Interior Design Fact Finding: Where Do You Find Your Answers?

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

Have we all become a little too dependent on Google? Or maybe we think only the best of choices can be made standing in the aisle of your favorite Do-It-Yourself mega store? If you are a “research before execution” or an “inspired by what I see on the display” person, there are a variety of ways to make visualization become reality nowadays.

I live and breathe in the design community on a daily basis. When I am inspired by something, I depend on a variety of resources to find better understanding of how it is created. For example, last week I was in a Thai restaurant (I ordered the Pad Se Ewe, medium spice with tofu, delish! I highly recommend) and they had a very subtle paint treatment on the wall that was just stunning. It was a crossing paint technique that made the wall look as if it was woven with different variations of sheen. From my observation, the wall had low, medium and high gloss paint in the same hue. Feeling inspired by this, a set off to figure out how this wall was created began.

Choice one, internet research. Knowing what combination of words to type into a search line in order to yield the result you are looking for is a new age art form, in my opinion. After trying a few different combinations including; “basket weave paint effect”, “multi-sheen paint pattern” and (my favorite) “paint effects with sheen variation,” I struck out. Therefore, I decided this would take a more effective research method.

Second attempt, the local paint shop. Success!! I was not only able to get personal attention and ask specific questions here, but I got good advice and walked away really feeling like I could accomplish the technique myself.

Being a good interior designer not only means knowing what I want a space to look like, but being a good communicator. If my painter can’t understand what I am looking for when I say “Can you make this wall look basket weaved?”, then I need to be able to explain the process. In the end, good research equals good results. No matter what path works the best, doing your research is always key!

Interior Design On The Go: Making Work Portable

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

I remember my days on my college campus fondly. The smell of fall in the air as the first semester of the school year began. It was not long until I was assigned my first design projects of the term. Being over ambitious, of course I wanted to create the most impactful and awe-striking presentation boards. The only problem was that I lived on the opposite corner of campus from the interior design instruction facility…ugh…which meant the bigger the boards, the more “sailing away” would happen during the travels to and from class. If you don’t already know, design boards are heavy, large, awkward and expensive! So the last thing you want to happen is to have your project fly away in the wind, or worse yet, having the large flat object cause you to fly into traffic!

Designers have come a long way in the last 5 years in regards to presentation methods. I think as an industry we have become a little more mobile, streamlined and all around “slimmer.” I am not saying a good ol’ fashioned presentation board isn’t ever called for – I have just experienced less and less requests for them. They cannot be altered as easily and quickly as digital presentations, not to mention they can take more time to fabricate, as well as to be shipped or delivered. So, as we become more tech-savvy and digital as an industry do you think we are losing something?

The “green” side of my brain says no, but the side of me that enjoys classical music and board games says yes! In regards to designers being more environmentally conscience, I think by creating more digital presentations, we are drastically reducing the amount of embodied energy we put into developing end results (this does not mean we skimp on brain power and the wonderful intangible parts of design work). The amount of shipping that takes place to get samples and then the amount of mounting materials it takes to create presentation boards can be substantial…not to mention that the more digital we go, the less chance there is to experience accidents with Exacto knifes and hot glue guns! I bet you did not know being an interior designer could be so dangerous.

In the end, I still think making work more portable through online meetings, graphic presentations and research via the internet is inevitable in order to keep up with the pace of business today. But it is still nice to see a well crafted presentation board on display and think…yeah , I could still do that!

Feng Shui Interior Design – Color And Layout Design Tips For Your Home

Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

Feng shui interior design describes using design elements to improve the ‘qi’ or energy of the home. Each room of the home serves a specific purpose and the interior design of the individual rooms will perform that purpose with the help of feng shui. In this respect, different principles and techniques must be applied to the different rooms. One size doesn’t fit all in this case. Make the most out of every individual room by using totally unique cures and remedies.

The aim of the bedroom is usually to be the room inside the house that promotes rest, relaxation and romance. This is meant for being an area that brings out calmness and tranquility. As a way to do that, colors play a necessary role. Loud colors are the very last thing we wish to use, because they are too much of a distraction and actually promotes restlessness. Furniture placement is also a key factor. The bed should be the main feature of a room and has to be displayed at a commanding position, which is diagonal with the door. There are many other techniques you should utilize to optimize the bedroom, many of which are associated with love. The love corner is another central part of a bedroom, make good use of this area to attract love or maintain good relationships.

