Budget is usually at the top of the list while making plans to decorate or redecorate your home. It is easy to look at a picture in a magazine and say you want your room to look like that. Sometimes the small finishing items in the pictures can be very expensive may pose a problem for your budget. There's no need to be discouraged because there are always alternate ideas to help you achieve your goal or vision. Resources such as magazines, books, television programs and Internet websites are very helpful with suggestions and ideas for interior decorating ideas. By using these mediums almost always you can find lower priced alternatives to any high priced obstacles you may come across while decorating your home. For instance, using silk plants and artificial flower arrangements instead of real ones will make a huge difference in the cost of purchasing and maintenance. If you're one that loves color there are numerous designs to choose from.
Rustic decorating is fascinating because it focuses on old and handmade type objects. This is the perfect opportunity to display your collectables and trinkets that have been handed down throughout the years. This style suggests using traditional style silk plants or items that may have the look of worn, distressed or antique finishes. If you're a person who fancies antiques, rustic interior decorating may be the fit for you. When choosing paint color for this type of design, darker and warmer shades are suggested. Deep grey or red brick works well in the area of this type of decor. Whimsical is another type of decorating you may find appealing. This type of design lets you go crazy with your imagination using any and all of your favorite colors. You should decorate you space thoroughly with all the colors of your liking, within the same color palette of course. The rule of thumb is if you choose daring bright colors you need to stay within that shade of color. If you decide to use pastel colors stay with colors in that pastel palette.
Traditional design may be for you if you find it hard to move entirely into the modern look of decorating. This decor style combines the modern look with the elegant look of earlier times. Space is the primary concern in this type of design. To help create a spacious atmosphere, colors such as beige or light cafe is recommended for the walls to give them a neutral look. To add a splash of color to the space, darker colors like burgundy, light purples, blues and greens are recommended for fabrics, rugs, etc. When picking out accessories china and crystal objects will compliment this style along with traditional silk plants and trees to fill in the empty corners where there is too much wall showing. You might also like to add some artwork such as paintings with wood frames or turn of the century pictures framed in dark wood.
These are just three of many design types you can choose from. There is one that is right for you and your space. Looking through some sources regarding interior decorating will give you a greater idea of the link between furnishings, flooring, color and accessories. Using your individual tastes and interests you should be able to find a style that works for you. Redecorating your home can transform it into a haven of elegance, enjoyment with a little imagination and a small budget.
The Cathartic Effect of Fountains Beyond Interior Design and Decorating
We often search for peace and relaxation after we have wrestled with big responsibilities and exhausting tasks in the office. Most of us are looking for things or ambiance that will soothe our tired mind and body. Scientific studies show that aside from sleeping, there are several ways to calm and relax our body from stress. Are you one of those who always come home late from work and grapple with mental and physical strain? If you are, you have probably experienced staring at the office water fountains as you pass it by. It certainty makes you to stop and gaze upon it. You may never know the reason for its inducement but two things for sure, you are amazed and at the same time, appeased!
While there is a way of catharsis, many believed that water has the power to purge and cleanse our mind and our body. From the benefits of drinking it, water has therapeutic effects especially when it is flowing water. Asians especially the Chinese believe that flowing water from your indoor floor standing fountains is a lucky sign for continuous money and financial luck aside from the sanative noise it creates.
This belief has actually made a lot of people arrange fountains inside their homes not only for interior design and decorating purposes. Office water fountains may have built to correspond with this reason. Say, the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois that is built in the heart of the city surrounded with business establishments or the Bethesda Fountain, one of the world's most popular fountains as the crown jewel of New York's Central Park. These fountains and many others in the world aim to give out the benefits of nature's healing capacity.
At home, you can definitely make this ambiance possible. By building an indoor floor standing fountains in your favorite part of the house, the dream of a calm and purging environment is now in your hands. The benefit of having your own fountain at home like those office water fountains is firstly an addition to indoor decoration and to refurbish your house with the state of equilibrium.
The calmness is felt when everything at home is ruled by sense of balance. Your aim of building one at home should be well planned and prepared. Fountain will not operate without electricity which means it should be built safely. Unsafe wirings of your fountain might cause fire. You may never want your house burn caused by your fountain, right? Or it may be the most ironic accident that could happen.
While there is a way of catharsis, many believed that water has the power to purge and cleanse our mind and our body. From the benefits of drinking it, water has therapeutic effects especially when it is flowing water. Asians especially the Chinese believe that flowing water from your indoor floor standing fountains is a lucky sign for continuous money and financial luck aside from the sanative noise it creates.
This belief has actually made a lot of people arrange fountains inside their homes not only for interior design and decorating purposes. Office water fountains may have built to correspond with this reason. Say, the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois that is built in the heart of the city surrounded with business establishments or the Bethesda Fountain, one of the world's most popular fountains as the crown jewel of New York's Central Park. These fountains and many others in the world aim to give out the benefits of nature's healing capacity.
At home, you can definitely make this ambiance possible. By building an indoor floor standing fountains in your favorite part of the house, the dream of a calm and purging environment is now in your hands. The benefit of having your own fountain at home like those office water fountains is firstly an addition to indoor decoration and to refurbish your house with the state of equilibrium.
The calmness is felt when everything at home is ruled by sense of balance. Your aim of building one at home should be well planned and prepared. Fountain will not operate without electricity which means it should be built safely. Unsafe wirings of your fountain might cause fire. You may never want your house burn caused by your fountain, right? Or it may be the most ironic accident that could happen.
