Whenever I think of any design, be it interior design or product design, a few things very naturally come up in my mind. These are in the form of questions.
The best part is, answers to these questions can give rise to a very successful design in itself. Let's see how.
If I am planning to design a piece of furniture, let's say a double bed, immediate I start relating to what I already know about double beds, some picture/image I have already seen, something I have seen in some furniture shop, etc...Then I start thinking about what material I should think about, the budget, dimensions, age group of people who are going to use it, etc... If you answer these questions one by one on a paper, you will get a blueprint of the design process, so that you can convert in into technical drawings, with all the joinery details and finally the product.
Amongst above mentioned questions some are directly related to function of the double bed as a piece of furniture.
What does this mean?
When I ask myself, what should be the dimensions of a double bed? I have very little freedom to decide the dimensions of the bed, because there are certain norms to be followed in order to serve it's basic function and that's comfort.
But what if I say that I will keep the overall surface area of the bed same , but make it round in plan. Will it be ok..
Now here I am trying to achieve both function and aesthetics, without sacrificing the comfort of the person who will use it. So during any design process there will be times when the designer need to take some decisions where he has to keep aside his wildest ideas and pay attention to function first.
That's why the true success of an interior design project is a good balance between function and aesthetics.
Expressing this kind of balance through design is not an easy task, because function is universally accepted, but aesthetics, not always.
What does this mean?
Beauty is always relative. A washbasin has a common universal function of an appliance to be used for washing hands, but it's beauty is relative. What is beautiful for me, might not hold true for you.
So a design expression can have a unique style of the designer himself. It is possible that the designer is more comfortable with certain kinds of materials/finishes/color schemes, etc.. which can reflect in his designs.
In spite of these personal touches a good designs always caters the needs of the user first. A good designer has a certain kind of convincing power in his/her style which he uses to expresses in the design without sacrificing the likes/dislikes of the user.
There are designers who are more comfortable in designing only a certain kind space such as bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, public spaces such as restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums.
Of course this is entirely of a personal choice, but there is this same message in their designs, shell out your ego and design for the best parameters with worst possibilities taken into considerations. This is what gives birth to a great design.
I hope this article was helpful.
About the author:
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some great interior design ideas at his website. Visit his website http://www.bedroom-design-and-decorating-ideas.com today to get an overview of decorating and remodeling interior spaces in your home.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 12, 2006
The Two Pillars of a Successful Interior Design Project!
Whenever I think of any design, be it interior design or product design, a few things very naturally come up in my mind. These are in the form of questions.
The best part is, answers to these questions can give rise to a very successful design in itself. Let's see how.
If I am planning to design a piece of furniture, let's say a double bed, immediate I start relating to what I already know about double beds, some picture/image I have already seen, something I have seen in some furniture shop, etc...Then I start thinking about what material I should think about, the budget, dimensions, age group of people who are going to use it, etc... If you answer these questions one by one on a paper, you will get a blueprint of the design process, so that you can convert in into technical drawings, with all the joinery details and finally the product.
Amongst above mentioned questions some are directly related to function of the double bed as a piece of furniture.
What does this mean?
When I ask myself, what should be the dimensions of a double bed? I have very little freedom to decide the dimensions of the bed, because there are certain norms to be followed in order to serve it's basic function and that's comfort.
But what if I say that I will keep the overall surface area of the bed same , but make it round in plan. Will it be ok..
Now here I am trying to achieve both function and aesthetics, without sacrificing the comfort of the person who will use it. So during any design process there will be times when the designer need to take some decisions where he has to keep aside his wildest ideas and pay attention to function first.
That's why the true success of an interior design project is a good balance between function and aesthetics.
Expressing this kind of balance through design is not an easy task, because function is universally accepted, but aesthetics, not always.
What does this mean?
Beauty is always relative. A washbasin has a common universal function of an appliance to be used for washing hands, but it's beauty is relative. What is beautiful for me, might not hold true for you.
