hr: InteriorDesign

Great Design Ideas

Archive for June, 2008

One at a Time

Posted by janette on 18th June 2008

If you have the discipline to stick to it, this simple adage — make one corner beautiful at a time — can transform your decorating dreams from overwhelming to manageable and rewarding.

Whatever the range of your decorating purpose, this simple tune may be the flash you need to commence.

Be constricted in focusing. If you think of your home or room as a chain of projects to complete one by one, you’ll see conspicuous outcomes and feel a faster impression of accomplishment. How would you feel when you place a new table, chair, and vase of flowers in three different corners? It well less likely makes you feel unrewarded or unsatisfied with that stab. Try to orchestrate the items together and, viola, you just created an alluring focal point!

Prioritize. Do first things first. Focus on what your eyes first stumble upon when you enter a room. It could be a wall, furniture, a space or any piece. When you draw your sight to a visually inviting scene, you set the mood for the entire room.

Eye always seeks out beauty, thus focus on what is appealing on sight. Go ahead and add up a dash of drama in your living space. Revive your living space by building a focal point around one beautiful piece, a space that‘ll be inviting to your guests eyes and yourself too.

Affix a shapely, stylish sofa in your living room with an attention-grabbing color; complete the look with matching throw pillows.

Make straightforward by simplifying tabletop clutter however still conveying your character by gathering distinct accessories into a stunning flaunts. Create a gratifying flow and sense of balance, enticing the eye in and moving it all over the place. Anchor the display with several large items, repeat shapes for cohesion, and carefully combine sizes and textures for greater interest.

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Plan your Texture and Patterns

Posted by janette on 18th June 2008

Creating a dramatic ambiance necessitates good planning and knowledge in patterns and texture. These are the two important elements needed in decorating. Your personal choice of pattern and textures will go after your style in embellishing thus it adds up interest and character in any plain color scheme.

You might be overwhelmed with the vast selections of textures available anywhere. It could be somehow difficult to choose which one to select. On the other hand patterns can effect how you look into a proportion. The following are some helpful tips to help you enhance any room or even create a dramatic atmosphere.

Always keep in mind the size and scale of your space. It is somehow a general rule that the bigger the space, the bigger the print and vice versa however adding a large print to a small space can invite the sense of opulence.

Colors influence how we perceive patterns. High contrast patterns create a vigorous feeling and colors close in value create a more serious environment.

Texture does affect color. Rough textures will soak up light whereas smooth textures will reflect illuminations.

Complex Patterns that use several colors and diagonal, criss-crossing lines are busy for your eye. They can liven up a large area, but it may be overwhelming for a small room. Vertical Lines add altitude to an undersized room or create an illusion of height to the ceiling while horizontal lines create an additional look on the width of a room. The same grouping or pattern used throughout an area can draw together a wide open plan. It will generate a surge and logic of continuity.

Decorating doesn’t end with limitations but keep in mind to prefer patterns and textures that entices you and the same way fits your general plan. It is always clever to pull together samples of what you find irresistible be it pictures, paint chips or color swatches. You might be renting a place but making it special and unique gives you the feeling of living a home of your own.

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Let the real you shines through with your accessories.

Posted by janette on 18th June 2008

No matter what your age is, you are sure to have a collection of items. There are times that you’re uncertain deciding the ways to display these collections. Accessories always gives a character to any space but make it appoint not to go overboard, do it in moderation. Overdoing it would seem to create clutters or eyesores especially if you’re doing it in a smaller space.

Everyone has their favorite colors – one way to reflect your personality. Prefer colors that will liven up a space. It can be in the form of ornamental pillows like plump cushions in different textures that can be hugged, slept on, or simply displayed under the watchful eye or you can pull the color from a piece of furniture. Enhancing a particular piece with spotlight can be a great way to create a focal point while creating an atmosphere. Create a personal retreat that blends shape and color with an array of sensual textures for a look that says touch me.

Pictures define a thousand words. It can be a particular image or you can use your family picture to accessorize a room by grouping them together. If you have a good collection of family pictures, have them framed and display them in a prominent area. They will bring you gratification each time you gaze through it and family and friends will enjoy viewing them too. Grouping accessories by even numbers works well (by 3’s or 5’s) rather than displaying them evenly.

Photo Credit: Interiorgallery

Shelves can also be great place to show off your hobbies and your lifestyle. Pack them with items that are momentous to you; you own a place and it should be a reflection of you. Look for sculptures that give a picture of your inclinations in sports or art and display several of them. A well-rounded collected works at all times looks striking. If you’re an avid reader shelves are also an ideal place to place all those hard cover books you’ve been hiding in some boxes.

When hanging portrait designers always advices that they need to be hung at eye level. The best distance should be around 6 inches; it can be above a sofa, headboards, buffet, chair or any other fixtures.

Live plants and flowers are also great to add in any bare spaces. Fresh flowers bring beauty and even lovelier when oozing with scent.

In whatever space you lived in, revealing the real you can be mirrored with the accessories. Whenever it comes to accessorizing, imaginations have no boundaries at all!