Creating Sumptuous Spaces - Tips on Interior Design and Decorating
Our homes are our castles, our keep and refuge to which we return after doing battle with corporate dragons, traffic, bureaucratic brain scientists and recalcitrant nursery school tots. And how much more pleasant the experience when the space is to die for. And getting those spaces beautiful is one of life's great pleasures. There is nothing quite like a spot of interior design and decorating therapy to brighten the dingiest day.
Well, most of the time anyway. Sometimes things can really go badly wrong and slips between the drawing board and the paint bucket can cause some spectacularly unexpected and, well, interesting results. Never fear though, there a couple of basic pointers when it comes to decorating that can save the day.
Make your own choices. Although glossy house and home magazines can offer up tons of great ideas, your home is your space and anything you apply should center around your needs, taste and the constraints of the space itself.
Lighting and the effect of furnishings and features affects everything you put into a space, so don't choose fabrics, carpets etc. in the store. Ask for samples or swatches and check them in your home environment.
The same applies to colour. Don't choose paint in a store. Buy a sample and paint a small section of wall and assess the effect in your room. Also remember that texture plays a big role in how colours present themselves. Paint on a smooth wall will look subtly different when applied to a textured finish, particularly as light shifts through the area.
Don't crowd your walls. Unless you have absolutely no choice, don't allow furniture to hug the walls of a room. Group the furniture to create social space and don't be afraid to utilise the centre spaces. Walls are easier to maintain in this way as well.
Don't box yourself in. Points of entry and exit should never be obstructed and logical traffic flows should be left open. This not only makes for an easy flow through the area but facilitates cleaning.
Avoid trends. Trends are gone as quickly as they pop up. Stick with classic, timeless themes and quality furnishings. Neon animal print faux fur may be "in" today but will probably be a source of great embarrassment tomorrow.
Create focal points in an area. Any room benefits hugely from having a feature or furnishings that create strong focal attractions. Arrange the furnishings in the room to maximise the effect of that focal point. At the same time try and keep the focal attraction generic with wide appeal. Uncle Ernie's stuffed whale head is not a good idea for the living room wall.
Well, most of the time anyway. Sometimes things can really go badly wrong and slips between the drawing board and the paint bucket can cause some spectacularly unexpected and, well, interesting results. Never fear though, there a couple of basic pointers when it comes to decorating that can save the day.
Make your own choices. Although glossy house and home magazines can offer up tons of great ideas, your home is your space and anything you apply should center around your needs, taste and the constraints of the space itself.
Lighting and the effect of furnishings and features affects everything you put into a space, so don't choose fabrics, carpets etc. in the store. Ask for samples or swatches and check them in your home environment.
The same applies to colour. Don't choose paint in a store. Buy a sample and paint a small section of wall and assess the effect in your room. Also remember that texture plays a big role in how colours present themselves. Paint on a smooth wall will look subtly different when applied to a textured finish, particularly as light shifts through the area.
Don't crowd your walls. Unless you have absolutely no choice, don't allow furniture to hug the walls of a room. Group the furniture to create social space and don't be afraid to utilise the centre spaces. Walls are easier to maintain in this way as well.
Don't box yourself in. Points of entry and exit should never be obstructed and logical traffic flows should be left open. This not only makes for an easy flow through the area but facilitates cleaning.
Avoid trends. Trends are gone as quickly as they pop up. Stick with classic, timeless themes and quality furnishings. Neon animal print faux fur may be "in" today but will probably be a source of great embarrassment tomorrow.
Create focal points in an area. Any room benefits hugely from having a feature or furnishings that create strong focal attractions. Arrange the furnishings in the room to maximise the effect of that focal point. At the same time try and keep the focal attraction generic with wide appeal. Uncle Ernie's stuffed whale head is not a good idea for the living room wall.
Interior Design and Decorating in Limited Urban Space
When new home owners try to picture out the interior design and decorating, they might cringe at the thought. Most people who can already afford their homes have set aside a budget for the interior design and decors but do not like the idea of having to plan and start the theme for their house. That is when the idea of hiring interior designers comes in handy especially when the owner has no background or idea of the right way to spice up their living space in the big metro.
The idea of limited space in urban homes is a reality. Most of these city houses have a few square feet spare for patios or small yards in the front or back. The idea of urbanized living space is to find a functional limited space and transform it into a chic but livable place for young professionals or starting couples. This can be challenging for lay persons who could only look at the confined area of small condos or apartments in the big city.
But with the development of decors that are affordable and easy to find, decorating your urban space can no longer be that of a hard work. Metal materials generally swamp decors sections in most shops since they are durable, malleable for easy designs, and look sophisticatedly modern. A great example would be metal wall clocks that can last for a long time, great in many interior designs, and modern pieces. Innovative décor companies also include organizer furniture and decors like the shoe rack and many others that can help your place more organized and spacious.
Cabinets and pantries are usually incorporated into the interior design of a room and seem to be concealed for the most part. The many compartments for the modern kitchen in most condos, for example, are placed underneath kitchen counters or overhead to strategically maximize the tight kitchen space. Good thing that most appliances are made in mini modes and are easily placed in small places around the kitchen. Targeting for a minimal but functional theme can truly help in maximizing the rest of the limited space in the condo or apartment units.
Getting the right kind of designer to do your design and décor can also be a great contributor for your urban zone revamp or start. Ask for recommendations from friends or families who have a great place to boast about and ignore the pricy tags of commended professionals who ask for too much for their service fees. Settle for a designer who can recommend lesser but not less creative alternative design schemes for your living space.
