget can mean in stead of buying a new cabinet to store the essentials you may have consider keeping the old one, or you may have to look at using other places for storage, like the top of the toilet bowl, or the sides of the bathtub, using your imagination will be very helpful here. It's also worth going to an auction or yard sale to pick up a bargain which will help you to stick to your bathroom decorating budget.

Re-tiling is an area where you could easily go over your bathroom decorating budget. Its good to be aware that there are many different ways to stop water spilling on the bathroom floor and splashing the walls and some of these are/c a glass shower door/c or another idea would be to replace the door with a curtain and pole/c these suggestions could help keep to the bathroom decorating budget.

Guests who visit the home will use the bathroom. Consider using safety handles that are useful for both for the owner of the house and any visitors to prevent accidents.

Bathroom decorating on a budget will save you money, and make you more flowing with your creativity and decorating ideas.

Bedroom Interior Design - 4 Themes Ideas For Decorating Your Bedroom

There are a number of bedroom interior design ideas that can be incorporated in the renovation or design of your room. Before you start searching for ideas however, it is good to first take note of your personal preferences with regards to your bedroom. Apart from the actual design, take note of the various needs and functions that is essential in designing your bedroom.

A good place to begin your search for bedroom interior design ideas is a rundown of architectural design periods or eras for a design theme. You may adopt an Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Gothic, Oriental, Modern theme, and the like.

1. Egyptian theme

Gold is a popular color for the Egyptian motif because that was how magnificent pyramid interiors were. For this theme, you may also incorporate Egyptian writings and images that were prevalent in tombs and pyramids.

2. Greek and Roman theme

These two are alike in a way, and the Romans were said to improve a number of Greek arts including architecture. Both used columns, and if you have a big space then this is one of those good bedroom interior design ideas to work on.

3. Gothic

Choose this theme if you like the color black, gargoyles, and an eccentric looking bedroom. If you are looking for bedroom interior design ideas that make an impact, then this is certainly one of those.

4. Oriental and Modern

These two design influences can pertain to the Japanese way of designing. However, oriental can also garner influences from other Asian countries and modern design can also be free from any oriental influences. Moreover, modern design can be reflected by the use of industrial materials as well as the use of the minimalism concept.

Decorating your bedroom with a period theme in mind is just an example of a long list of possibilities for bedroom interior design ideas. There are lots more and you'll soon be overwhelmed with all the options you can do to your bedroom.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Best Interior Design Schools

Interior design schools help to train candidates to create a quality environment around them. At interior design schools, students are taught study from material that is computer-aided to draw and design, to solve problems, to study the history of interior designing and architecture, space planning and also 3-d imaging. The help of the visual media enables these institutes to teach the art interior deigning and the related problems.

Interior designing is subject to government rules and regulations, unlike any other professional course. Interior design schools prepare the students to appear for National Council for Interior Design Qualification or NCIDQ exam. It provides recognized credentials and equips the interior designer for better job opportunities. To be eligible to appear for the NCIDQ exam, the candidate must have a total experience of 6 years, comprising of the interior design based education. This must include 2 years of post secondary education. There are also diploma courses like the BTECH HND, which are the Diploma in Interior Designing and Decoration and the Higher National Diploma.

Students with degrees from reputed interior design schools are recruited for jobs in the business sector, restaurants, hotels, homes and theatres. While designing the area allotted, it is necessary to utilize the space with a lot of planning. The interior designer must have a vision and should be able to put it on paper.

Another important detail to keep in mind is the preference of the client and the budget. The interior designer can give suggestions for the client to think about and approve. Things such as furniture, color scheme, lighting and fixtures must also be kept in mind and a rough layout should be prepared.

Interior designers help to enhance the interiors of a house, an office, hotel and hospital. Their demand has increased over a period of time.

Home Interior Decor Idea

it is quite hard sometimes to get the time to re-decorate your house with the rapid pace of todays life. Interior decorating is also something that is thought to possess a lot of time and effort, and that's possibly why only a limited quantity of people actually get to invlove themselves in it. I think that a large number of people are also fast to come to the conclusion that home decorating is too expensive as you need to buy new shades and carpets and other expensive household features to do attractive re-modeling. This is simply not the reality of the situation but is exactly why most people end up making use of an expensive home decoration specialist to advise them. So lets try to lay down the fundamental concepts and common practices of how to decorate your house, to help give you the most important tools which will hopefully teach you how to reposition household features without consulting an expert, and also banish those worries of the supposed massive task at hand.

Lets first start with the paint job. This is a important component in your interior decoration project so the selected colours must be picked correctly. Also, ensure that you buy a latex paint or any high quality paint. Don't be worried if the prices are quite high as painting your walls only one time with a good paint is obviously better than having to paint them two to three times with a lower quality paint. What you need to do is look around your bedrooms for features like furniture and carpets and decide on the type of colours which will complement those objects colours.