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Classify Your Ceilings

Posted by janette on 17th June 2008

I find it quite uncommon for homeowners to invest with their ceilings. Generally people has taken it for granted, finding it to be just huge and boring flat surfaces that are merely couple of feet distant above our heads. However, designers find these surfaces as an opportunity to become one of the focal point in any room.

Ceilings are of different kinds and are classified into different styles. Those we always seen in church are known to be the cathedral ceilings. They are said to be expensive because the height itself makes it difficult to paint and change the lighting fixtures. It may be visually attractive but ventilation is one of the common problems since the ceiling is directly attached to the roof trusses. These trusses need to be wide enough to provide proper ventilation.

The conventional and suspended ceilings are both flat and said to be the standard versions. The only difference is that the suspended ceiling also called as the dropped ceiling is created underneath an existing or old ceiling mainly to conceal piping, wiring, or ductwork, into an area called the plenum.

A concave ceiling or barrel shaped ceiling is curved or rounded, usually for visual or acoustical value. Also the same as cove ceiling that has a rounded concave surface joining the walls and the flat ceiling.

A coffered ceiling also known as lacunar ceiling is divided into a grid of panels in the shape of a square, rectangle, or octagon.

The Tray ceiling supposedly resembles a tray turned upside down. Regularly they comprise a flat ceiling center with the sides pitched in from the walls to connect the level ceiling surface. However, tray ceilings are occasionally built with a sequence of stepped square edges going from the wall to the flat part of the ceiling.

The Vaulted Ceilings provides a high and spacious sense and are commonly angle or arched up from the wall to the ceiling.

Remodeling your ceiling shouldn’t be taken lightly since sometimes it does require structural changes to a house. One should always consider consulting an engineer or architect prior to your modification.

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Contemporary Design Awardee Patricia Gray

Posted by janette on 17th June 2008

Patricia Gray won the award for Best Contemporary Design at Seattle Design Center’s annual Northwest Design Awards Gala held September 28. Her problem solving, creativity, quality of design and beauty of the space for the Gastown Project prevailed in the competition, distinguished by its signature warmth, personal approach, and use of a variety of innovative materials and furnishings.

Patricia graduated from college with a degree in interior design and study decorative arts and architectural history at the Parson’s School of Design in Paris. She is a member of the Inter-Society Color Council of New York, the National Council for Interior Design, and the Interior Designers of Canada. In addition to that she is also a certified Feng-Shui practitioner. Her portfolio comprises feature projects all over the Canada and US, also including countries like Japan, Singapore and Africa.

Patricia Gray’s technique certainly does come from within. Her designs are studied and defined while being completely inhabitable and appealing. Her stylistic point of view is enduring and classic, yet still upholds an incontestable contemporary edge.

It isn’t common to stumble upon a blog from an actual interior designer. In spite of her busy schedule she also managed to update her blog almost daily where she features her inspiration, including other designers and architects that she admires. Patricia’s creativity has also been published in different notable magazines including the Architectural Digest.

Visit her site to view more of her designs at patriciagrayinc.com

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Healthy Furniture

Posted by janette on 17th June 2008

For today’s city dweller, it is quite difficult to have a gym in the comfort of their. Fitness equipments can be an eyesore and would definitely consume a space. This is one of Prero’s concepts – to create appealing and flexible furniture that wouldn’t just carry your bottoms but can also be quality fitness equipment for those who chose to stay home with their fitness regimen.

The Life Fitness Otto-Bench is a combination of a multi-adjustable bench, Olympic bench press and free weights into a sleek, stylish and perhaps most importantly, inconspicuous long ottoman. It is geared towards healthy and successful professionals living in a city environment such as condominiums or apartments to compliment their healthy lifestyle and a tool that is handy when they are unable to go to the gym for a quick tone up.

A born and raised from Chicago, designer Gabriel Prero began his interest in design when he was just a kid asking his father with different questions as they fixed their house. And at his high school days having shared a dorm with a friend, they both explored creating and designing from whatever that fabricated their minds. Today his creation wasn’t just utilized in school but also in the real word.

Source: gprero.com

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Window Treatment Tips from Lorrie Browne

Posted by janette on 14th June 2008

Lorrie Brown is an Interior Design graduate from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. A specialist in her career, Lorrie provides an above satisfaction to her clients by creating designs that mirror the moods, focus and personality of different people. The following are just one of her many ideas on designing a window treatments.

sunday
Creative Commons License Photo Credit: dalasie

  • You can choose stationery panels that stay put or functional draperies that you open and close. Wood poles are a better choice if you are going to operate your draperies.
  • If you are tentative, select a fabric and style that you feel will serve you for years to come. You can easily change your wall color and accessories but furniture and draperies are usually the substantial investments.
  • Draperies do not have to be mounted directly over a window. If you want the ceiling to seem higher, mount the draperies higher on the wall.
  • Draperies can serve a number of purposes: beauty, privacy and light control are usually the three most important. Remember that blinds and shades can be used along with the draperies to cover all your bases.
  • Don’t scrimp - Figure the width of the area you want to cover and then choose panels that are 2-3xhigh drama draperyas wide. You want them to look luxurious and full, not pulled taught.
  • Always choose a lined drapery (unless you are doing sheers). The lining protects the drapery from being damaged from heat and sunlight. The drapery will also hold its shape better over time.