Remember that your living space and the interior design and decorating are essential to keep yourselves happy and calm in your own little private sanctuary. Couples should seriously consider the right designer to guide them in design and decors. Do not try to invest in novice designers who can disappoint you with too much enthusiasm and your place might end up looking like an art experiment. You must also stay clear of the most in demand designer to do your living space for you as they can end up doing too little for too much payment. Settle instead for someone who understands you concept and respect it no matter what.
The idea of limited space in urban homes is a reality. Most of these city houses have a few square feet spare for patios or small yards in the front or back. The idea of urbanized living space is to find a functional limited space and transform it into a chic but livable place for young professionals or starting couples. This can be challenging for lay persons who could only look at the confined area of small condos or apartments in the big city.
But with the development of decors that are affordable and easy to find, decorating your urban space can no longer be that of a hard work. Metal materials generally swamp decors sections in most shops since they are durable, malleable for easy designs, and look sophisticatedly modern. A great example would be metal wall clocks that can last for a long time, great in many interior designs, and modern pieces. Innovative décor companies also include organizer furniture and decors like the shoe rack and many others that can help your place more organized and spacious.
Cabinets and pantries are usually incorporated into the interior design of a room and seem to be concealed for the most part. The many compartments for the modern kitchen in most condos, for example, are placed underneath kitchen counters or overhead to strategically maximize the tight kitchen space. Good thing that most appliances are made in mini modes and are easily placed in small places around the kitchen. Targeting for a minimal but functional theme can truly help in maximizing the rest of the limited space in the condo or apartment units.
Getting the right kind of designer to do your design and décor can also be a great contributor for your urban zone revamp or start. Ask for recommendations from friends or families who have a great place to boast about and ignore the pricy tags of commended professionals who ask for too much for their service fees. Settle for a designer who can recommend lesser but not less creative alternative design schemes for your living space.
Remember that your living space and the interior design and decorating are essential to keep yourselves happy and calm in your own little private sanctuary. Couples should seriously consider the right designer to guide them in design and decors. Do not try to invest in novice designers who can disappoint you with too much enthusiasm and your place might end up looking like an art experiment. You must also stay clear of the most in demand designer to do your living space for you as they can end up doing too little for too much payment. Settle instead for someone who understands you concept and respect it no matter what.
Interior Design And Decorating - Economical Picture Frames
People say that home is where the heart is. Therefore careful planning is essential for the success of our home because, after all, no matter the troubles and the obstacles we encounter everyday, we always come home and rest our weary bodies. Our homes are the picture of us and an expression of our individuality. In relation to this, there are elaborate houses with the best interiors and decoration while there are houses that are simple yet classy and beautiful. Whatever you like, the most important thing is that you are happy at the end of the day coming home and resting your exhausted body. There are others who seek the skills of interior designers to beautify their houses which will bring pleasure to the owner's eyes and that of the visitor while there are others that simply contemplate on their own ideas of interior designing and decorating. If you are on a budget constraint but still want to uphold the beauty of the house you are aspiring, you can choose picture frames as a good alternative to pricey decorations.
Frames can either be placed on surfaces like desks, tables and even on walls so choose your pick. Frames are casings of images such as photographs, paintings and drawings and they exist for the sole purpose of preserving the beauty of such while providing beauty to an empty wall, table or desks. You can choose from materials such as the classic gold, silver and bronze, woods, aluminum, plastics, seashells and other materials available.
Prices of picture frames depends on the size, colors, styles, shapes and materials used. First thing to consider is to determine the size you want like for instance you can choose from 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20. Good news for you, you can consider multiple picture frames as an efficient indoor decorating that is affordable at the same time beautiful. There are 3 openings, 7 opening and 9 openings available with various styles and colors according to your needs and the needs of your household. You can choose from vintage picture frames, bala picture frames, wooden picture frames, petal picture photo frame and other styles that you can be proud of.
If you specifically want pictures that can be mounted on walls, you can choose to consider wall picture frames as an efficient choice. Walls with frames will really spice up the look of your hallways and walls that will serve as your focal area. Simple houses with beautiful and appropriate frames will be appealing not only for you but for the people around. There are also colors, styles and sizes with different materials available according to your preferences. For instance you can choose from Dakota wall trapeze, family crossroads collage, vintage picture frames and other wall mounted frames.
Achieve elaborate interior design and decoration with the help of picture frames that are cheap and affordable but exhibits good results at the same time. You can find one in nearby stores but if you want unique ones you can search and look in the internet for more quality and beautiful works. Indeed, these frames will give beauty to your empty and dull desks, tables and walls not to mention the memories it can bring. Pictures that are well-preserved with the help of frames will certainly last a lifetime.
Low Cost Interior Design and Decorating Tips
Thinking of a home or office renovation, but worried about the cost of the interior designing and decorating? Do you think you can't afford to spend much on the interior designing but wish for an elegant make over for your room? You don't have to get vexed about not having too much money to spend on your decoration, because you can do a fabulous job of decorating your house without spending much of your pennies, if you do it wise.
Plan your budget
Low or high, you should always have a specific budget plan for your work, rather than saying 'I want the room's interior design to be done at a low cost it is better to have an idea of how much you are ready to spend. Coming to the correct value may not be possible but giving an almost accurate estimate will always help. Divide your budget under different task like, $ 100 for new furniture, $ 50 for paint etc rather than quoting the whole amount. But remember your budget plan should be realistic and should be strictly followed for a successful low cost interior designing.
Be the interior designer yourself
Hiring a firm or a specialist to do the makeover might give you a completely remarkable room or office, but remember the more established they are, the more you will end up paying them for the service alone. So it is best to take your imagination into play and come up with how much you are going to spent and what would have to be changed or introduced. You can refer articles in magazines or the internet to get ample ideas on how to do the job at minimum cost.
