Interior Design Ideas

Interior design: Wall Decoration

2009-05-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Interior design: Wall Decoration

When it comes to decorative wall art, you have an opportunity to make a design statement. Here are some important tips to using framed photos and prints in a way that will enhance your interior design scheme.

Wall Art Display
1. Choose what you love.

2. Keep it at eye level.

3. Create a grouping.

4. Accent it.

Following these guidelines will help you achieve a higher level of sophistication as you decorate.

Choose What You Love

One of the most important things to remember when choosing decorative wall art is to choose pieces that appeal to you. Of course, if you are choosing wall décor after you have established a color scheme you will also want to consider a color palette that ties into your overall scheme in some way. On the other hand, if you haven’t established your color scheme you could use your favorite wall art as the inspiration for the development of your room scheme.

Regardless of which end of the design spectrum you find yourself on, it’s important to truly enjoy the objects you surround yourself with. Avoid choosing decorative wall art based solely on faddish trends if you don’t find it appealing.

Black and white framed photos are a great option that will work in most design scenarios and virtually any color scheme. I think they provide an updated look to an interior environment by beautifully bridging the line between the classic and the contemporary.

Wall Art Display

You can create your own black and white art display (like mine shown here) rather easily by taking some interesting digital photos, converting them to black and white, printing them on photo quality paper, and then framing them in decorator frames that you can find in specialty stores or at your local discount retailer. It’s a fun way to personalize and add sophistication to your décor.

Whatever style of interior design wall art you choose -whether it is black and white or brilliant color - always go for what you love.

Keep It at Eye Level

When it comes to art placement on the wall, you will generally want to mount it at eye level. One of the biggest mistakes people make in regard to wall décor is mounting it too high wall. Your guests won’t be able to truly enjoy the beauty of the item as it soars high above them near the ceiling. They may also wonder if the Jolly Green Giant is living in the house. More than just looking silly, unusually high wall décor can throw off the balance of your room.

Of course, there are some slight exceptions. An example might be a row of small, antique dinner plates mounted above a doorway in the kitchen. Another variation might be a large collection of prints or photos which together act as one display. In this case you would likely want to keep the center of the grouping at eye level.

Not all decorative wall art need be mounted on the wall, however. You may have a couple of large, framed photos, paintings or even a tall mirror which will work well resting on the floor and leaning against the wall. This can have a nice impact in the right situations. Even in this case, though, the items will be more or less at eye level when viewed from a sitting position in the room. In general, eye level should be the rule of thumb.

Create a Grouping

When you have a collection of related wall décor items, make a grouping. Instead of spreading them in various locations throughout the room, your related wall décor will have more impact as a focal point if you keep it grouped together.

Wall Art Display

There are different ways to group decorative wall art items of a related nature. Some grouping options to consider are:

• Horizontal

• Vertical

• Quadrant

• Asymmetrical

A horizontal grouping (art work placed side by side) might work well on an expanse of wall that you want to feel longer. The linear effect will enhance the horizontal planes of the room and move the eye along the length of the wall. It will have a similar effect that horizontal stripes have on a person. It makes the object (in this case, the wall) appear wider (longer).

A vertical arrangement (art work mounted one above the other) would work well in a room with a lower than usual ceiling. This creates the effect of a vertical stripe...drawing the eye upward and subtly making the space feel taller. I’ve found this to be a successful option for my own living room (shown above).

Arranging your related wall art in a quadrant configuration looks great and can also serve as a focal point. Whether it is located on an open wall space in the living room, over a side table in the dining room, or above the headboard of a bed, a quadrant arrangement adds a beautiful level of sophistication to almost any room scheme.

If you want to break up the symmetry inherent in the previous three grouping options, an asymmetrical arrangement may be the right choice for you. While the items would still be grouped together, the effect wouldn’t be exactly square or rectangle. The collection could be staggered in step-like fashion on the wall, for example.

Regardless of arrangement option, you can make your own groupings from printing and framing digital photos. Another option would be to frame pictures from a favorite calendar since these images tend to be very themed in nature. You can buy pre-matted picture frames that work great for this and help establish a designer look.