The purpose of the living room is to be the room in the house for get togethers. It is usually meant for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Because of this, the living room must be an area that promotes conversation and should be optimized for family bonding. To be able to do this, the main focus is on how the seating of this room is arranged. Sofas and chairs are supposed to be placed in a semi circular shape to accomplish this purpose. Family photographs also needs to be a feature of this room. Other great additions include artwork and live plants.

The aim of the kitchen is to feed and nourish the entire family. It really is considered one of the primary rooms of the house, because it symbolizes growth and prosperity for each of the members of the family. The stove is the primary focus of the kitchen and its burners actually represent wealth. A stove situated within an island often is the ideal position, since the cook should manage to have a good view of the entire kitchen. It’s always important that one can see who comes through the door. If the stove is constructed against a wall, a very good feng shui remedy is always to add mirrors behind the stove so anything in back is still visible.

The aim of a home office is to be the part of the home that work is completed, it must be optimized in a way that promotes productivity and will help guarantee success. In this case the desk is the most important piece of furniture inside the room and has to be located in a commanding position with a clear view of the door. Using a map bagua, locate the wealth and career corners for further feng shui design. The home office is an ideal room to utilize live plants such as the money tree or lucky bamboo, both of which are used to attract wealth.

As you are able to see, there are many different feng shui interior design techniques for every room of a home. Creating the best balance between all these rooms is what makes everything come together. The different areas of your life is actually harmonized as a result of making this great balance within your home. With the bedroom working towards love, the living room promoting your relationships, the kitchen helping to generate wealth and the home office building success for your business, all these different areas of your life begins to fall in place.

Bar Interior Designers

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

Bar is the hub for many people to come and relax on the weekends. Everyone wants to enter the bar that welcomes them and makes them feel comfortable. Young people are very selective of which bar they go to, they often look out for the nicest bar with great interior designs and great ambience. This is one important reason for the bar interior designers to furbish their ideas and create a beautiful place that has mix of beauty with the charm and the warmness.

Bar has to bring an ebullient attitude to the interiors; this work can only be done by professional bar interior designers who have expertise in this area.

Process of designing

Bar interior designers have to organize a plan like any other process, they are responsible in meeting with the owner to decide on what color, what material is needed to polish the entire place. Bar interior designers then sit with their team members and discuss the plan that is being passed by the owner of the Bar.

The interior designing process can take a long time depending on the expectations of the bar owner. Bar interior designers some times go through stress of organizing the whole process of designing, because designing a bar takes lot of concentration and dedication in giving the customer or the client what they want.

Bars interior designing usually can really be stressful, it is very demanding, especially because interior designing is the most important aspect of any bar. Bar interior designers are perfectionist modelers when it comes to designing and modeling the bar. Interior designing process itself takes many days before the bar interior designers finalize the entire project.

Bar designing ideas

There are many bar interior designers that go through millions of ideas before refurbishing their ideas and centralizing them to one concept. These ideas usually depend on whether the bar is going to be built as a home bar. With home bars there are many varieties as kegger bar, bar back, portable party bar, L-shaped wet bar and the straight wet bar. Most times the home built bars have storage areas, adjustable shelves of glasses and liquor bottles and cabinets.

Bar interior designers are specific on the designs, usually bar tops are made of high pressure surfaces that are heat resistant and water proof. Some bars also have refrigerator systems and built in sinks to keep the drinks and kegs cold.

Bar interior designers also have lots to think in terms of decorating bars. Some bars have common design elements as the neon sign. Neon signs come in various colors and designs and are very affordable. There are other signs that are included in bars which are basketball, racing, football and other sport signs, some times novelty signs and liquor signs as well.

Martini shaker, shot glasses, cocktail glasses, mixers, blender and bar tools are the most needed accessories of bar which are designed accordingly to make the bars look attractive, I think without which the bars are incomplete.

It is such a delight for the interior designer to be able to transform a house into a home

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

As a professional London Interior Designer, I meet with clients all the time who simply crave more originality and personality in their interior spaces. It is such a delight for the interior designer to be able to transform a house into a home by judicious use of lighting, stencils, photo frames, rugs and frames, to name just a few. Each of the different classes of accessories allows the professional interior designer to lean into a certain style, emotion or personality framework in order to create stunning results. In this article, I will draw on my experience in London’s design community to suggest a few great options if you’re looking to spruce up your home this winter with some interior designer magic.