So a design expression can have a unique style of the designer himself. It is possible that the designer is more comfortable with certain kinds of materials/finishes/color schemes, etc.. which can reflect in his designs.
In spite of these personal touches a good designs always caters the needs of the user first. A good designer has a certain kind of convincing power in his/her style which he uses to expresses in the design without sacrificing the likes/dislikes of the user.
There are designers who are more comfortable in designing only a certain kind space such as bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, public spaces such as restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums.
Of course this is entirely of a personal choice, but there is this same message in their designs, shell out your ego and design for the best parameters with worst possibilities taken into considerations. This is what gives birth to a great design.
I hope this article was helpful.
About the author:
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some great interior design ideas at his website. Visit his website http://www.bedroom-design-and-decorating-ideas.com today to get an overview of decorating and remodeling interior spaces in your home.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
The best part is, answers to these questions can give rise to a very successful design in itself. Let's see how.
If I am planning to design a piece of furniture, let's say a double bed, immediate I start relating to what I already know about double beds, some picture/image I have already seen, something I have seen in some furniture shop, etc...Then I start thinking about what material I should think about, the budget, dimensions, age group of people who are going to use it, etc... If you answer these questions one by one on a paper, you will get a blueprint of the design process, so that you can convert in into technical drawings, with all the joinery details and finally the product.
Amongst above mentioned questions some are directly related to function of the double bed as a piece of furniture.
What does this mean?
When I ask myself, what should be the dimensions of a double bed? I have very little freedom to decide the dimensions of the bed, because there are certain norms to be followed in order to serve it's basic function and that's comfort.
But what if I say that I will keep the overall surface area of the bed same , but make it round in plan. Will it be ok..
Now here I am trying to achieve both function and aesthetics, without sacrificing the comfort of the person who will use it. So during any design process there will be times when the designer need to take some decisions where he has to keep aside his wildest ideas and pay attention to function first.
That's why the true success of an interior design project is a good balance between function and aesthetics.
Expressing this kind of balance through design is not an easy task, because function is universally accepted, but aesthetics, not always.
What does this mean?
Beauty is always relative. A washbasin has a common universal function of an appliance to be used for washing hands, but it's beauty is relative. What is beautiful for me, might not hold true for you.
So a design expression can have a unique style of the designer himself. It is possible that the designer is more comfortable with certain kinds of materials/finishes/color schemes, etc.. which can reflect in his designs.
In spite of these personal touches a good designs always caters the needs of the user first. A good designer has a certain kind of convincing power in his/her style which he uses to expresses in the design without sacrificing the likes/dislikes of the user.
There are designers who are more comfortable in designing only a certain kind space such as bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, public spaces such as restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums.
Of course this is entirely of a personal choice, but there is this same message in their designs, shell out your ego and design for the best parameters with worst possibilities taken into considerations. This is what gives birth to a great design.
I hope this article was helpful.
About the author:
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some great interior design ideas at his website. Visit his website http://www.bedroom-design-and-decorating-ideas.com today to get an overview of decorating and remodeling interior spaces in your home.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Interior Design For The Home
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.
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. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.
Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.
About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://interiordesign.unique-articles.com where you can read more articles and get tips on decorating and interior design.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
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.
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. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.
Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.
About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://interiordesign.unique-articles.com where you can read more articles and get tips on decorating and interior design.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Interior Design For The Home
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.
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. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.
Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.
About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://interiordesign.unique-articles.com where you can read more articles and get tips on decorating and interior design.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
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.
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. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.
Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.
About the author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://interiordesign.unique-articles.com where you can read more articles and get tips on decorating and interior design.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Decorating on a Budget - 15 Easy Steps
Many years ago I was told that the least expensive way to redecorate is to rearrange what you have. It was one of the best decorating suggestions I’ve ever had-not to mention the one that can be the most fun to implement. How can you beat it? A new room-practically free! You get such a feeling of satisfaction when you accomplish something spectacular using your imagination and what you already have.