Accent It

Once you have established your choice of decorative wall art, consider whether you want it to be a piece that includes accent lighting. There are various options available to illuminate art work. Accent lighting can make wall décor stand out while also providing the third level of lighting recommended for an all around, sophisticated, lighting scheme. Check out my interior design lighting page for more on the general subject of interior illumination.
Make sure when all is said and done that your eye also has a place to rest as it scans the walls. Resist the urge to completely cover every square inch of the wall space in your room. Too much wall décor can be visually overwhelming. It’s important that a room has a rhythm of visual interest and rest. Retain an appropriate level of clear space to strike a balance with your decorative wall art.

Interior design styles

2009-05-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Looking at various interior design styles can be helpful in developing your own style perspective.Interior design style dining

The approaches to interior design are diverse. But there are some widely accepted methods to interior planning and decor that are consistent enough to be classified as specific design styles.

I have highlighted some style approaches below. When linking to each individual page you will see more detailed information as well as photos and style tips.

Phoenix Interior Design

2009-01-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Phoenix interior design is something that can add more warmth and feeling to a home. It is something that makes the home owner proud of their home. There is nothing quite like a beautiful interior designed home. A quick process of Phoenix interior design can be read below:

1. The Vision - The first step to any phoenix interior design project is to come up with the vision. Having a solid goal of what needs to be accomplished is key to a successful design. A strong foundation makes it easy to add all the other components of Phoenix interior design.

2. The Concept - It is important to come up with the overall concept of the Phoenix interior design project. This will be the overall "theme" of what is being decorated. It is very important to come up with an overall theme to maintain continuity and flow.

3. The Design - The design is the meat of the process. This is where all the ideas, vision, and concept come together and create something great. Every design should be viewed as an original piece of art and should be given attention to detail. It is very important that the Phoenix interior design is done with quality and time. A rushed job is a huge no-no when it comes to Phoenix interior design. A quality piece always takes time.

4. The Finished Product - Once the design has been completed and everything is done it is time to site back and take a look at the wonderful Phoenix interior design job. The design should follow the original vision. The concept should have an overall theme that invokes a certain mood or emotion when entering the area. The design should bring everything together and make sense. The whole Phoenix interior design needs to capture a certain feeling when inside the room.

I hope this article will server you well the next time you are considering Phoenix interior design. Please remember that interior design in Phoenix is both a form of art and mathematical precision.

By Quinton Figueroa

What is Japanese Interior Design?

2009-01-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

Japanese interior design involves the use of shoji screens, there are literally hundreds of different latticework patterns that to work with. Personal touches are added in regards to artwork, furniture and seasonal decorations.Japanese interior design involves an uncluttered clean look, which is why many Japanese homes seem empty compared to western homes. A Japanese home uses plenty of natural materials in its construction. Japanese Interior Design is all about the building and not about adding items to a room. It is all about minimization.

Japanese interior design regarding flooring consists of tatami mats. These mats are approximately 90x120 cm. Floor plans consist of arranging tatami mats in six-inch mat or eight-inch mat arrangements.

A tokonoma alcove is where the Japanese art, family heirlooms and seasonal decorations are displayed. A similar area in a western style home would be the fireplace mantle. You would find such items as bonsai plants or hanging scrolls in the tokonoma alcove.

Where furniture is concerned in the style of Japanese interior design you will find as stated before a complete lack of furniture. The furniture that you will find in most Japanese homes is tansu, kotatsu and hibachi.

The Japanese use a style of bed called a futon, which is similar to the western style. The futon comes with a mattress and cover, the cover is called a kake-buton.

If you really want an unconventional look, then Japanese interior design will definitely give you what you want. Japanese interior design is not hard to create, there are simple designs that anyone can follow. You can use several sources for providing ideas for your Japanese theme. Interior design or interior decorating magazines would be a great place to start. As always, there is the internet to provide your inspiration.

Your research will provide you with tips on color schemes, decorating ideas and types and styles of furniture to use. Many people associate Japanese interior design as being plain and boring. However, it does not have to be! Japanese antiques added to your living space will enhance the room’s ambiance. Try to learn or perhaps you already know about the Japanese culture; that will help in your design plans as well.

When designing a room such as a bedroom based on Japanese interior design, it is important to visualize the function of each piece of furniture since Japanese interior design is based on the minimalist approach. Use Zen philosophy when furnishing your room as the Japanese use this approach when decorating.