LIGHTING. If there are nooks and crannies that just don’t get enough light, interior designers may recommend low-voltage illumination to make your interiors look larger and more welcoming. This can also boost your mood – perfect for the gloomy and overcast London skies that are all too common this time of year. Some professional interior designers will recommend theatrical lighting moods, so that you can flip between settings to choose either relaxed, or atmospheric and edgy, or task-orientated, all according to your needs.

COLOUR. The hue of the lighting system can substantially impact the overall look of a room. Incandescent filaments are now being phased out across the European Union, and London interior designers are having to rely instead on compact fluorescents or halogens to create custom effects.

SCONCES. Wall-mounted sconces slide over lightbulbs to give a gentle fuzzy glow to a room. Interior designers sometimes combine glass outer sheaths with paper diffusers to create unique effects and soften the overall feel.

ARTWORK. Art is great, but well-lit artwork is even better – and interior designers are often specially-trained in how to perfectly illuminate choice pieces of art. Recessed lighting can be a great solution for both photographs and paintings. For sculptures, some interior designers love to use spotlights or feature lighting for more of a museum showcase feel.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS DO OUTSIDE, TOO! Exterior lighting is a great way to make a fabulous first impression for evening dinner guests or invitees to a luxury London soiree at your designer home. Exterior lighting solutions can even cast light indoors, as well … some interior designers like to be really creative and hide exterior lights in bushes or under trees to create natural diffusion before the light trickles in through the windows and makes fabulous patterns on the ceiling or wall.

This bring to an end my mini-series on how London interior designers use accessories, styles and history to create astonishing results.

Student Interior Designers Often Learn About The History of Their Profession

Posted on 13. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

In their training, student interior designers often learn about the history of their profession. This can be a really important way to give context to their subsequent careers. In this article, I will draw on my experience as an interior designer and educator to discuss the history of this exciting field.

The earliest professional interior designers were based in London – the British had become intrigued by Egyptian techniques of decorating household objects and wanted the same for themselves. London families became desperate to employ an interior designer to create magical spaces and accessorise their interiors. As interior designers came to be recognised as professionals, they increasingly found a need to draw on history to create fabulous results. This was particularly true when creating designs for historic London mansions or listed buildings – they saw historical reflections as a way of preserving the past while also looking to the future.

THE ANCIENT ROMANS

In Ancient Rome, citizens demanded comfort, luxury and wealth. These elements are still important in the work of interior designers across the world today. The lavish decorations, tapestries and iconic stonework today remain as timeless and popular in London as in Tokyo or Sydney. The Ancient Romans adored bespoke furniture and loved quality textiles and expensive fabrics.

MONASTIC TIMES

After the collapse of Roman rule, the church assumed power and largely discouraged the most creative interior designers. Opulent interiors were taken out and interior designers were instructed to install quiet and simple oak panels with dark lines and sharp edges. This influence was felt throughout Europe – from London all the way to Florence.

RENAISSANCE AND REVIVAL

The Renaissance saw the emergence of professional French or French-inspired interior designers. It was a new age of elegance and sophistication, which saw the rebuilding of the London Interior Designer community and a fresh take on creative and beautiful living spaces. A “palatial” feel was rediscovered, and interior designers began to take advantage of new transport axes going through London to the continent and to the Americas in order to rediscover their profession and herald the next generation of design.

This brings to an end my article on how the work of interior designers has changed over the ages. In my next article, I’ll reflect on how interior designers use interior fashions for great effect.

Interior Design and Interior Decorating – Some Definitions

Posted on 12. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

Interior Decoration and Interior Design, although related disciplines, are different in terms of their application. Interior Decoration is the process of decorating a house with regards to finishes (for example wallpaper and paint, choice of furnishings and fixtures as well as adding finishing touches and decorations such as paintings and objets d’art. All of this provide a certain “feel” to a house but essentially the underlying structure of the house is not changed.

Interior decoration is normally professionally done by Interior Decorators although recently there is a movement for people towards learning about Interior Decorating through various courses or books and then apply the techniques themselves – usually on a shoestring budget. The whole objective of Interior Decoration is to make a house aesthetically pleasing and at the same time, unique, since it should reflect the owner’s specific personality and tastes.