Shop low and wide
You are planning to decorate the interiors of the room, so it calls for full day fun shopping. Are you aware that most of the goods you buy at the branded Shoppe may be available at an unbelievably slashed price in local shops and auction houses? So take your time to hunt in the second hand shops, bargain market and any shop with a year ending sale or shop renovation sale sign board. You are going to hit on something great at an unbelievable price. But just getting the thing at a low price should not tempt you to buy it; you should buy only those things you came to shop for. Otherwise, the low priced shopping experience will turn to a conflicting one.
Get your things auctioned
If you are renovating the place, you may have to remove a piece of furniture, curtains and a lot of junk you may no longer require. Rather than shifting them to the storeroom, you can get these things sold at a low price to get a tip on your budget; you can either auction it or sell it to a second hand shop. Remember your stuff might not fetch much, but removing these will help you to de clutter the room and at the same time get a small raise on your budget. But if you are doing the interior designing and decorating from start, don't worry for not having anything to sell; you can have an option of choosing very wisely and designing the room afresh with no time loss.
Reuse your stuff
You can use a lot of things at hand in a novel and creative way to make the interior designing a fun and creative experience. You can make a cushion cover out of your old curtain by stitching together the pieces but while choosing the fabric, see to it that it either gives an arresting effect to the otherwise blunt room or else combine with the mood of it. You can also use an old piece of furniture and polish it to make a centrepiece of the room. Your grandmother's chest drawer can boast the main attraction in your drawing room if you space it well and take care to project it.
Decorative pieces
Decorative items and wall painting can come in any range and sometimes it may cost you a fortune. But it's not just costly decorative pieces and antique collections that can make your interior boast a good appearance. You can use a family portrait or a painting your little one did to give a new look to the walls. These paintings and photos don't just come free, they are worthless and just a good frame will do the job. Similarly you can also use decorative candles and gift pieces in a creative way to change the face of your room.
Plan your budget
Low or high, you should always have a specific budget plan for your work, rather than saying 'I want the room's interior design to be done at a low cost it is better to have an idea of how much you are ready to spend. Coming to the correct value may not be possible but giving an almost accurate estimate will always help. Divide your budget under different task like, $ 100 for new furniture, $ 50 for paint etc rather than quoting the whole amount. But remember your budget plan should be realistic and should be strictly followed for a successful low cost interior designing.
Be the interior designer yourself
Hiring a firm or a specialist to do the makeover might give you a completely remarkable room or office, but remember the more established they are, the more you will end up paying them for the service alone. So it is best to take your imagination into play and come up with how much you are going to spent and what would have to be changed or introduced. You can refer articles in magazines or the internet to get ample ideas on how to do the job at minimum cost.
Shop low and wide
You are planning to decorate the interiors of the room, so it calls for full day fun shopping. Are you aware that most of the goods you buy at the branded Shoppe may be available at an unbelievably slashed price in local shops and auction houses? So take your time to hunt in the second hand shops, bargain market and any shop with a year ending sale or shop renovation sale sign board. You are going to hit on something great at an unbelievable price. But just getting the thing at a low price should not tempt you to buy it; you should buy only those things you came to shop for. Otherwise, the low priced shopping experience will turn to a conflicting one.
Get your things auctioned
If you are renovating the place, you may have to remove a piece of furniture, curtains and a lot of junk you may no longer require. Rather than shifting them to the storeroom, you can get these things sold at a low price to get a tip on your budget; you can either auction it or sell it to a second hand shop. Remember your stuff might not fetch much, but removing these will help you to de clutter the room and at the same time get a small raise on your budget. But if you are doing the interior designing and decorating from start, don't worry for not having anything to sell; you can have an option of choosing very wisely and designing the room afresh with no time loss.
Reuse your stuff
You can use a lot of things at hand in a novel and creative way to make the interior designing a fun and creative experience. You can make a cushion cover out of your old curtain by stitching together the pieces but while choosing the fabric, see to it that it either gives an arresting effect to the otherwise blunt room or else combine with the mood of it. You can also use an old piece of furniture and polish it to make a centrepiece of the room. Your grandmother's chest drawer can boast the main attraction in your drawing room if you space it well and take care to project it.
Decorative pieces
Decorative items and wall painting can come in any range and sometimes it may cost you a fortune. But it's not just costly decorative pieces and antique collections that can make your interior boast a good appearance. You can use a family portrait or a painting your little one did to give a new look to the walls. These paintings and photos don't just come free, they are worthless and just a good frame will do the job. Similarly you can also use decorative candles and gift pieces in a creative way to change the face of your room.
The Great Rewards of Interior Design and Decorating
Interior design and decorating has been among the famous ways to improve the internal aspect of the house or any establishment. This practice of designing and decorating the interior of the house has become common and public since most if not all households desire that they live in a residence that provide them the best of comfort and security. Interior design and decorating primarily focuses on the improvement of the appearance or aesthetic of the furniture, design, decors, appliances, and other equipment inside the house.
Practically, interior designing and decorating improves not only the owner's satisfaction of living in the building but such practice also increases the market value of the house. Most houses have enormous price tag not only because they are strategically located or that their foundations are strong but also because the interior of the house has a magnificent appearance of strength, quality, and beauty combined. Thus, some houses have interiors that cost double than the structure itself since the appliances include an integrated 3D television, the sofa is classical, top of the line couch, and a complete set of home entertainment among others.