Using natural lighting and natural materials are a big part of the Japanese interior design process. Items such as stones and wood are great for the natural look. If going with the natural lighting you will need to remove your light fixtures or conceal them as best as possible. Japanese interior design calls for tranquility and serenity, thus loud and bright colors are not generally used. Furnishing your rooms with furniture that is low to the ground creates the illusion of having more space, which is another key component of Japanese interior design.
By Tom Houser

Residential Interior Design - How To Keep It Simple

2009-01-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

One of the major setbacks in a residential interior design project is not seeing eye to eye with the interior designer. There are homeowners who just don't know when to step back and allow the professionals to take charge of the project. Still, there are others who seem to give free rein at first but rant about the details when the project is almost done.To make the residential interior design project a smooth and hassle-free one, you have to clearly delineate the roles from the very beginning. How much control do you want to wield? How much freedom are you willing to give your designer? Would you trust him with his own set of contractors?

Individuals who hire a professional for residential interior design must make it clear from the start how much freedom they're willing to give the designer in terms of decisions and relationships with contractors.

One common problem that arises with a number of residential interior design projects is that owners can't help but put in their two cents' worth once the contractors step in, and this may somewhat be distressing on the designer's part.

It is also important to set aside a portion of the budget to provide for contingency expenses. In addition, if the owner requests changes that were not initially included in the residential interior design plan, he must be ready to shoulder the expenses involved to carry out these modifications.

Why Space Planning Is Important
In residential interior design, space is a crucial factor because a space that is too large or too small may drastically limit the possibilities of a desired residential interior design. Even existing doors and windows greatly affects the planned renovation, and covering these up or constructing new structures again involve an adjustment in time and budget.

Generally, residential interior design project would involve furniture and fixture selection, color, space planning, and the more complicated plumbing and electrical wiring. It is, of course, easier to plan a residential interior design project with an empty room or house, but this isn't always the case.

In summation, undertaking a residential interior design project can be a very fulfilling task if guidelines are set down at the start. You will also be able to enjoy a more harmonious relationship with the designer if you spend time to consult with him and give him as much information as possible on the kind of outcome you are targeting for your residential interior design.

Other tips for nice interior design

2008-12-20T03:40:00.000-08:00

Urge the repetition of a main background in a small group of rooms; but to escape monotony by planning that the accessories in each room shall strike individual notes of decorative, contrasting color.The question of placing photographs is not one to be treated lightly. Remember, intimate photographs should be placed in intimate rooms, while photographs of artists and all celebrities are appropriate for the living room or library. It is extremely seldom that a photograph unless of public interest is not out of place in a formal room.

1.Do you live in a small house? Many of us do! The book Interior decorating for everyone gives these tips for smaller homes

2.If your house or flat is small you can gain a great effect of space by keeping the same color scheme throughout that is, the same color or related colors

3.To vary the character of each room, introduce different colors in the furniture covers, the sofa-cushions and lampshades

Other tips for nice interior design

In the analysis of your room start by asking yourself does it have too many things in it to be "restful"? Have you, perhaps, used furniture, which does not go together as to shapes, color of woods or the materials used as upholstery? Have you too many "spots" in the room? By which we mean, are there too many figured materials with different designs and colors, used as hangings and for furniture coverings
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TREATMENT for a shaded living room

2008-12-20T03:37:00.000-08:00

TREATMENT for a shaded living room

Introducing plenty of yellow and orange you can bring sunshine into a dark living room. If your house is in a part of the country where the heat is great, a dark living room in summer is sometimes a distinct advantage, so keep the colorings subdued in tone, and, therefore, cool looking

If, on the contrary, the living-room is in a cool house on the ocean, or a shaded mountainside, and the sun is cut off by broad porches, you will cheer up your room, and immensely improve it, by using sun-producing colors in chintzes and silks; while cut flowers or growing plants, which reproduce the same coloring, will intensify the illusion of sunshine.

Not so many years ago it was only the baby born with a silver, or perhaps gold, spoon in its mouth, who could have an ideal nursery. To day there is neither need of great wealth nor much forethought on the part of parents. Every conceivable imagined articles of furniture for the baby's comfort are on sale in many shops in all of our cities and towns. Here are a few tips to help you decorate with all your great furniture choices!

Tip #1
Keep all rooms used for babies very simple and therefore airy looking. Put nothing into them, which will hold dust or look as if it could not be washed or easily cleaned.

Tip#2
In the room where the baby is to sleep by day or night have dark shades at the windows.

