Wherever we go, wherever we turn, a shade of blue always follows: the sky, the ocean, blue flowers and birds, blue mountain tops and deep blue lakes. Blue is a calm, restful color, perfectly suitable for interior design, especially for bedrooms. It's a Mediterranean color, one that reminds of the summer and the sea, a define mood booster. For this reason interior designers started to use this color in offices, day rooms and even to decorate summer gardens and kitchens.
Blue in offices has a good impact on the attentiveness of the workers. People are more productive in blue rooms, focused and creative. Even sportsmen perform better in blue rooms. Blue generally symbolizes harmony, peace, healing and happiness, but it could have "dark" meanings too. Lovers of blue tend to be introverted. While pale blue describes a happy personality, as the blue gets darker it becomes moody and depressing, especially when it's not associated with "positive" colors. Too much blue for a room and that space will become gloomy and depressing. Interior design deals with shapes and colors, combining them to create a pleasant atmosphere in every home.
Navy blue is a dark color that requires careful employment in a design composition. But used in the right amounts and on the right spots, navy blue can be the decisive element to enhance a design transforming a primarily dull space into an oasis of joy. Navy blue is the color of the deep seas. It's used often in designing the interiors of beach hotels and terraces. It reminds of handsome sailors (NAVY sailors do have those already famous navy-and-white striped t-shirts) and sailing adventures. What could better boost your mood than a dining room bathed in summery lights, where the 5 o'clock ice tea waits for you on a navy-and-white striped placemat?
If you are going to use navy blue to decorate your bedroom, you should always combine it with light, positive colors: white, camel, light beige, light gray, pearl. To make the blue décor even subtler, you should paint your walls in white or light beige. You could always use navy-blue furniture and bed sheets to create that nautical effect you long for. Decorating the walls with paintings or posters depicting the sea will enhance the interior design of your bedroom even more.
Another room suitable for navy-blue decorations is the bathroom. White and navy blue tiles could create a chess pattern on the floors and for some perfect decorative accents you could spread some blue tiles among the white ones on the walls. Navy blue bathroom vanities are rare and quite expensive. If you cannot afford them you still have the chance of bringing navy blue in the bathroom: vases, curtains, towels and other interior design accessories. And don't forget mirrors, to complete the luxury feeling already conferred by the richness of the color blue.
Take care about using carpets in navy blue in rooms with large windows. Fabrics exposed to direct sunlight lose the brightness of their colors because of the UV light beams. If you do have such windows and are very fund of your navy-blue carpet and curtains, consider isolating the glass of the windows with UV resistant filters.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Interior Designing For The Teens
In all aspects of life teenagers are starting to express themselves and assert their identity. That is why if they liked the music you played when they were 10 years old, they will very quickly consign that to the box marked "un-cool". The same is true of household decor or interior designs.
Fortunately it is relatively easy to work with your teen to give them much of what they want without too much financial of other sacrifice.
In most homes we are talking about the teenager(s) bedroom though if you have space a teen den or games room in the loft or over the garage is a cool idea.
A few design tips:
# rooms need to reflect the growing demand for independence, whilst still being a safe haven
# a games room or den is a great place to bring friends back to; you will be reassured that they are safe & not hanging out in some unknown "dive". Watch out, though, as they will raid the refrigerator for food and drink!
# rooms which teens grew up in will suddenly feel too childish, prompting a sudden desire to revamp or remodel
# the open door policy to a child's bedroom will also give way to greater demands for privacy. But if you can do not put everything they need in the bedroom or you may never see your teen again! If you can (and it is very difficult) try to resist the demand for a TV and computer in the bedroom. If your children had them before age 10, it may be too late to get out of this situation.
Colour and style
This is easy to deal with and also can make you appear to be a pretty cool parent. Work with your teenager to choose the colour scheme, even if you think you would never, ever, use black, purple or psychedelic patterns on the wall or ceiling.
For practicality use standard emulsion paints that are easy to retouch or change as tastes change. Walls and ceilings will soon be covered in posters and so on, but as long as the wall construction is sound you do not need to worry about sticky tape or Blu-tack (Fun-Tak) on the walls. Picture tacks and drawing pins are not the end of the world - just impose some adult rules about safety in relation to electric wiring and plumbing.
If graffiti is a design idea why not paint one wall in special black-board (chalk-board) paint?
Storage and furniture
You will probably want to work with what you already have in the interest of economy. But remember a growing teen will need a bigger stronger bed, which always raises the possibly embarrassing issue of whether it should be a double bed. Likewise bigger and more clothing calls for a taller wardrobe.
What ever you do make sure there is plenty of storage space and hooks on door backs. It will not prevent the sedimentary accumulation of clothing and detritus on the floor but at least there will be no lack-of-space excuse.