Interior design on the other hand is more integrated with the architecture of a building and a professional Interior Designer will work closely with architects and builders to make choices regarding the integral design of the whole house or building. This includes looking at choices with regards to room layout, choice of cabinets and tiles and a whole host of other design factors. While previously the Interior Design budget for new developments was minimal, it is recognized these days that incorporating Interior Design into the project means the difference between a mediocre development and one that contributes to the branding and life-style image of the project. The money spent on Interior Design is therefore seen as a worthwhile investment in the whole property development process.

Homeowners are spending more and more to improve their homes. Since it is relatively easy to change the whole look of a house by changing the finishings, furnishings and fixtures a large portion of this money goes into Interior Decorating. The growing popularity in do-it-yourself Interior Decorating has meant that a whole industry around Interior Decorating books, TV Shows and courses have also sprung up, and it has become a popular hobby for married couples. Innovative Interior Decoration ideas, which cost less but at the same time giving the impression of style and class, are in vogue.

Young entrepreneurs have also seen the gap and there is a growing demand for information and courses on how to break into the Interior Design and Interior Decorating Industry. This has also given the home interior decoration industry a boost.

Although the trend recently is for people to tackle the exciting task of transforming a house themselves, it has to be recognized that this falls more in the area of Interior Decorating. Interior Design still requires study of the context of Interior Design, the theory of good design, knowledge of the technical advances in the engineering industry for both residential as well as commercial buildings and knowledge of the latest trends and advances in the Interior Design industry.

In short, an Interior Design project in which all the elements of design are pulled together is still the ambit of the professional designer who should be able to deliver on projects that extend beyond the boundaries of a hobby pastime.

Interior Design

Posted on 10. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

Interior design is the process of shaping the experience of interior space, through the manipulation of spatial volume as well as surface treatment. Not to be confused with interior decoration, interior design draws on aspects of environmental psychology, architecture, and product design in addition to traditional decoration.

An interior designer is a person who is considered a professional in the field of interior design or one who designs interiors as part of their job. Interior design is a creative practice that analyzes programmatic information, establishes a conceptual direction, refines the design direction, and produces graphic communication and construction documents.

Market for Interior Design:

There are two types of market for interior design:

• Residential Interior Design

Residential interior design focuses on the planning and/or specifying of interior materials and products used in private residences. In terms of scope and contract amount, residential jobs are often smaller, but offer a higher profit margin particularly if you are marketing the products to be used in designing the rooms.

• Commercial Interior Design

Commercial jobs, on the other hand, are often much bigger in scope but the bidding that often accompanies the contract can push down your profit margin. Commercial design covers a wide variety of specialties, such as entertainment, facilities management, government/institutional , health care (e.g. hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities); retail or store planning (e.g. boutiques, department stores, malls, food retailing centers); hospitality/restaurant (e.g. country clubs, hotels, cruise ships); and offices.

Tips for Choosing Good Interior Designer:

• Hiring a good designer

Good interior designers are like good therapists. They don’t tell you what to do, rather they guide you through a process of helping you determine your options and helping you select those options that best suite your style. You should strongly consider the merits for major renovation projects. Also, if you need some creative assistance, a good designer will help make your remodeling efforts a success.

• First Impressions

You should interview several interior designers before making your final selection. Be sure to review pictures of their recent work for similar home improvement projects. A good designer will have a portfolio of pictures from several of their recent remodeling projects for you to review. Pay particular attention to their style and consider whether it aligns with your goals. Ask for the designer for referrals and contact each prior client. Some prior clients may hesitate to answer your questions, but most will answer one important question: Would you re-use the designer for a future remodeling project?

• Attentive Listening

Many interior designers will appear to be listening, but then politely ignore your suggestions. There are times when this may be acceptable and times when this is bad. It may be acceptable if the designer is very good at what they do, has taken the time to understand your overall objectives and then chooses to offer alternatives if your suggestions do not fit well with their overal design plan. It is generally bad when an inexperienced designer ignores your suggestions, does his or her own thing and then ultimately you are unhappy with the results.

• Experience Matters

The ideal interior designer will have many years of experience working with builders, remodelers, contractors, vendors and other suppliers. They should have depth of experience in fabric, appliances, furniture and other accessories. After listening to your desires, they should be able to take you to showrooms, fabric stores and other suppliers that will offer you products that complement your individual style.

