Tuesday 6 March 2018

Interior Decorating Ideas

Creativity is the core of interior decorating. You need to let loose your imagination, aesthetic sense, and intelligence, and cull out as many ideas as possible. Interior decorating can be compared to poetry, as both are vast and simply do not seem to have a definite end. You can go on and on and on.

There are several styles of interior decorating. You can browse through them leisurely, compare and contrast their features, advantages and effects, and then select the best option. Broadly speaking, interior-decorating Ideas can be obtained from catalogs, brochures or promotional advertisements released by interior decorators or designers.

Before deciding to adopt any particular idea, its feasibility, affordability, and flexibility needs to be determined. You should never go just by appearance, but consider the appropriateness of the idea. Interior decorating can be obtained from various styles belonging to different areas. The most popular among them are colonial, post-colonial and Georgian.

Primarily, interior-decorating Ideas can be either contemporary or exotic. It depends on the individual's taste and perception of beauty.

The field of interior decorating is undergoing constant change and growth. It can also include insect and pest-control measures like termite control.

Interior decorating ideas can prove very useful when combined with scientific principles. A small example for this can be seen from a study made by Michigan State University Extension, which found that among the materials used for flooring, slates retained the maximum percentage of heat. On the other hand, bricks absorbed the least percentage of heat.

Interior decorating ideas communicate to the guests too. Hence, the theme of an interior decorating Idea should be to adorn a building in a suitable way. Interior decorating does not stop with mere decorating. It should be an ongoing activity and take into account maintenance, repair, and preventive measures too.

Small Luxury Bathroom Design

Luxury does not always mean that it is expensive. You can see many items which at a glance look luxurious but they are not very costly. Thus if you can make a proper small luxury bathroom design, your small bathroom can be given a beautiful and luxurious look.

While making a proper small luxury bathroom design, the most important thing that should be kept in mind is that the color of the tiles used should be very light as it gives a bigger feeling about the bathroom. The reflection of light is more in light color tiles and hence people get a bigger perspective about the size of the bathroom. Due to this reason the pale and the soft shades are most popular in a small luxury bathroom design.

While making small luxury bathroom design, your prime goal should be to increase the functionality of the bathroom and at a same time make its look attractive. To utilize the maximum space in your small bathroom it is better to use compact furniture with sleek structures to store the daily basic requirements like shampoos and shower gels. It helps to reduce the clutter in the bathroom creating more space.

Proper use of bathroom lighting is very important as it also helps to visually increase the size of the bathroom. In addition to the light color tiles on the walls a bright lit bathroom makes the space look bigger and cheerful. Using of mirrors is also another great option in a proper small luxury bathroom design, as use of large mirrors in a small bathroom makes it look bigger. Light is also distributed more evenly in a small bathroom in presence of a mirror.

Use of sliding doors in a small bathroom reduces the space which is blocked when normal hinged doors are used. To make your bathroom look more elegant you can also use transparent shower screens or shower curtains. Instead of normal ones, you can use pedestal basins as they get fitted in small areas quite easily. These designs of luxury for small bathrooms are not very expensive and they can really change the visual size and the looks of your bathroom.

Trendy Bathroom Design Ideas

Your bathroom is a great place to unleash all of your interior design ideas. Because a bathroom space is so small, it's a fantastic place to try out design ideas. This way, you don't have to spend a fortune on design materials just to find out that you don't like the design after all. And since bathrooms are so small, they make for a quick and painless redesign scheme. Use these trendy bathroom designs for your next home improvement project and you can be sure you'll get the perfect design for your bathroom space.

Open Spaces

Many kitchen and bathroom furniture's are starting to have a more open design. Bathroom design ideas are moving towards more open materials. Bathroom cabinets are becoming more like furniture pieces with legs and drawers. This creates a more lived in feel for the design and helps to avoid the utilitarian look of most bathroom cabinetry.

