Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Interior Design and Decorating for Home

Interior Design and Decorating for Home

After I understand the use of the room and the desired mood or feeling that they would like to accomplish, the fabric selection becomes much easier. My next step is to understand our color scheme and then find out if they are partial to patterns. If they desire pattern on their fabrics or are they asking me to work with something with a pattern, such as an antique area rug or bold art, this should be determined before choosing the fabrics. If they love pattern then you will push forward to determine whether it is small patterns, large patterns, graphics, florals, etc.

Once you have closed in on a pattern, then you will decide on the color scheme. Often this is a good time to take your clients to a design center or fabric store. Gathering their samples and discussing them with the clients will help you hear their comments and help them be more decisive about what it is that they like. This process usually flows quite well if you keep them on track for the room for which they are shopping. If they decided on a monochromatic color scheme with textures and no pattern, but then the husband shouts out during your shopping spree that the hounds tooth black and white patterned wool would be perfect for the sofa, what should you do? First, look at the wife! If she is mortified then discuss using this as an accent or using the fabric in his den. If she is not mortified and nothing has been purchased, ask both are comfortable with changing the plan.

Usually, once they have reached this point with the desired looks from their photos, they end up going back to their monochromatic scheme or their initial decision. Keep them on track - no silk on the kitchen chairs when they have three young children. This just does not work as it will stain, tear and have to be replaced in three months. If they insist, note on the invoice that you disagree with this idea. I know that it sounds harsh, but in three months when the kitchen chair fabric looks horrible, believe me they will forget that you disagreed and they will ask you why you allowed them to do this if you are a professional!

For example, sometimes a professional is called in because a couple is in disagreement. Study the photos they are working with to make their decisions. Sometimes the only difference is the color and you can reach a compromise. I had one couple who called me because they had lived in their empty new home for a year because every time they shopped they fought. They called another interior designer who only agreed with the husband. The wife fired her. They called me and I started my process of having them collect photos and explain why they each chose their particular photos. The husband enjoyed very clean lines, slightly retro. The wife loved color and carved woods leaning towards ornate. What to do? First of all, their South Florida home was Mediterranean with arched doorways. They had purchased the home in a very upscale area because they really cared about social status. While they were speaking with me this was evident. So, the fun begins!

I explained to the husband that the harsh lines of his ultra modern style would clash with the curves of his Mediterranean home. The wife smiled. Then it was her turn. She was actually a bit too ornate and working against the given style of their typical Mediterranean home. In addition, her fabrics and colors were too heavy for the tropical weather of South Florida. I reminded her that her goal for the feeling of the room was light and breezy. What I neglected to tell you is that after meeting with them I left and gathered as many examples as possible of what I was trying to explain to them. This is referred to as "ammunition." I returned to their home and explained that, while their photos were helpful, we did need to discuss their desired goals. I used the photos they had chosen as a tool to explain the issues. On my previous visit, I had listened to them discuss their rooms and this time I presented photos that shared both of their likes. The rooms I showed them eased up on the patterns she had chosen and kept clean lines for the gentleman. I was able to bring fabric samples with me that they both enjoyed and photos of light fixtures and furniture that would work for them both. I incorporated the wife's love of the ornate by using an interacting light fixture and area rug and keeping the beautiful clean lines and solid colors on the furniture to please the husband. This was a very happy ending.

The questions below are also helpful as a starting point. I have had clients with $24 million houses start out with this method, choosing three photos that they like and three that they dislike. This may sound silly, but what a great way to get inside their heads! You are there to please them and explain to them that the sooner they come to decisions the less money they will spend for your time and expertise. After 20 plus years in this industry I have not found another system that has helped me more. If the clients choose brightly colored rooms with large graphics and the rooms they hate are soft monochromatic color palettes, what do we know from this? They may say that they are traditional and every photo that they show you is eclectic. You are the professional and they are your puzzle. Your goal is to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together andend up with a very satisfied client, with all their puzzle pieces in place.