Among the different great benefits that interior design and decorating provides for the homeowners are the feeling of outstanding comfort and relaxation, the pride of owning such a splendid house, the certainty of higher market valuation in case of selling or mortgaging such property, and the security of having a safe and sound residential building. With the top of the line appliances and furniture arranged in the most elegant manner, the dwellers should undoubtedly enjoy every moment they are inside the house.
Having an elegantly designed and decorated home interior also boosts confidence and pride of the owner to invite guests and host parties. This gut comes from the satisfaction that the house is very prepared for such functions and can very well accommodate every desire of the guests. The homeowner will also enjoy the financial benefit of having a highly valued and appraised real estate property at his disposal. Interior design and decorating is but another form of investment in your housing unit. This ensures that your home does not only incur depreciation but also an upswing of its value in the market.
Finally, this practice updates the safety and lucky arrangements of the interior fixtures and decorations. The safety features of the internal aspect of the house are checked and upgraded with modern security equipment that suit the overall design concept of the building. In oriental practice especially that of the Chinese, the belief that the arrangements of furnitures and fixtures inside the house either attract or repel luck and fortune.
With all of these great promises and rewards of interior design and decorating, no wonder almost every household has an utmost interest and desire to redesign and redecorate their interior so that it suits and fits with one's standards of excellence, comfort, and style plus it also provides them advantages in the financial and fortune matters.
Practically, interior designing and decorating improves not only the owner's satisfaction of living in the building but such practice also increases the market value of the house. Most houses have enormous price tag not only because they are strategically located or that their foundations are strong but also because the interior of the house has a magnificent appearance of strength, quality, and beauty combined. Thus, some houses have interiors that cost double than the structure itself since the appliances include an integrated 3D television, the sofa is classical, top of the line couch, and a complete set of home entertainment among others.
Among the different great benefits that interior design and decorating provides for the homeowners are the feeling of outstanding comfort and relaxation, the pride of owning such a splendid house, the certainty of higher market valuation in case of selling or mortgaging such property, and the security of having a safe and sound residential building. With the top of the line appliances and furniture arranged in the most elegant manner, the dwellers should undoubtedly enjoy every moment they are inside the house.
Having an elegantly designed and decorated home interior also boosts confidence and pride of the owner to invite guests and host parties. This gut comes from the satisfaction that the house is very prepared for such functions and can very well accommodate every desire of the guests. The homeowner will also enjoy the financial benefit of having a highly valued and appraised real estate property at his disposal. Interior design and decorating is but another form of investment in your housing unit. This ensures that your home does not only incur depreciation but also an upswing of its value in the market.
Finally, this practice updates the safety and lucky arrangements of the interior fixtures and decorations. The safety features of the internal aspect of the house are checked and upgraded with modern security equipment that suit the overall design concept of the building. In oriental practice especially that of the Chinese, the belief that the arrangements of furnitures and fixtures inside the house either attract or repel luck and fortune.
With all of these great promises and rewards of interior design and decorating, no wonder almost every household has an utmost interest and desire to redesign and redecorate their interior so that it suits and fits with one's standards of excellence, comfort, and style plus it also provides them advantages in the financial and fortune matters.
How to Find the Right Designer for Your Interior Design and Decorating Projects
Looking for an interior designer or interior decorator can be overwhelming if you are not sure which designer you need for the scope or your project. Are you building, renovating or moving and need professional advice? Are you planning to sell your property and not sure how to get ready for the first inspection?
This document gives you answers to frequently asked questions in regards to interior design, interior decorating, colour consulting and property styling.
It will help you finding the right designer for your interior design and decorating projects and eventually create your individual style in your home.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior stylist?
You may have asked yourself this question already when facing a building or renovation project. Do I need an interior designer, an interior decorator, a colour consultant or an interior stylist?
The answer is that it depends on the scope of the project.
An interior designer is a skilled professional who is designing interior environments according to your briefing. The interior designer either modifies what already exists (renovation) or provides an entirely new design for a space (new build). In this case the interior designer works closely with the architect and comes in at an early stage of the project. Interior designers work either along a team in design firm or on their own.
What is the job of an interior stylist? An interior stylist is a designer or consultant in a field subject to changes in style, especially fashion or interior decoration. An interior stylist cultivates or maintains any particular style and in most cases stylist are finders, keepers and collectors of beautiful objects.
The interior stylist can help you finding your own style, creating beautiful interiors that are unique and meaningful. This can be achieved with the simplest things and does not have to be expensive. The only thing you need to do is keep your eyes open to beautiful things in nature, architecture, design, museums, art, exhibitions, books, textiles and travel. There is only one rule: Only collect or buy things that mean something to you!
How does a colour consultation work?
The colour consultation focuses on creating a colour scheme for a specific room or space or the whole house according to your briefing. A qualified colour consultant can help you with interior and exterior colour schemes.
Prior to designing a colour scheme for you the colour consultant should always talk to you about the mood and atmosphere you would like to achieve in your space. He will explain to you the differences between the paint companies and their products and choose the right product for your needs. After designing the colour scheme you will receive a written recommendation including a specification sheet and brushouts ready for your painter to start.
Why is it important to seek advice from a designer when choosing colours?
Colour is the most powerful tool when it comes to non-verbal communication and the design element that makes a space come alive. Colour brings individuality in a space and it is one of the most useful tools to master when finding your own style.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, says in her book Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color: "Among other uses, color stimulates and works synergistically with all of the senses, symbolizes abstract concepts and thoughts, expresses fantasy or wish fulfillment, recalls another time or place and produces an aesthetic or emotional response."