Of course, like many suggestions there is a good way to do this and one that isn’t quite so satisfactory. So here’s a step by step.
1. Choose the room you want to give a new look.
2. Decide on the type of change you would like. Do you want it brighter, lighter, more sophisticated, or more casual? Do you want to give it a contemporary flavor or make it a bit exotic?
3. Take a good look at what is in the room and decide what doesn’t fit the new look/theme that you chose. What is worn out, out of place or out of proportion?
4. Assess the room: Stand in each doorway and in each corner of the room and give it a good hard look. Would the furniture look better on an angle? What is the traffic pattern? You don’t want furniture sitting in the way of how you need to move about the room. Most of us can’t afford to have a room that just sits and looks pretty. A well designed room works for you.
5. Make a list of the items you want tokeep and measure them.
6. Take a buying trip through your house and see what you can use from other rooms. One very important suggestion: double check measurements and colors of the pieces you have “bought” from other rooms. If you want to expand a little, there are frequently friends or relatives who have pieces in their homes they would like to get rid of, so if you don’t have quite what you like, check the family cast offs. Note: You might find you need to freshen your walls with a coat of paint or cover a chair or sofa with a slipcover or purchase new lampshades, but expense should be kept at a minimum, or you defeat your purpose.
7. Once you have your look and know what pieces are available to you, put it all on paper. You need to have a plan, because you could lose your ‘willing’ helpers if they have to move a sofa 6 or 7 times to get the right look because you didn’t do your homework. Pay special attention to electrical and cable outlets, heat and air vents and doors and windows. Lighting is important and unless you’re trying the hard way to keep the kids out, you want to be able to get in and out of the room easily and move around comfortably in it.
8. Clear your room. Take the unnecessary pieces and accessories away and put the pieces you want to keep together in another room.
9. It’s time to paint the walls and clean the windows and woodwork if needed. Shampoo carpets, wash floors and make sure your background is sparkling and clean.
10. If there are any small items you are going to need to purchase to complete the look, go do it while everything is drying. DO NOT go shopping without a list. You have your plan and you know what accessories you need to complete your look. The easiest way to get off budget and end up with clutter is to go without a list.
11. When the paint and floors are dry, place rugs on the floor (before you move in the furniture). It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. They can be adjusted later.
12. Gather your helpers. Move in the larger pieces of furniture. Add your smaller pieces such as tables and ottomans and then bring in the accessories.
13. Lamps are very important, so make sure they are located where they will work the best. Don’t under light your room.
14. Hang your pictures and adjust window treatments.
A note: less is more. An uncluttered room will give a more of an impression of newness then one with too much of everything.
15. Enjoy your new room. In fact throw a party and let everyone admire what you’ve accomplished. You’ll be able to afford it with the money you’ve saved.
Happy decorating!
About the author:
This content for this article was provided by design consultant to ON THE GO 4 U, Suzanne Copenhaver. Suzanne has years of experience dealing with less than perfect home interiors and infrastructures. She provides in-home consultations on color, space, and design and teaches workshops on decorating for ON THE GO 4 U.
Indra A Books, author of many other lifestyle articles is also the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Of course, like many suggestions there is a good way to do this and one that isn’t quite so satisfactory. So here’s a step by step.
1. Choose the room you want to give a new look.
2. Decide on the type of change you would like. Do you want it brighter, lighter, more sophisticated, or more casual? Do you want to give it a contemporary flavor or make it a bit exotic?
3. Take a good look at what is in the room and decide what doesn’t fit the new look/theme that you chose. What is worn out, out of place or out of proportion?
4. Assess the room: Stand in each doorway and in each corner of the room and give it a good hard look. Would the furniture look better on an angle? What is the traffic pattern? You don’t want furniture sitting in the way of how you need to move about the room. Most of us can’t afford to have a room that just sits and looks pretty. A well designed room works for you.