Tuesday, 4 January 2011

Interior Design and Decorating

Interior Design and Decorating

Getting clients to make a decision regarding fabric can be a challenge. I usually start by asking clients to provide three photos of rooms that they like the "feeling" of and three rooms that they dislike. Make sure to explain what you mean by the "feeling" of a room, as often clients hit a snag because they may like the feeling of a room, but dislike the side table. Explain to them that no room they find in a magazine is likely to be what they would consider perfect, and that is why you are designing a room especially for them.

Take notes when they explain the reasons why they like certain rooms and why they don't like others. If working with a couple, I usually ask them to both participate in this exercise so I can understand their differences. Then I may study the photos to understand the mood that they are both trying to achieve. Husbands can be reluctant, so I try to lighten the mood by joking with them. "Pink and ruffles it is!" They usually change their minds. Then I get serious again and explain that I want to make them both happy and the home should represent a sanctuary for both.

Taking ideas from both into consideration is important to a couple because they are spending money and do want to be represented in the design. Some men love the style their wives choose and really do not want to participate. Then you have the opposite type of man who does not trust anything his wife chooses, number one because she is very opposite his style and number two because he only trusts a professional. Also, I have had the reverse where the man has all the style and the wife knows it!

Wednesday, 29 December 2010

Interior living room

Any home can be pleasing with the proper application of basic interior design methods. Some people study interior design to be very good at it but there are people who are gifted with an eye for beauty and for interior designing.

A person who is creative can do some interior designing on his own even without formal training. Those who have an eye for what is aesthetic can just as easily decorate and design his own house depending on his tastes. Of course, it helps to read books and articles about designing to be updated on the basic and latest design methods.

Any interior designer can create a specific atmosphere just by putting together several pieces and unifying them in a single theme. There are interior designers who have a bias for certain motifs like eclectic, modern or even country style. Some go for simple designs without the clutter.

Interior design is not only aesthetic but also functional depending on the requirements of the client. An interior designer can make a small room spacious and an otherwise cluttered room into an orderly one. Interior design is used just about anywhere from homes, offices to commercial buildings.

The interiors of a room should always match the personality of the person who will occupy that room. This is the reason why designers always work closely with their clients so they can make sure that they get a feel of what their clients want in terms of design style.

People have this notion that interior design is expensive. However, designers are not only creative people but they are also very good in budgeting. Most designers will work on a design that will match or fit the budget of their clients. A person can allot a minimal amount for the interior design of his home or office and still come up with an aesthetic and functional room.

Interior living roomInterior living room
Professional interior designers who are formally trained usually have basic knowledge on architecture, engineering and even accounting. They need these courses to make their design aesthetic, structurally correct and cost effective.

The terms Interior design and interior decorating have often been used interchangeably. However, the two terms actually deal with different phases of making a room or a space aesthetic. Interior design is basically the process of studying the personality of the occupant of the room being designed in order to maximize and tailor-made the room's design for that person's behavior and personality.

Interior decorating on the other hand is the process of actually mixing and matching the different design techniques like window treatments, the right wallpaper, wall finish and even the furnishing of a room.

There are a lot of opportunities for those in the interior design and decorating industry. An interior designer can go into designing household, corporate or commercial establishments. Others specialize in the design of health facilities or even tourism establishments.

The latest trend now for those in the interior design industry is to be able to incorporate the right engineering and aesthetic design with sustainable development. Even designers are now more conscious about the state of the environment so they tend to use environmentally friendly materials for their designs.

There are designers who specialize and use Feng Shui in their designs. This requires further study because Feng Shui deals with the Chinese's ancient methods of designing a space to make the design work for the owner's health, business and other life factors.

The Chinese believes that a structure should be properly designed so as to allow positive energy to enter the structure. When the structure has already been built without the aid of a Feng Shui expert, the mistakes can be corrected through proper interior design using the Feng Shui methods.

By incorporating Feng Shui in interior design, it is believed that a person can bring out all the positive energies in a room to make him rich, happy and healthy.