Another aspect I would like to discuss is shades. It is important to to use lighter shades for smaller and cramped rooms as it reflects the light, thus making he room appear larger and using darker shades for larger rooms which will supposedly give them a more homely feeling.

These are just two quick tips on interior design. If you would like to find out more information on two top rated interior design guides please visit the website below

Monday, January 7, 2008

What You Should Known About Interior Design Schools

Getting degrees in interior design is becoming one of the more popular degree options available today and constantly being offered by different colleges and universities. Interior design is regulated in almost 24 states of the United States and anybody who is intent on studying for a degree in interior design course should pick up a Bachelors degree in Interior Design first before they opt for an interior designers license.

Interior design degrees are extremely important and so is the knowledge of CAD software which is all about Computer Aided Design. Both are equally necessary for the new interior designers. People hiring interior designers prefer to opt for people who have graduated and people who can handle modern technological requirements such as CAD because not only are they cost effective but they save people a lot of time too.

At this time the online interior design degree is the most popular learning option for people who want to get the degree, it is especially more popular with the use of CAD software. Because of the benefits that the internet affords you can get across to a wider student population across the entire world.

Interior designers must be smart and imaginative at the same time in order to use the small amount of interior space that is available in most large cities of the world. What an interior design degree provides is that it gives the student the knowledge and the practical experience to cope with the different demands and requirements that a busy interior designer constantly has to cope with.

An interior design degree is the primary step in establishing a career in the field of interior design. The development of your natural talent and creativity means getting the right training as well as the necessary education. In order to become a force in the field of global interior design it is always essential that you have the requisite formal degrees from a college that offers interior design degrees and qualifications.

Successful graduates in the field of interior design will employ their creativity and imagination in order to design homes for people as well as corporate establishments and order institutes of commerce. Designers will make use of the knowledge of different types of color as well as basic studies in the fields of architecture and creative design in order that they create beautiful interiors and work areas at the same time.

Interior design degree programs focus on sharing and teaching skills in various areas of graphic drawing, construction technology, color theory and space planning. Students will focus on learning the different aspects of design from the technical and the creative as well. Certain other important aspects including the elements that concern human beings and aspects of interior decorating, other aspects of building safety and information about the different necessary requirements for design. You can visit http://www.interior-design-school.com to find out more information on interior design education.

Whenever you're looking for an interior design degree program to study, try to find out if the institution has lecturers and academic staff who are quite knowledgeable in the industry. Anyone studying in the field of interior design should try to get the best world class training available

interior decorating

Adding interest to your Nautical decorating theme with the proper accessories is a good way to enhance the decorating scheme. In keeping with the style of the sea, you will need to invest in zesty and unique accessories that have a beach themed look. Your nautical décor will really have that designer look when you add a few decorative wall art, knick-knacks, and pillows.

Displaying your wall art correctly is critical for the right impact. Many homeowners hang paintings and prints so that the bottom or top edges line up, but you should arrange them so that the center of the pieces line up. If you have many prints to put on one wall, lay them out on the floor first to get the right design. Placing ships wheels, boat prints in grouping can work to add appeal to the Nautical decorating theme.

Decorative pillows are another accessory you could try using to spice up your décor. You can come up with a use for pillows in each room including the kitchen and bathroom. Pillows can be enjoyed in the kitchen as well as the bathroom, think about displaying them in chairs, on the hamper or on shelves. In the bedroom, compliment them to your design theme but buy patterns and fabrics that are all different with one matching element. Pillows on the chairs or couches in your den, family room or living room should help instill a bit of the nautical decor look. For this style of interior design, pillows that are blue and white prints will look best.

Other items which can help complete the feeling of the sea include ships models, old brass spyglasses, and vintage sextents. To better enhance your decorating theme, you should select accessories that not only match each other, but also the decorating scheme. Don’t stray to far from your decorating theme or you can end up with a confusing design theme.

No matter what your decorating approach is, you can add a bit of appeal to your room design with knick knacks. To add appeal to your nautical decor, think of using knick knacks with a zesty and unique appeal. Adding a lobster trap as a display table can provide a great look and so can a ships model under glass. You can add your own individual style to the interior design style by selecting knick knacks which mirror your personality. If you don’t have a lot of money, you could try shopping at the local flea markets and garage sales where you can come across captivating accessories for less money.

Decorating with sea themed items like ships wheels and anchors can add a professional style to your Nautical decorating theme. It’s imperative, though, that you have a vision of the kinds of pieces you need so you can stick to choosing just those that suit. Also, have in mind the sizes you need that will help compliment the room design. Being cognizant of proportion and size insures that you will get a great look in any room decor!
 

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