When choosing a colour for a room or house it is important to think about the mood and atmosphere you would like to achieve. Is it a dark room or flooded with natural light? In which direction is the room facing? How are the proportions? Do you live in a small apartment or a contemporary newly built house with open plan living areas? All this needs to be considered when choosing colours for a space.
If you are overwhelmed by the choice of colours available - yes, there are thousands on the market - how can you start finding your personal colour scheme?
For some people it is a longer journey, for others it comes more naturally. The most important thing is to take some time, open your eyes, walk around your home and absorb the colour combinations you see. Then start gathering all the pieces you love. This can be anything from old porcelain, travel souvenirs, photographs, artwork, clothes, tear sheets from magazines, fabric swatches, stationary, a collection of stones, feathers or glass objects.
And don't forget nature as inspiration for a colour scheme (interior or exterior). If you live near the ocean, shades of blues and greens can be used to link your interior with its surroundings. Flowers, butterflies, stones, shells, driftwood are fantastic inspirations for colour schemes.
Once you have gathered all your beloved treasures in one spot, play around with the pieces, group them by colours and you will see a colour palette emerge. This "moodboard" is a great starting point for your interior designer, interior stylist or colour consultant to help you creating an individual and personal space, a home that reflects who you are and a place that you love coming home to.
Stylist's tip: Before you start painting always buy a test pot and paint a large sheet of paper or cardboard (one square metre) with your colour. Tape it to the walls in your room and study it for a couple of days. Look at it in daylight and artificial light. This is very important as colours change depending on the light, the orientation of the room, other colours in the room and spatial elements like furniture and artwork for example.
What is the difference between a colour and a styling consultation?
The colour consultation focuses on creating a colour scheme for a specific room or space or the whole house according to your briefing. A qualified colour consultant can help you with interior and exterior colour schemes.
The styling consultation focuses on creating a certain (Your) style in your home or simply on answering all your questions about colours, style, furniture sourcing and placement, art sourcing and placement, displays of your collections, accessories, proportions in a space, lighting etc.
Again it is vital that the designer listens to what you would like to achieve (briefing) and makes sure that he understood what you want (debriefing). Don't let the interior designer or interior stylist talk you into something you don't like!
How do I maximise the output of my styling consultation?
Are you planning to colour, redecorate or renovate, but don't know where to start? Do you have lots of questions about colour schemes, furniture placement, how to display your collections, books or other beloved things? Are you not sure whether to redecorate with your old furniture and accessories or to renovate and create a new look? Do you need inspirations where to source furniture and accessories, second hand pieces or antiques?
If you prepare your first consultation with your stylist properly, you will get answers to all the questions you have. Here are my tips how to maximise the output from your styling or colour consultation:
• Be clear what you would like the outcome of the consultation to be.
• Decide which room or space you would like to focus on. Is it only one room or the whole house?
• Prepare yourself with tear sheets from interior design magazines like Real Living, Inside Out, Belle or Vogue Living. There are plenty on the market so choose the one that speaks to you most and start collecting pages of everything you like: colour schemes, furniture, accessories, room layouts, rugs, flooring, wallpaper, decorative items and everything that speaks to you. If you do this for a couple of weeks you will clearly see what you like and find your own personal style.
• Keep your eyes open to the beautiful things around you: nature, architecture, design, museums, art, exhibitions, books, textiles and travel.
• Make sure that your stylist is listening and explain what you want to achieve with your styling project, what you would like a room to do for you and what mood you would like to create in your space.
And finally one of the most important things: Don't let the stylist talk you into something you don't like! You have to live in the space and you need to feel comfortable and at home! It is all about creating your home with your personal touch.
How do I find my own style?
The answer is as simple as this: explore the world around you and appreciate the beauty that lies within everything you discover!
Keep your eyes open and your mind excited! Discover and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you every day! Find inspiration in nature, buildings, shops, exhibitions, museums, art, events, markets, magazines and of course books.
One of my favourite books I spotted in a museum shop is called: How to be an explorer of the world by Keri Smith. On the back it says: "At any given moment, no matter where you are, there are hundreds of things around you that are interesting and worth documenting."
A stylist's tip: always carry a little notebook and a pen with you in order to be able to sketch, doodle and write down what you discover.
Keep all your findings, notes and pictures in a folder or box and keep searching for at least four to eight weeks. Then start to group things by colour or theme and you will discover what your style is. And there are no rules. It is all about finding what you like!
Books for your inspiration
This is a list of books that I personally own and love! They are all a fantastic source of inspiration and creative ideas for your home.
Sibella Court: Bowerbird
Shannon Fricke: Sense of Style
Megan Morton: Home Love
Holly Becker: Decorate
Susanna Salk: Be Your Own Decorator
Geraldine James: Creative Walls
Hans Blomquist: The Natural Home
Is it necessary to seek advice from a stylist when I want to sell my property?
If you plan to sell your house it is worth investing in a styling consultation. A professional property stylist can help you to achieve maximum impact when presenting your home to potential buyers. A property stylist will help you to get ready for the first inspection by giving you advice on how to style your house with what you have. He will help you with colour schemes that attract potential buyers. He will also advice if you need rental furniture to style each room according to its function and help potential buyers to envisage themselves in the space. Property styling is all about creating a wow factor in key areas of your home and help the buyers to envisage themselves in your space. Once the styling is done don't forget to book your stylist for the real estate photography shoot to make sure everything looks perfect on this day!
This document gives you answers to frequently asked questions in regards to interior design, interior decorating, colour consulting and property styling.
It will help you finding the right designer for your interior design and decorating projects and eventually create your individual style in your home.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior stylist?