Function
If you can separate function, DO SO! If you can separate play from study then you will have visibility (if not control) of your teen's time management. In an ideal environment split sleep, study and play if possible. You may say that there is insufficient space but you could cheaply install a desk, a light and a computer under a staircase.
You might be able to clear out all the junk that usually lingers in a garage; old tins of paint, golf clubs and so on often mean there is no room for the car. With a bit of thought a corner of the garage could be turned into a teen den. Put down some end-of roll carpet, a second hand club sofa and an armchair, a book shelf, some anglepoise lamps or spot lights and a mp3 docking station plus hi-fi amplifier. A quilt or throw and an electric fan heater work well for colder nights. Your teen can chill out here with friends and have their own private space. And it will not matter too much whether it is neat and tidy in adult eyes.
Conclusion
Finally, interior design with a teen in mind is one area where you do not need to feel that you are making a concession or sacrifice to a rebellious or angst-ridden offspring. In fact you may not get the appreciation you deserve for your efforts until your teen is ready to leave home for college or the big bad world. The acid test then is to see if they still want to come back to stay in the room they grew up in (and to eat good old fashioned home cooking!).
Fortunately it is relatively easy to work with your teen to give them much of what they want without too much financial of other sacrifice.
In most homes we are talking about the teenager(s) bedroom though if you have space a teen den or games room in the loft or over the garage is a cool idea.
A few design tips:
# rooms need to reflect the growing demand for independence, whilst still being a safe haven
# a games room or den is a great place to bring friends back to; you will be reassured that they are safe & not hanging out in some unknown "dive". Watch out, though, as they will raid the refrigerator for food and drink!
# rooms which teens grew up in will suddenly feel too childish, prompting a sudden desire to revamp or remodel
# the open door policy to a child's bedroom will also give way to greater demands for privacy. But if you can do not put everything they need in the bedroom or you may never see your teen again! If you can (and it is very difficult) try to resist the demand for a TV and computer in the bedroom. If your children had them before age 10, it may be too late to get out of this situation.
Colour and style
This is easy to deal with and also can make you appear to be a pretty cool parent. Work with your teenager to choose the colour scheme, even if you think you would never, ever, use black, purple or psychedelic patterns on the wall or ceiling.
For practicality use standard emulsion paints that are easy to retouch or change as tastes change. Walls and ceilings will soon be covered in posters and so on, but as long as the wall construction is sound you do not need to worry about sticky tape or Blu-tack (Fun-Tak) on the walls. Picture tacks and drawing pins are not the end of the world - just impose some adult rules about safety in relation to electric wiring and plumbing.
If graffiti is a design idea why not paint one wall in special black-board (chalk-board) paint?
Storage and furniture
You will probably want to work with what you already have in the interest of economy. But remember a growing teen will need a bigger stronger bed, which always raises the possibly embarrassing issue of whether it should be a double bed. Likewise bigger and more clothing calls for a taller wardrobe.
What ever you do make sure there is plenty of storage space and hooks on door backs. It will not prevent the sedimentary accumulation of clothing and detritus on the floor but at least there will be no lack-of-space excuse.
Function
If you can separate function, DO SO! If you can separate play from study then you will have visibility (if not control) of your teen's time management. In an ideal environment split sleep, study and play if possible. You may say that there is insufficient space but you could cheaply install a desk, a light and a computer under a staircase.
You might be able to clear out all the junk that usually lingers in a garage; old tins of paint, golf clubs and so on often mean there is no room for the car. With a bit of thought a corner of the garage could be turned into a teen den. Put down some end-of roll carpet, a second hand club sofa and an armchair, a book shelf, some anglepoise lamps or spot lights and a mp3 docking station plus hi-fi amplifier. A quilt or throw and an electric fan heater work well for colder nights. Your teen can chill out here with friends and have their own private space. And it will not matter too much whether it is neat and tidy in adult eyes.
Conclusion
Finally, interior design with a teen in mind is one area where you do not need to feel that you are making a concession or sacrifice to a rebellious or angst-ridden offspring. In fact you may not get the appreciation you deserve for your efforts until your teen is ready to leave home for college or the big bad world. The acid test then is to see if they still want to come back to stay in the room they grew up in (and to eat good old fashioned home cooking!).
Monday, March 24, 2008
Give your room a new look with Bamboo Curtains
If you're thinking of giving a room a new look, here's an idea that requires only one change that “makes over” an entire room's look, regardless of style of existing decor. What is this silver bullet of decorating? Bamboo curtains. With their warm tones and sleek lines, this window treatment creates a natural sophisticated feel that fits right in with a variety of furnishings and brings unity in a very special way.