Curves

Throw out the old square bathtub and shower enclosure. New bathroom trends are making bathroom equipment organic and free flowing. Curved tubs, rounded mirrors and basin sinks are taking over bathroom spaces. Cabinetry lines are smoothed out and corners are removed, making edges and corners a thing of the past in the modern bathroom.

Artistic Tiles

From stainless steel tiles to fabulous glass, tiles in the bathroom design are beginning to look more like works of art than tiles. Borders, bull nose and other mosaic tile pieces are great additions to any bathroom space. Mixing and matching tiles colors, styles and shapes are also becoming trendier for bathroom tile designs.

Technology

From LCD televisions embedded in the bathroom wall to digital thermostats in the shower enclosure, using technology in the bathroom is a hot design trend. Whether you install a self-cleaning shower stall or a heated toilet seat, technology is a great addition to many bathroom designs.

Asian Influence

Bathroom trends are turning more towards Asian styles and designs in the bathroom. Bamboo flooring, cherry blossom tiles and Japanese style sliding privacy doors are all great ways to decorate your bathroom. Asian flavor can provide your bathroom ideas with a touch of class without having to cost you a fortune.

Environmental Trends

Going green is a buzz word that's been in use for some time. Green decorating ideas are often used in the bathroom space by employing low flow fixtures and energy saving lighting. But you can also go green with your home décor and other design features. From reclaimed wood to recycled tiles, an environmentally friendly bathroom space is a hot trend for bathrooms.

Popular Styles Of Bathroom Design

The bathroom has come along way in the past one hundred years. Once just a basic tub set in front of the living room fire and filled with buckets of water, the bathing experience is now a luxury in almost every western home. Back then, a "bathroom" was something only the wealthy and privileged could afford to have in their house. It was this trend which lead to the mass production of bathroom products.

The Edwardian and Victorian styles of the time are still a popular choice today. They look exquisite in a villa or cottage bathroom, and never loose their appeal in terms of design.

Today, thanks to advanced plumbing and modern technology, the bathroom may well have evolved as far as it can. With luxury steam rooms and hydrotherapy baths, it's difficult to imagine how bathrooms could get any more sophisticated. That said, the bathroom, like any room in the house, is ever changing in terms of design trends.

Here we look at the five most popular styles of bathroom designs. Traditional, Country, Shabby chic, Contemporary and Fantasy.

Traditional

The Traditional bathroom can mean either traditional in terms of Edwardian or Victorian style, or in respect to a standard white bathroom with basic sanitary ware and bath. Here, we'll be looking at the style of bathroom design where it all started. The Edwardian bathroom.

Over the past decade, with the popularity of TV shows like Changing Rooms, the trend for old-fashioned bathrooms has seen a real upsurge. A rare gem of an old slipper bath or rusty traditional faucet may be found at a scrap yard or in a skip, but thankfully manufacturers are keeping up with demand with skillfully crafted traditional bathroom products.

Certain rooms only work in certain houses, so if you're living in a modern high rise apartment the traditional bathroom isn't going to work for you. If you have an old cottage or villa retreat this style of bathroom is one you should definitely consider.

Almost always, the bath is the centre piece attraction of the traditional bathroom. A free-standing roll-top or slipper bath sits proudly on a dark polished floor, and only if going for a traditional continental style bathroom will an inset or sunken tub hold appeal. Either a wall-mounted faucet or a free-standing one looks classy. Deep ridges and curved angles are what makes the traditional sanitary ware what it is - bold and masculine.

When decorating a traditional bathroom both soft tones and bold colours can work well. Strong tones of browns, maroons and greens give a nice warmth to the room, but be sure the bathroom is well lit, maybe with a lavish chandelier. With the right colours, antique gold can look better than chrome. Go for curtains, never blinds. If going for a vanity unit rather than a traditional basin and pedestal, choose an oak or cherry finish; or the white Cynk vanity unit is a good look with traditional baths and toilets.