5. Make a list of the items you want tokeep and measure them.
6. Take a buying trip through your house and see what you can use from other rooms. One very important suggestion: double check measurements and colors of the pieces you have “bought” from other rooms. If you want to expand a little, there are frequently friends or relatives who have pieces in their homes they would like to get rid of, so if you don’t have quite what you like, check the family cast offs. Note: You might find you need to freshen your walls with a coat of paint or cover a chair or sofa with a slipcover or purchase new lampshades, but expense should be kept at a minimum, or you defeat your purpose.
7. Once you have your look and know what pieces are available to you, put it all on paper. You need to have a plan, because you could lose your ‘willing’ helpers if they have to move a sofa 6 or 7 times to get the right look because you didn’t do your homework. Pay special attention to electrical and cable outlets, heat and air vents and doors and windows. Lighting is important and unless you’re trying the hard way to keep the kids out, you want to be able to get in and out of the room easily and move around comfortably in it.
8. Clear your room. Take the unnecessary pieces and accessories away and put the pieces you want to keep together in another room.
9. It’s time to paint the walls and clean the windows and woodwork if needed. Shampoo carpets, wash floors and make sure your background is sparkling and clean.
10. If there are any small items you are going to need to purchase to complete the look, go do it while everything is drying. DO NOT go shopping without a list. You have your plan and you know what accessories you need to complete your look. The easiest way to get off budget and end up with clutter is to go without a list.
11. When the paint and floors are dry, place rugs on the floor (before you move in the furniture). It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. They can be adjusted later.
12. Gather your helpers. Move in the larger pieces of furniture. Add your smaller pieces such as tables and ottomans and then bring in the accessories.
13. Lamps are very important, so make sure they are located where they will work the best. Don’t under light your room.
14. Hang your pictures and adjust window treatments.
A note: less is more. An uncluttered room will give a more of an impression of newness then one with too much of everything.
15. Enjoy your new room. In fact throw a party and let everyone admire what you’ve accomplished. You’ll be able to afford it with the money you’ve saved.
Happy decorating!
About the author:
This content for this article was provided by design consultant to ON THE GO 4 U, Suzanne Copenhaver. Suzanne has years of experience dealing with less than perfect home interiors and infrastructures. She provides in-home consultations on color, space, and design and teaches workshops on decorating for ON THE GO 4 U.
Indra A Books, author of many other lifestyle articles is also the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Decorating on a Budget - 15 Easy Steps
Many years ago I was told that the least expensive way to redecorate is to rearrange what you have. It was one of the best decorating suggestions I’ve ever had-not to mention the one that can be the most fun to implement. How can you beat it? A new room-practically free! You get such a feeling of satisfaction when you accomplish something spectacular using your imagination and what you already have.
Of course, like many suggestions there is a good way to do this and one that isn’t quite so satisfactory. So here’s a step by step.
1. Choose the room you want to give a new look.
2. Decide on the type of change you would like. Do you want it brighter, lighter, more sophisticated, or more casual? Do you want to give it a contemporary flavor or make it a bit exotic?
3. Take a good look at what is in the room and decide what doesn’t fit the new look/theme that you chose. What is worn out, out of place or out of proportion?
4. Assess the room: Stand in each doorway and in each corner of the room and give it a good hard look. Would the furniture look better on an angle? What is the traffic pattern? You don’t want furniture sitting in the way of how you need to move about the room. Most of us can’t afford to have a room that just sits and looks pretty. A well designed room works for you.
5. Make a list of the items you want tokeep and measure them.
6. Take a buying trip through your house and see what you can use from other rooms. One very important suggestion: double check measurements and colors of the pieces you have “bought” from other rooms. If you want to expand a little, there are frequently friends or relatives who have pieces in their homes they would like to get rid of, so if you don’t have quite what you like, check the family cast offs. Note: You might find you need to freshen your walls with a coat of paint or cover a chair or sofa with a slipcover or purchase new lampshades, but expense should be kept at a minimum, or you defeat your purpose.