Tip #3
The most economical way to furnish nurseries is to buy not very expensive furniture but always a reliable quality. Keep some of your money for rather frequent repainting when the furniture gets disfigured, as it surely wills if the babies are old enough to creep or crawl about. Make sure the paint is child safe.

source:iambudi.blogspot.com

Interior design Tips for you

2008-12-20T03:34:00.000-08:00

One of the most joyful obligations in life should be the planning and executing of BEAUTIFUL HOMES, keeping ever in mind that distinction is not a matter of scale, since a vast palace may find its rival in the smallest group of rooms, provided the latter obeys the law of good line, correct proportions, harmonious color scheme and appropriateness: a law insisting that all useful things be beautiful things.

Here are a few tips you can use to achieve the beauty :

1# In furnishing a small room you can add greatly to its apparent size by using plain paper and making the woodwork the same color, or slightly darker in tone. If you cannot find wallpaper of exactly the color and shade you wish, often it is possible to use the wrong side of a paper and produce exactly the desired effect.

2# In repapering old rooms with imperfect ceilings it is easy to disguise this by using a paper with a small design in the same tone. Using perfectly plain ceiling paper will show every defect in the surface of the ceiling.

Interior design Tips

2008-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

The laws underlying all successful interior decoration are :

HARMONY in line and color scheme

SIMPLICITY in decoration and number of objects in room, which is to be dictated by usefulness of said objects; and insistence upon

SPACES, which, like rests in music, have as much value as the objects, dispersed about the room.

Treat your rooms like "still life," see to it that each group, such as a table, sofa, and one or two chairs make a "composition," suggesting comfort as well as beauty. Never have an isolated chair, unless it is placed against the wall, as part of the decorative scheme.

Tips For Apartment Interior Design

2008-12-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

If you have a small apartment you are possibly wondering, how do I make my small space look comfortable and inviting with out looking cluttered? Several answers first of all start with looking around, notice the placement of windows and which way the light reflects in the rooms during different times of day. You do not want to blind someone, who could possibly be visiting, by that stunning sunset. Also look at your current furniture and the colors that it is or is not. Some colors can make a room look small, clinical and cold. Good warm toned colors also make it more comfortable for you to live there. Browns, Reds, Yellows, and Oranges are great colors to open up space and make the room warm and inviting. Use accent rugs to help with the addition of colors as some Landlords do not allow you to paint. Sofa Covers are a great way to add color and save from wear and tear on your furniture.

When choosing a color scheme please note that you should choose something that is easy to clean i.e., browns and grays. White is not a good choice, unless you plan on never really living in your place. Try to look at the big picture, small living rooms means that you shouldn’t get a sectional sofa. Instead try a small love seat or futon couch. Not only does the futon couch help with space but it can be converted to a bed for those single room apartments. If you are on a budget and don’t want to get rid of your current bed and you are in a studio apartment try a bed that looks like a bunk bed with out the lower bunk. That way you can store your dress and other articles under the bunk and enclose it with a curtain and no one can see your unmade bed up top. This is very useful for bachelors.

Try creating rooms with the use of decorative screens. It can make a single room look like two or more rooms are there. Also remember your curtains, they should be allowing the light in, the more light you allow in the bigger the space looks. Use a small bistro table as a dining table. It is intimate and makes for a great coffee talk spot. If you are lucky enough to have some one in your apartment remember to always hide your laundry. Laundry laying around makes the apartment appear cluttered and small. Plants are a great way to make your room appear bigger. Try hanging them from the ceiling or by using hooks on the wall. Don’t forget the importance of mirrors. The use of mirrors can make your small apartment look large. Use a focal point and angle your mirror towards it, it gives the illusion of depth. Most importantly make sure you always have a clean space, it is always bigger when it is Ok so now you have gone and cleaned, you are noticing that the apartment still looks small. Question your storage. You need some ideas for storage you say? Well I am full of them. Look around and if you notice you have lots of magazines lying around get yourself a magazine holder. It is a handy little box that is decorative to your specific likes and it cleans up your tables of clutter. Get your self a footrest that has storage inside of it. It is nice for when the surprise guest comes over and you need to store something quickly. A coffee table with storage underneath it is also a wise choice. The more storage you have that isn’t added clutter makes your life easier. Wall shelves help to eliminate tabletop mess. Put your collectible gnomes on a small wall shelf and look at all the free space you have just created for yourself. All of the suggestions presented here to you are easy do it yourself projects. You can get most of these easy to use items at your local all purpose store and hardware store.
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