One of the most appealing things about the traditional bathroom is clutter gives it more of a lived-in effect, thus enhancing the traditional look. Don't be afraid to put plenty of pictures on the walls - black and white family portraits in gold frames are a good look. A chest of drawers or corner table with scented candles, aromatherapy oils or flowers will really bring the room to life. As a finishing touch an old style set of weighing scales, a large framed mirror or bulky traditional radiator will give the room that cozy old-fashioned feel.

Country

The country style bathroom is perhaps the easiest type of design to create, and like the traditional bathroom only really works well within the right house. The classic country look is best associated with floral wallpaper, high beams, basin frills and a bath canopy. Following the traditional design, cast iron baths and deep ridged sanitary ware are what gives the country bathroom its nostalgic look.

Check, floral or plaid curtains are preferred over roller blinds, and shutters, though rare in England, offer a great form of privacy as well as adding to the country effect. Wood plays a big part in this look, and almost all furniture works well in this setting, especially beech, maple, ash and oak vanity units and cabinets.

Either tiles or wooden floors can be used. Tiles should be a rustic colour, and can be used to create elaborate mosaics. Wooden floors should be varnished to match the furniture. Decorating may see a stenciled motif used as a border, and the technique of rubbing paint on the walls with a sponge gives the room that worn natural look.

Toilets with high level cisterns and pull chains are very rare these days, but a must have for the country bathroom, as are traditional taps for the bath and basin. Just about any kind of free-standing bath will suit the country bathroom. If wishing to have a shower a tiled walk-in shower is the advisable option with a curtain to conceal the area.

For the final touch add wicker baskets filled with pot pouri, wire basket shelves and stylish wall lamps.

Shabby Chic

"Shabby chic", a relatively new phrase used to describe room designs, is an obscure blend of neglect and style. It is one of the most difficult bathroom designs to create, and it takes a bold decision to go for this bathroom style. It almost certainly achieves its full potential in a continental house, either a French chateau or old Spanish villa.

The absolute opposite of a fitted bathroom, the shabby chic look is a mismatch of styles and products. You can even do the unexpected, like put a put a refrigerator in the corner. Nothing is expected to match and pipework and plumbing are on show rather than concealed. This style is best suited to those who have inherited a bathroom and want to update it a little rather than fork out on a brand new bathroom suite.

The key to decoration is neutral tones with a few dark colors. For the walls choose a matte or flat wall paint. Pale golds and yellows work particularly well as does floral or check patterned wallpaper.

As with the country and traditional bathrooms, cast iron baths are a must. Either a roll-top or slipper bath will do, and although you don't want holes or rust, the more dilapidated it looks the better. Even consider running sandpaper over the paint work and claw feet. It's always worth looking out for old fittings at antique shops and car boot sales.

Counter top basins are highly recommended in this setting, and the look out for extremely unusual decorated designs. Place it on a washstand or run-down vanity unit. Add unique ornaments and antique framed mirrors.

Modern

Modern bathrooms are all about what you do with the space you have. Within many bathrooms there is little room to work with, so making the most of the space is essential. This is why fitted bathroom suites are now so popular. Having bathroom furniture made to measure is one of the most practical design solutions when remodeling the bathroom.

How many of us have had a bathroom with a cluttered airing cupboard? With the modern bathroom there's no need to cram your toiletries, towels and cleaning fluids around the boiler. With fitted vanity units, storage units and cabinets you'll have all the space you need.

When examining modern bathroom design, wall-hung furniture has to get a mention. White gloss will never go out of fashion, but more recently furniture finishes such as wenge, beech and maple have made a real emergence in popularity.

As well as the furniture, wall-hung sanitary ware is a great space-saving solution while giving the bathroom a contemporary feel. Also, concealed cistern units are a more eye-pleasing look than the standard close-coupled toilet.

Showerbaths are a great practical way of optimizing the space, so that you have the comfort of both bathing and showering. Walk-in showers are also very popular in the modern bathroom, and if buying a shower enclosure for the modern bathroom choose one with a chrome structure over white.