7. Once you have your look and know what pieces are available to you, put it all on paper. You need to have a plan, because you could lose your ‘willing’ helpers if they have to move a sofa 6 or 7 times to get the right look because you didn’t do your homework. Pay special attention to electrical and cable outlets, heat and air vents and doors and windows. Lighting is important and unless you’re trying the hard way to keep the kids out, you want to be able to get in and out of the room easily and move around comfortably in it.
8. Clear your room. Take the unnecessary pieces and accessories away and put the pieces you want to keep together in another room.
9. It’s time to paint the walls and clean the windows and woodwork if needed. Shampoo carpets, wash floors and make sure your background is sparkling and clean.
10. If there are any small items you are going to need to purchase to complete the look, go do it while everything is drying. DO NOT go shopping without a list. You have your plan and you know what accessories you need to complete your look. The easiest way to get off budget and end up with clutter is to go without a list.
11. When the paint and floors are dry, place rugs on the floor (before you move in the furniture). It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. They can be adjusted later.
12. Gather your helpers. Move in the larger pieces of furniture. Add your smaller pieces such as tables and ottomans and then bring in the accessories.
13. Lamps are very important, so make sure they are located where they will work the best. Don’t under light your room.
14. Hang your pictures and adjust window treatments.
A note: less is more. An uncluttered room will give a more of an impression of newness then one with too much of everything.
15. Enjoy your new room. In fact throw a party and let everyone admire what you’ve accomplished. You’ll be able to afford it with the money you’ve saved.
Happy decorating!
About the author:
This content for this article was provided by design consultant to ON THE GO 4 U, Suzanne Copenhaver. Suzanne has years of experience dealing with less than perfect home interiors and infrastructures. She provides in-home consultations on color, space, and design and teaches workshops on decorating for ON THE GO 4 U.
Indra A Books, author of many other lifestyle articles is also the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Of course, like many suggestions there is a good way to do this and one that isn’t quite so satisfactory. So here’s a step by step.
1. Choose the room you want to give a new look.
2. Decide on the type of change you would like. Do you want it brighter, lighter, more sophisticated, or more casual? Do you want to give it a contemporary flavor or make it a bit exotic?
3. Take a good look at what is in the room and decide what doesn’t fit the new look/theme that you chose. What is worn out, out of place or out of proportion?
4. Assess the room: Stand in each doorway and in each corner of the room and give it a good hard look. Would the furniture look better on an angle? What is the traffic pattern? You don’t want furniture sitting in the way of how you need to move about the room. Most of us can’t afford to have a room that just sits and looks pretty. A well designed room works for you.
5. Make a list of the items you want tokeep and measure them.
6. Take a buying trip through your house and see what you can use from other rooms. One very important suggestion: double check measurements and colors of the pieces you have “bought” from other rooms. If you want to expand a little, there are frequently friends or relatives who have pieces in their homes they would like to get rid of, so if you don’t have quite what you like, check the family cast offs. Note: You might find you need to freshen your walls with a coat of paint or cover a chair or sofa with a slipcover or purchase new lampshades, but expense should be kept at a minimum, or you defeat your purpose.
7. Once you have your look and know what pieces are available to you, put it all on paper. You need to have a plan, because you could lose your ‘willing’ helpers if they have to move a sofa 6 or 7 times to get the right look because you didn’t do your homework. Pay special attention to electrical and cable outlets, heat and air vents and doors and windows. Lighting is important and unless you’re trying the hard way to keep the kids out, you want to be able to get in and out of the room easily and move around comfortably in it.
8. Clear your room. Take the unnecessary pieces and accessories away and put the pieces you want to keep together in another room.
9. It’s time to paint the walls and clean the windows and woodwork if needed. Shampoo carpets, wash floors and make sure your background is sparkling and clean.
10. If there are any small items you are going to need to purchase to complete the look, go do it while everything is drying. DO NOT go shopping without a list. You have your plan and you know what accessories you need to complete your look. The easiest way to get off budget and end up with clutter is to go without a list.
11. When the paint and floors are dry, place rugs on the floor (before you move in the furniture). It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. They can be adjusted later.