Tuesday, 28 December 2010

home interior design

Your home should stand out and represent you. If you are deciding, or thinking about re-designing your home, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the many different designs out there. Maybe you have looked at some of the many show rooms displaying interior design Christchurch has to offer and seen a living room set up that caught your eye. You could try to recreate it. Just give it a go - you could well be delighted by the result.

Everybody has their own individual taste, as well as wants, for the outcome of their new interior design. Figuring out which design to go with is actually easier than many people think. In general, when people come into your home you would probably like them to feel relaxed, happy and welcome.

First of all you need to decide whether you want each individual room in your home to have a different design or whether you want a single theme throughout. Keep in mind that it is your house and therefore your choice is what matters. It is all about what fits you and what you enjoy and like. If you are choosing to go with different themes, it is a good idea to keep some of the rooms more neutral and plain. This will help to balance some of the more attention grabbing design ideas and reduce the impression of chaos.

Now that you have decided whether to do the entire home with one design or do your rooms individually, you can begin to think about what designs you like. A great place to start is to think about places that you have visited. Have you been on any trips where the place was absolutely breathtaking? The Alps are on your doorstep and a beautiful painting or photograph could bring them into your home in a meaningful way. Perhaps the meandering River Avon comes to mind. Why not incorporate this into your home in the form of a photograph or water feature. If it brings you peace and tranquility then why not share that?

Another awesome inspiration for design ideas is travel. Where would you like to travel to? Is there another country that fascinates you? Surrounding yourself by the places that interest you or the passions of your life will make add an element of individuality to your design. For example, if you love Asia, put up a wall hanging water fountain. Being surrounded by things we enjoy actually makes us more at peace and happier. Being able to relax at home is something worthwhile to aim for.

There isn't a designated price tag on how much you must spend in order to call it a re-design of your home. You might want to go all out in one room but in another you just wish to add a couple of striking pictures. Remember it is your home and anything you wish, or don't wish, to incorporate is fine.

Planning and implementing your interior design can be an amazingly creative time for you. It doesn't have to be stressful and it really should be enjoyable. Anything you imagine for your home could be yours to create. Although in the field of interior design Christchurch is often regarded as being conservative don't let this put you off being bold in expressing your own individuality. Nobody else is going to think your thoughts in exactly the same way as you do. There are different colours and styles, and it's all about choosing what describes you and enabling anyone that comes into your home to see exactly what you love.

Saturday, 25 December 2010

interior living room

Here are some simple tips that you can do to make your living room modern and aesthetically inviting.

First, take a good look around and see if there are things that need to be replaced or updated. While it is true that some homeowners resort to buying new stuff in order to decorate their homes, some of the things that are already there can be updated and redecorated. Not only that it will save you a lot of money, it can also add to the personal touch that you can do to your homes. Have a interior designer look at your stuff and he can help you work on it for your benefit.

Examine the way your sofa and chairs look. You can beautify these by adding covers. Find some fabrics that will easily match your sofa's texture. You can also add some pillows, too.

Having good lighting fixtures gives life to living rooms. Well-lit rooms are pleasing to one's eyes. So choose the light that can give you that certain glow you need for your interiors. Sometimes, it's the light that you mainly need to change to get that Chicago feel and look right inside your living room.

Saturday, 25 September 2010

Interior Design Degree Online

Interior Design Degree Online

Interior Design goes far beyond decorating. Interior designers have a profound impact on people's lives by creating the surroundings in which they live, work and play.

If you have that special talent for knowing the best use of space, vision and creativity to describe the perfect surroundings for a client and the enjoy the satisfaction of turning rooms into art, interior design may be the perfect career for you.

You can earn your Interior Design degree online while maintaining your current career schedule from accredited art schools with a commitment of just 8 to 12 hours a week.

Interior Design Degree

Interior Design Degree
When you’ve finished your online distance education bachelor degree program, you could follow many university graduates and go on to do a 1-3 year apprenticeship at architectural or designing firm.