Chrome and stainless steel are the ultimate choice in the modern bathroom, and taps and bath mixers are available in a number of contemporary designs, rather than the traditional style faucets. Also, choose chrome towel rails over standard white radiators, as well as matching chrome accessories..

Don't be afraid to decorate with bold colours when tiling or painting, getting the contrast right with the chrome and the gloss. If using curtains be subtle with the designs and colours, but preferably go for stylish roller blinds.

Fantasy

Daring to be anything more than conventional, the fantasy bathroom design lets you be truly innovative with your fantasies and tastes. With the emphasis on futuristic, this style of bathroom is the antithesis of the traditionalist.

The fantasy design is ideally exclusive to only larger bathrooms, as with all futuristic interior design large open spaces are what brings the room together. Steam cabins and whirlpool baths are the ideal choice for showering and bathing. Or combine the two will a well designed bath screen and a glass shower panel. Because of their minimal effect, Walk-in showers also work well with modern tiling, chrome shower fixtures and classy shower lighting.

For the sanitary ware go with wall-hung or standard close-coupled toilet and basin with pedestal with acute angles and a contemporary design. Abstract towel rails and wenge wall-hung furniture fit well in the fantasy bathroom, giving it that calm almost surreal look.

The ultimate luxury in a fantasy bathroom would have to be a waterproof TV. You could even think of doubling the bathroom up as gym, complete with exercise bike and rowing machine.

Living Room Interior Designs

A lot of us spend plenty of time trying to get our living space in good order, as this is typically where we have guests' company and it has to make a fine impression. Making a fine impression is a decent objective as long as you do not turn the space into a picture perfect setting which threatens visitors and needs high maintenance repairs. Living room interior designs is intended for living and not maintenance. Thus, make your a friendly and cosy one to live in.

The first thing to do when creating living room interior designs is to check out what you have in hand and graph out a layout plan. Take into consideration both the architectural aspects of the living space and the effect you wish to create. Also, create a list of the things you are going to utilize in the living space. Is it going to be intended for having visitors or is it going to be a space for the family as well? Will it be utilized for playing games, watching television, or reading? Is it also going to serve as a dining room? If you own pets, will they be permitted inside it?

Then, take into consideration the type of furniture you may need for the planned activities. If you're going to include a dining table, will it be small or large? Are you going to include closets for the ornaments, books, television, and other things? What type of chairs and sofa will be cosy for you and your visitors, and last long as well if you own pets hopping on and off?

When you know what you wish, you may look at various living room interior design ideas. Turn to magazine photos, artworks, fabric designs, colour swathes, shop windows, other people's houses, the Internet, nature, and almost everything else. It is definitely very interesting and inspiring to know what the greatest interior designers are currently doing. However, do not fall too much over what is trendy right now or what is hot and happening these days. Do not forget how important it is to make use of your own style and taste since your own house is concerned. The bottom line is not only to have a well-styles living space, but one that vividly speaks your personality, is both comfortable and fun to live in, and is easy to keep up as well. If you own a living space that is too valuable to be utilized, one of you has to be changed.

As a lot of living room interior designs experts would say, the best colour for a living space is a neutral and light shade. Having your living space floors and walls in a neutral colour definitely offers a lot of leeway in selecting the lights, ornaments, draperies, furniture, and so on in different textures and colours. Thus, it is particularly helpful if you wish to change around the appearance of your living space time and time again. You do not need to repaint the entire space just to attain a different appearance.

Minimalist Interior Design

"Less is more." - the words of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the pioneers of modern architecture, is said to be the guiding principle in minimalist interior design.

A common mistake among homeowners when attempting to create a room that's visually appealing is to stuff a space with too many trinkets and detailed furniture. Instead of creating a cohesively designed living space, what results is a trashy, distorted and stressful area within a home. The average person would probably think that minimalism is "bland", "boring" or "lifeless" but in the viewpoint of a designer, it may just be the perfect recipe for a "gracefully balanced room" without the frills.