12. Gather your helpers. Move in the larger pieces of furniture. Add your smaller pieces such as tables and ottomans and then bring in the accessories.
13. Lamps are very important, so make sure they are located where they will work the best. Don’t under light your room.
14. Hang your pictures and adjust window treatments.
A note: less is more. An uncluttered room will give a more of an impression of newness then one with too much of everything.
15. Enjoy your new room. In fact throw a party and let everyone admire what you’ve accomplished. You’ll be able to afford it with the money you’ve saved.
Happy decorating!
About the author:
This content for this article was provided by design consultant to ON THE GO 4 U, Suzanne Copenhaver. Suzanne has years of experience dealing with less than perfect home interiors and infrastructures. She provides in-home consultations on color, space, and design and teaches workshops on decorating for ON THE GO 4 U.
Indra A Books, author of many other lifestyle articles is also the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Friday, November 10, 2006
Bathroom Vanities - How Vanity Furniture Can Transform Your Bathroom
When it comes to bathroom vanities, there's something to please all tastes and suit all budgets. Nothing adds to the character of a bathroom quite like a well-chosen vanity cabinet or dressing table. Bath vanities take center stage in a room and as such play a vital role in defining a bathroom's look and ambiance. Here are some things to consider when choosing new vanity furniture.
A critical part of planning your bathroom design is deciding on a decorating theme. Think about the décor throughout your home, be it period, country cottage or contemporary, and decorate your bathroom accordingly. Bath vanities come in all kinds of styles and finishes, from hand painted to distressed, from ornately carved to minimalist and functional straight lines.
In smaller bathrooms, replacing a traditional pedestal sink with a stylish sink vanity cabinet can make more efficient use of the space. Bathroom sink vanities combine useful storage space and countertop surface with enduring style. If you've got a big room, a double sink vanity could work well, adding a touch of elegance as well as being practical for couples and families.
Bedroom vanities can fit in well in large bathrooms, providing a convenient and attractive place to dress and perform daily grooming rituals. However, a bedroom vanity is unlikely to be as water resistant as a bathroom vanity, so it must be placed well away from where it could be splashed. Vanity tables with matching stools or chairs, mirrors and makeup trays are often sold as sets, helping you to save money if you're doing your bathroom makeover on a budget.
Whatever your personal preferences and price range, you're sure to find some stunning bathroom vanities or bedroom vanity furniture which can transform your bathroom and give it a beautiful new image.
About the author:
Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to FindVanities.com - an online guide to finding all kinds of contemporary and discounted bathroom vanities, as well as bedroom vanity sets, bathroom vanity stools and more.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
A critical part of planning your bathroom design is deciding on a decorating theme. Think about the décor throughout your home, be it period, country cottage or contemporary, and decorate your bathroom accordingly. Bath vanities come in all kinds of styles and finishes, from hand painted to distressed, from ornately carved to minimalist and functional straight lines.
In smaller bathrooms, replacing a traditional pedestal sink with a stylish sink vanity cabinet can make more efficient use of the space. Bathroom sink vanities combine useful storage space and countertop surface with enduring style. If you've got a big room, a double sink vanity could work well, adding a touch of elegance as well as being practical for couples and families.
Bedroom vanities can fit in well in large bathrooms, providing a convenient and attractive place to dress and perform daily grooming rituals. However, a bedroom vanity is unlikely to be as water resistant as a bathroom vanity, so it must be placed well away from where it could be splashed. Vanity tables with matching stools or chairs, mirrors and makeup trays are often sold as sets, helping you to save money if you're doing your bathroom makeover on a budget.
Whatever your personal preferences and price range, you're sure to find some stunning bathroom vanities or bedroom vanity furniture which can transform your bathroom and give it a beautiful new image.
About the author:
Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to FindVanities.com - an online guide to finding all kinds of contemporary and discounted bathroom vanities, as well as bedroom vanity sets, bathroom vanity stools and more.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
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