You may have asked yourself this question already when facing a building or renovation project. Do I need an interior designer, an interior decorator, a colour consultant or an interior stylist?
The answer is that it depends on the scope of the project.
An interior designer is a skilled professional who is designing interior environments according to your briefing. The interior designer either modifies what already exists (renovation) or provides an entirely new design for a space (new build). In this case the interior designer works closely with the architect and comes in at an early stage of the project. Interior designers work either along a team in design firm or on their own.
What is the job of an interior stylist? An interior stylist is a designer or consultant in a field subject to changes in style, especially fashion or interior decoration. An interior stylist cultivates or maintains any particular style and in most cases stylist are finders, keepers and collectors of beautiful objects.
The interior stylist can help you finding your own style, creating beautiful interiors that are unique and meaningful. This can be achieved with the simplest things and does not have to be expensive. The only thing you need to do is keep your eyes open to beautiful things in nature, architecture, design, museums, art, exhibitions, books, textiles and travel. There is only one rule: Only collect or buy things that mean something to you!
How does a colour consultation work?
The colour consultation focuses on creating a colour scheme for a specific room or space or the whole house according to your briefing. A qualified colour consultant can help you with interior and exterior colour schemes.
Prior to designing a colour scheme for you the colour consultant should always talk to you about the mood and atmosphere you would like to achieve in your space. He will explain to you the differences between the paint companies and their products and choose the right product for your needs. After designing the colour scheme you will receive a written recommendation including a specification sheet and brushouts ready for your painter to start.
Why is it important to seek advice from a designer when choosing colours?
Colour is the most powerful tool when it comes to non-verbal communication and the design element that makes a space come alive. Colour brings individuality in a space and it is one of the most useful tools to master when finding your own style.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, says in her book Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color: "Among other uses, color stimulates and works synergistically with all of the senses, symbolizes abstract concepts and thoughts, expresses fantasy or wish fulfillment, recalls another time or place and produces an aesthetic or emotional response."
When choosing a colour for a room or house it is important to think about the mood and atmosphere you would like to achieve. Is it a dark room or flooded with natural light? In which direction is the room facing? How are the proportions? Do you live in a small apartment or a contemporary newly built house with open plan living areas? All this needs to be considered when choosing colours for a space.
If you are overwhelmed by the choice of colours available - yes, there are thousands on the market - how can you start finding your personal colour scheme?
For some people it is a longer journey, for others it comes more naturally. The most important thing is to take some time, open your eyes, walk around your home and absorb the colour combinations you see. Then start gathering all the pieces you love. This can be anything from old porcelain, travel souvenirs, photographs, artwork, clothes, tear sheets from magazines, fabric swatches, stationary, a collection of stones, feathers or glass objects.
And don't forget nature as inspiration for a colour scheme (interior or exterior). If you live near the ocean, shades of blues and greens can be used to link your interior with its surroundings. Flowers, butterflies, stones, shells, driftwood are fantastic inspirations for colour schemes.
Once you have gathered all your beloved treasures in one spot, play around with the pieces, group them by colours and you will see a colour palette emerge. This "moodboard" is a great starting point for your interior designer, interior stylist or colour consultant to help you creating an individual and personal space, a home that reflects who you are and a place that you love coming home to.
Stylist's tip: Before you start painting always buy a test pot and paint a large sheet of paper or cardboard (one square metre) with your colour. Tape it to the walls in your room and study it for a couple of days. Look at it in daylight and artificial light. This is very important as colours change depending on the light, the orientation of the room, other colours in the room and spatial elements like furniture and artwork for example.
What is the difference between a colour and a styling consultation?
The colour consultation focuses on creating a colour scheme for a specific room or space or the whole house according to your briefing. A qualified colour consultant can help you with interior and exterior colour schemes.
The styling consultation focuses on creating a certain (Your) style in your home or simply on answering all your questions about colours, style, furniture sourcing and placement, art sourcing and placement, displays of your collections, accessories, proportions in a space, lighting etc.
Again it is vital that the designer listens to what you would like to achieve (briefing) and makes sure that he understood what you want (debriefing). Don't let the interior designer or interior stylist talk you into something you don't like!
How do I maximise the output of my styling consultation?
Are you planning to colour, redecorate or renovate, but don't know where to start? Do you have lots of questions about colour schemes, furniture placement, how to display your collections, books or other beloved things? Are you not sure whether to redecorate with your old furniture and accessories or to renovate and create a new look? Do you need inspirations where to source furniture and accessories, second hand pieces or antiques?
If you prepare your first consultation with your stylist properly, you will get answers to all the questions you have. Here are my tips how to maximise the output from your styling or colour consultation:
• Be clear what you would like the outcome of the consultation to be.
• Decide which room or space you would like to focus on. Is it only one room or the whole house?
• Prepare yourself with tear sheets from interior design magazines like Real Living, Inside Out, Belle or Vogue Living. There are plenty on the market so choose the one that speaks to you most and start collecting pages of everything you like: colour schemes, furniture, accessories, room layouts, rugs, flooring, wallpaper, decorative items and everything that speaks to you. If you do this for a couple of weeks you will clearly see what you like and find your own personal style.
• Keep your eyes open to the beautiful things around you: nature, architecture, design, museums, art, exhibitions, books, textiles and travel.
• Make sure that your stylist is listening and explain what you want to achieve with your styling project, what you would like a room to do for you and what mood you would like to create in your space.
And finally one of the most important things: Don't let the stylist talk you into something you don't like! You have to live in the space and you need to feel comfortable and at home! It is all about creating your home with your personal touch.
How do I find my own style?