The basic and conceivably, the only elements expressed in minimalist interior design are smooth planes, bold and fine lines and rhythmic geometric shapes. Ornaments used are for quality and purpose and not mainly for beautification.

In another sense, certain essential furniture serve more than one purpose. For example, the fireplace may also accommodate the bathroom; the study can serve as both a sound-proof studio and entertainment center.

Experts in minimalism focus on the relationship between natural lighting, the regular pattern of basic shapes and eye-friendly colors. The only time it makes use of shocking colors is in small details of elements within a room. Thematic choices for minimalist interior design include natural stones, polished wood, metal and glass. For the individual elements, a designer or homeowner may opt for the following:

Furniture

When choosing a shelf, coffee table or loveseat, aim for modern and class-looking pieces. Materials like plain leather, natural wood, stainless steel and transparent glass give out a non-bulky and crisp ambience to the entire room. It is also important to situate the furniture nearer to the floor to maximize their minimalist appeal.

Lighting

Keep in mind that the thing minimalist interior design relies on is natural lighting. Small sources of light strategically placed within the room may also be good for creating a softer, cozy effect at night. You might want to install wall-lights or small table lights and a modern chandelier for this.

Walls and Floor

In minimalist interiors, WHITE has always been "The BLACK". It creates the illusion of a bigger, cleaner space and smoother details to everything else. Neutral colors such as lime green, beige, stone and taupe are other alternatives for room color other than white. For you accent color, red is a tasteful choice. If you have other colors in mind, just make sure that you choose one or one color scheme for the entire space.

Windows

Do not fuss overdecorating windows. They should be kept simple to allow the optimal entry of light. If you'd like to have a little privacy, consider installing straight panels, white drapes and blinds.

Accessories

You won't be needing a lot of accessories to show. Choose to have a photo album, candles and two vases in the room and keep the rest hidden in good storage compartments. "Spacious" and "tidy" should be your goal.

Interior Design Portfolio Tips

The Importance Of An Interior Design Portfolio

A portfolio that ensures that you stand out from the rest in a positive way can open numerous doors to opportunities that many never get a chance to capitalise on. They do not have the chance to do so largely because they have weak portfolios that do absolutely nothing to showcase their talent at all. Your portfolio needs to be able to stand alone with no explanation at all and make you look good. It should impress people with the range of techniques, designs and qualities within it.

An excellent portfolio should have no shortage of interior design ideas that put a spin on the work of others and employ styles and fashions but there should also be something completely unique about it. The goal is to make yourself stand out in a good way and the tips in the following interior design tips in the next few paragraphs are designed to help you with just that!

Choose The Right Type

The golden rule of putting together a portfolio is that you should do so to reflect you in your best light because there is no one given right or wrong way to do it. You just have to showcase your interior designs to the best of your ability. However, you may look at tailoring it to the specific opportunity in question. Interior design is specific to taste so tailoring it rather than making it a generic interior design portfolio that just blends in with every other portfolio out there.

Show Your Skills

A portfolio should show your capabilities as a design and ensure that you have fully demonstrated your skills. You must be able to convey your design ideas quickly and effectively, using scale, color and focus to your best possible advantage. However, do not limit yourself to the usual photos, sketches, renderings and other similar projects. Instead, look to use any and all tools at your disposal. For example, use CAD, modelling, software packages, model making and any other formats of work you can use to be of benefit to you. You have to show off any and all skills that you have at your disposal because you never know what someone may be looking for.

Make It Different

Now you know exactly what your portfolio has to contain, it is up to you to make sure that it does contain all of the above but also has a little bit of you in there as well. If there is not something unique and individual to differentiate your ideas from those of everyone else then there is no point creating your portfolio to begin with. Different is good, especially if it gives others an idea of where you want to go. You have to take full control of your career and make people notice you. That way, interior design will be an ongoing love affair for you as well as a source of income. Few people get to do what they love for a living so make sure that you are one of them.