Interior Design Advice

Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

Interior designs occupy an important role in the office space planning system. Interiors provide an attractive look and good appeal to the visitors of the work area. The reception area of the office should be occupied with exclusive interiors for welcoming of the visitors. Vancouver interior decorators are specialized in the choosing and supplying of best interiors suitable for your work environment. Interior design should be selected with the guidance of professionals. This guidance relates to the reviews, tips and advice offered in the market relating to the best product at an estimated budget.

The interior design market revolves around creativity and revolutionary output of multiple ideas. Vancouver internet decorators are quite adept and experienced in offering useful information to their clients regarding the interior designs. They also help in generating ideas on how to go about the construction and placing of the furniture that they require. Vancouver interior decorators can give make over, design and decoration advice, as well as lighting and construction advice. Interior design should be selected with proper care and attention. As they cost high and they are onetime expenses, selection of the interiors should be made with the guidance of professionals like the Vancouver interior decorators. Some of the advice offered by the professionals in regard to the interior design is

•Selection of the best quality of interiors

•Furnishings for the work area should be chosen in the manner of flexibility

•Office area painting should provide pleasing attraction to the visitors

•The reception and entrance area should be fitted with bright lighting fixtures.

•Estimation of cost should be arrived

•Analysis of workflow

•Selection of the best quality interior decorators.

Interior design gives a view about the work area. Vancouver interior decorators have overall experience in the field of interior decoration and they offer the customers their valuable service. Selection of the right kind of paint, lighting and furniture are done by the interior decorators with patience and endurance. Vancouver interior decorators offer exclusive services at competitive costs. From a cramped office room to a sophisticated work area in a relaxing and spacious manner are the exclusive service offered by the Vancouver interior decorators.

Vancouver interior office design is a company that offers exclusive service on interior decoration and furniture and fittings that are suitable for the office environment. The company is embattled with a team of professionals and they make the best services to the customers. The customer’s specifications and requirements are first analyzed by the Vancouver interior decorators and then provide a detailed schedule for the essential interiors to be applied on the work area. They also frame the schedule as per the budget estimation of the customers and this makes the customers motivating in the frequent visit to Vancouver office Design Company. The advices and tips offered by the Vancouver interior decorators are most valuable and they are offering these services in the market for recognition of quality services that are offered in competitive prices.

What an Interior Designer Can Do for You?

Posted on 08. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interior Design

An interior design professional should be an adept advisor. They can be of aid as an interior decorator, so too helping with residential, bedroom, bathroom and other design subjects. They does offer the best lighting, lamps, accessories, window treatments, shutters, custom furniture and even more in your region. Essential services provided are usually lighting, furniture help, window treatments and others.

With a great designer, locate everything from interior design and interior decorating aid. Whether contemporary, traditional, modern and residential design, they can assist with essential accessories such as lamps, lighting, accents and others, also superior design solutions for bedroom, living room, bathroom and additional specific interiors. Also building office, kitchen, lighting and other designs. For an interior furnishing, decorating, design job of any size, they will offer a variety of design options to fit your needs.

Likewise, you’ll get aid for all things window treatments, such as drapes, curtain rods, custom drapery and so on. Here you can locate a variety of shutters, roman shades, window coverings- as well as window shades plus other window treatments. There exist many options for window treatments- they can aid to guide you to the best options.

No home furnishing is complete lacking the right furniture. Custom home furnishings or furniture make a large difference to your interior rooms. Be aware and think of the right accessories, lamps, lighting and more. Great designers offer a huge array of custom furniture to exceed the requirements of your project.

As an interior decor pro, they will be of guidance, obviously, as an interior decorator also; they work in many area of design, such as residential, bathroom, bedroom, living room and other design. A great designer is adept with window treatments, and interior options like lighting, lamps, furniture, accessories and more. Schedule a consultation with the provider before buying.

There exist many areas for ideas in interior decorating. Possibly your recent trip to some other country has prompted you to design your home in this regions flavor. Whatever your idea is, it may be shown in a home’s interior decor. This will naturally entail lamps, furniture, window treatments, lighting and great details. Color and pattern as well can describe a place.

The room’s interior decor is definitely a showing of your true self. The role of the home designer is to help you with the interior decorating and design plan, meanwhile making the activity easy. The end result of any room design project will culminate in pattern working well together. A gifted designer must collaborate with you to make this outcome. Interior designer’s are knows for inspiring clients to attempt bold things. The perfect interior design pro will take your ides into consideration overall, and enhance your satisfaction in the interiors final success. Including the assistance of an interior design expert can assist you to get the feel you want in a home’s interior.