The answer is as simple as this: explore the world around you and appreciate the beauty that lies within everything you discover!
Keep your eyes open and your mind excited! Discover and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you every day! Find inspiration in nature, buildings, shops, exhibitions, museums, art, events, markets, magazines and of course books.
One of my favourite books I spotted in a museum shop is called: How to be an explorer of the world by Keri Smith. On the back it says: "At any given moment, no matter where you are, there are hundreds of things around you that are interesting and worth documenting."
A stylist's tip: always carry a little notebook and a pen with you in order to be able to sketch, doodle and write down what you discover.
Keep all your findings, notes and pictures in a folder or box and keep searching for at least four to eight weeks. Then start to group things by colour or theme and you will discover what your style is. And there are no rules. It is all about finding what you like!
Books for your inspiration
This is a list of books that I personally own and love! They are all a fantastic source of inspiration and creative ideas for your home.
Sibella Court: Bowerbird
Shannon Fricke: Sense of Style
Megan Morton: Home Love
Holly Becker: Decorate
Susanna Salk: Be Your Own Decorator
Geraldine James: Creative Walls
Hans Blomquist: The Natural Home
Is it necessary to seek advice from a stylist when I want to sell my property?
If you plan to sell your house it is worth investing in a styling consultation. A professional property stylist can help you to achieve maximum impact when presenting your home to potential buyers. A property stylist will help you to get ready for the first inspection by giving you advice on how to style your house with what you have. He will help you with colour schemes that attract potential buyers. He will also advice if you need rental furniture to style each room according to its function and help potential buyers to envisage themselves in the space. Property styling is all about creating a wow factor in key areas of your home and help the buyers to envisage themselves in your space. Once the styling is done don't forget to book your stylist for the real estate photography shoot to make sure everything looks perfect on this day!
Interior Design and Decorating
Have you ever known or met a person that just as a natural gift for interior decorating and designing? Those people don't even have to go to any special school to learn this trade; it is just within them! However, if you are not one of those gifted souls and would love to learn this trade, for the intrepid interior designer and decorator there are many career choices. Some people prefer working as a general interior designer and decorator. Others prefer to specialize in one kind of designing and decorating such as those shown in southern home designing and decorating or perhaps the western interior designing decorating theme.
Office interior decorating and decorating has lots of different specialties for example: blue print drawing, hallway design or lobby desigtning decorating etc. It is important to remember the goal of designing and decorating an office that would make the the clients and employees environment feel more at home than instead of a work space.
If you choose to a specialized field of interior design and decorating there are some downsides you need to be aware of. Most important to remember if you limit your scope for a certain specialized area of interior design and decorating, you are also limiting your number of clients.
There are also upsides to specializing in one particular area of interior design and decorating. Due diligences will be an asset in helping you make a name for yourself and perhaps become one of the top few interior designers and decorators in your specialized area of expertise.
Interior design and decorating is a specialized career with many opportunities. If you have natural creative and artistic talent this is a great way to express your personal creativity. ~Anthony Benjamin~
Anthony Benjamin is an avid world traveler, lover of nature and animals. He loves to write and share his wealth of information and adventures in his writings.
Office interior decorating and decorating has lots of different specialties for example: blue print drawing, hallway design or lobby desigtning decorating etc. It is important to remember the goal of designing and decorating an office that would make the the clients and employees environment feel more at home than instead of a work space.
If you choose to a specialized field of interior design and decorating there are some downsides you need to be aware of. Most important to remember if you limit your scope for a certain specialized area of interior design and decorating, you are also limiting your number of clients.
There are also upsides to specializing in one particular area of interior design and decorating. Due diligences will be an asset in helping you make a name for yourself and perhaps become one of the top few interior designers and decorators in your specialized area of expertise.
Interior design and decorating is a specialized career with many opportunities. If you have natural creative and artistic talent this is a great way to express your personal creativity. ~Anthony Benjamin~
Anthony Benjamin is an avid world traveler, lover of nature and animals. He loves to write and share his wealth of information and adventures in his writings.
Cheap Interior Design and Decoration
Most people spend a lot of money for the interior design. Sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Can someone make a beautiful interior design and decoration without spending a lot of money? Of course he can. I do not claim that the result will be the same with an interior design made by a professional and getting the most expensive furniture, but you can have a "good" result with just a few money. Some people take loans in order to decorate their house. This is unacceptable for me.
Here are some ideas for cheap decoration and interior.
1) Take a used sofa and get some nice covers. It will look very nice, believe me. Even if the sofa is partially damaged nobody will notice. But you must be careful just to be comfortable, and not to be damaged and have problems when someone is going to sit. I am talking about visual damages that will be covered by the covers.
2) Use many pictures on your wall to fill it instead of getting expensive furniture. A picture can replace a lot of things. It also makes the room look bigger as it does not require any space. In children rooms and bedrooms you can even use cheap posters. Posters also have the plus that you can put on the wall whatever you like, for example your favourite singer or band, your favourite team etc.
For the living room it is not good to use posters. You need normal pictures with frames. But don't worry there are also cheap pictures, unless you want to buy an original painting. But why should you do that? who will understand if the painting is original or not. Unless you invite in your house art experts. But even in this occasion you can not impress them anyway without spending a lot of money, so concentrate on the appearance and the interior design.
How to choose a picture for your living room and how to place it is an other topic that will need time to mention now. If you want to see more you can visit my website and find completely free interior design and decorating ideas. I don't try to make money from that, just share my ideas. Maybe you should also have a look there. And remember do not spend money if you don't have money. You can make wonderful things with just a few hundreds dollars!
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