Creative Commons License Photo Credit: emdot

Visit her site at mydesignsecrets.com to find great tips in designing your dream home.

Posted in Curtains, Ideas, bedroom | No Comments »

Privacy from Stylish Screens

Posted by janette on 14th June 2008

Who says you can only create privacy through walls. Screens or dividers can be an exquisite style to create your privacy in any space. I have gathered some unique designs available from 1stdibs.

The antique jungle vines screen contemporary made with antique torn jungle vines. Dozens of ancient vines were worn and dried out by the natural elements of South East Asian jungles have been secured to a contemporary base creating an amazing and naturalistic visual effect. Dimensions: 5 ft. 8 in. height, 8 in. depth, 5 ft. 2 in. width/length.

The Museum Trilobite Display/Room Divider, an eye-catching display from San Francisco’s now demolished “Academy of Science”. The museum quality casting of trilobites is now being offered as a room divider, made from plaster, redwood and steel. Dimensions: 6 ft. 1 in. height, 1 ft. depth, 6 ft. 4 in. width/length.

The Two 1970s Screens are made in brushed aluminum and colored plexiglass strips. Dimensions: 6 ft. 10.7 in. height, 1 ft. 3.7 in. depth, 3 ft. 3.4 in. width/length.

The Cat-tail Room Divider created by William Curry is made from painted chrome rods and walnut base exhibited in CA Design 9 exhibition 1968. Dimensions: 68” by 8” by 6”.

Made from oak and murano mirror, A Three Leaves Screen from Italy is created by Venetian craftsman. Each leave has 18” length with 6 ft. height and 4 ft. 6 in. width.

The “Cabinet of Birds” Trompe L’oeil Screen is a wonderful oil on canvas trompe l’oeil 2-panel screen, based on the oil paintings ‘cabinet of birds’ by Alexandre-Isidore Leroy de Barde (1777 -1828); the back is covered in a french cotton check fabric and finished with large nail heads.

A 1959 Italian Four fold screen in solid pallisander created by Ico Parisi. Dimension 8 ft. 5.2 in. height and 6 ft. 6.7 in. width/length.

Source: 1stdibs

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Bamboos Can Add A Terrific Twist to Your Space

Posted by janette on 14th June 2008

Bamboos are just grasses but these are known to be the fastest-growing plants on Earth that can create an elegant style and adds a twist in any space. You can find bamboos being used anywhere in the form of furniture, flooring, drapery rods, blinds and even cutting boards.

For a price of $269 Gaiam offers a rollable wood room divider made from bamboo stalks. Made from eco-friendly, pesticide-free bamboo treated with a nontoxic water-based finish, it matches up to any space. When not in use you can simply roll it neatly and can be used in other spaces.

Gaiam’s Bamboo Towel Ladder at $48 can be placed from room to room. Just lean it to any free wall. It can be use to dry extra towels, display your collection of quilts and even organize your magazines.

Sun Valley offers a sophisticated and beautiful Bamboo Living Room Suite. By understanding the importance and appreciation of timeless beauty, Sun Valley exemplifies the evolution of the classic forms of bamboo designs. Each one of their generously scaled and fully upholstered sophisticated seating offers expressive beauty and unexpected comfort, offering a perfect balance of elegance and timeless sensibility.

Sun Valley also offers a dining set all made from bamboo. Assembled by their finest craftsman the Belle Vista dining set comes with five and seven piece dining set. Price ranges from $1585 to $1875 with your choice of rectangular or round table.

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Alternative to Paints, Quick, Easy and Cool Decals from Wall Slicks

Posted by janette on 12th June 2008

Walls can be a great way to entertain yourself and have fun. Painting can consume some of your precious times and it could also be painful in your pockets when at the end you’re not satisfied with what it has become. Decals are just the fastest way to deck your walls. You might get used to with the old and boring designs. Wall Slicks offers new innovation in Home Décor. Other than making your wall ornamenting easy and simple, Wall slicks offer an inexpensive and mess free decals. Any one can quickly add and remove these exciting wall decals. Perfect for DIY fanatics, these surface graphics works best not just in walls but also in floors, doors, ceilings, furniture, glasses and more.

Just by peeling and sticking, these decals are also removable and could be transferred to any place. The adhesive wall graphics are as easy to remove as they are to apply, and are guaranteed to not leave residue. Perfect for home owners, apartment dwellers, or college dorm rooms.

Wall Slicks offers to be realistic. It may seem to look like paints. Thinness of material and opaque, matte finish allows decals to blend in with any décor and don’t look “stickery”. Perfect for any room, it could be your kitchen, playroom, living room, family room, bedroom, dorm room, nursery room, even the garage, providing an endless possibility!

Source: www.modernwallgraphics.com

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