Bamboo has been used as a decorative accent for centuries, as window coverings and as living plants in the garden. Bamboo has special and positive symbolism in different cultures. In China, bamboo connotes longevity, while in Japan, it's used at shrines to warn off evil spirits. In India, bamboo signifies friendship. With such pleasant associations, these curtains can add an exotic spicing to your decorating with the additional benefit of being very durable, good-looking and easy to maintain.
As a window treatment, bamboo curtains, shades and blinds are very popular today in both home and office environments, due in large part to the natural beauty in combination with their sturdy characteristics.
Bamboo curtains are still made in the traditional manner, with a little help from new technologies. Bamboo curtains are made by cutting thin strips of the cane, followed by boiling and then drying of the strips. The prepared bamboo is then woven together with thin wire and fitted to a top piece of wood to form the finished bamboo curtains. Simple screw hooks secure the curtains in place at the top of the window. You'll find various mechanisms used to raise and lower the curtains, from a simple roll up to the more sophisticated Roman fold.
Ease of maintenance cinches the case for bamboo curtains. Unlike conventional drapes, these curtains don't require periodic visits to the cleaners. Using your vacuum's brush attachment or a feather duster sprayed with a dust-attracting spray, a quick going over once a week will keep your curtains clean and attractive. You may also use regular furniture polish on a damp cloth to impart a sheen to the surface.
Some styles of bamboo curtains are made with exotic grasses and reeds interwoven with the bamboo, producing striking combinations of colors and textures, lending a natural yet sophisticated look to their surroundings. Currently a favorite of the interior designer, with good reason, bamboo curtains are in demand with their clients. As a home decorator, you should take the hint!
Although comparatively inexpensive when matched against conventional drapes, prices of these curtains vary with complexity of design and the rolling mechanism the curtain employs.
Bamboo curtains are sometimes decorated with murals which can make a stunning display in a room with modern furnishings. Other, plainer styles can be perfect for a lanai or enclosed porch.
With all of these aesthetic and functional qualities, the popularity of bamboo curtains is no wonder. If you want to make over a room, look into the possibilities of these curtains for your home or office.
Bamboo has been used as a decorative accent for centuries, as window coverings and as living plants in the garden. Bamboo has special and positive symbolism in different cultures. In China, bamboo connotes longevity, while in Japan, it's used at shrines to warn off evil spirits. In India, bamboo signifies friendship. With such pleasant associations, these curtains can add an exotic spicing to your decorating with the additional benefit of being very durable, good-looking and easy to maintain.
As a window treatment, bamboo curtains, shades and blinds are very popular today in both home and office environments, due in large part to the natural beauty in combination with their sturdy characteristics.
Bamboo curtains are still made in the traditional manner, with a little help from new technologies. Bamboo curtains are made by cutting thin strips of the cane, followed by boiling and then drying of the strips. The prepared bamboo is then woven together with thin wire and fitted to a top piece of wood to form the finished bamboo curtains. Simple screw hooks secure the curtains in place at the top of the window. You'll find various mechanisms used to raise and lower the curtains, from a simple roll up to the more sophisticated Roman fold.
Ease of maintenance cinches the case for bamboo curtains. Unlike conventional drapes, these curtains don't require periodic visits to the cleaners. Using your vacuum's brush attachment or a feather duster sprayed with a dust-attracting spray, a quick going over once a week will keep your curtains clean and attractive. You may also use regular furniture polish on a damp cloth to impart a sheen to the surface.
Some styles of bamboo curtains are made with exotic grasses and reeds interwoven with the bamboo, producing striking combinations of colors and textures, lending a natural yet sophisticated look to their surroundings. Currently a favorite of the interior designer, with good reason, bamboo curtains are in demand with their clients. As a home decorator, you should take the hint!
Although comparatively inexpensive when matched against conventional drapes, prices of these curtains vary with complexity of design and the rolling mechanism the curtain employs.
Bamboo curtains are sometimes decorated with murals which can make a stunning display in a room with modern furnishings. Other, plainer styles can be perfect for a lanai or enclosed porch.
With all of these aesthetic and functional qualities, the popularity of bamboo curtains is no wonder. If you want to make over a room, look into the possibilities of these curtains for your home or office.
Bedroom decorating ideas
When I was a kid, all of my bedroom decorating ideas, and my bedroom decoration itself, came from my parents. It was really easy. Terms like bedroom decor ideas are not even really essential for little ones after all. All I really needed was stuffed animals and a comfortable quilt, and I would be happy. My parents came up with all kinds of great bedroom decor ideas on their own. They put up a picture of the solar system on my wall and even got me a bed that looked like a spaceship when I became interested in astronomy. Another time, they decorated my bedroom to look like one of my favorite cartoons: Danger Mouse. All in all, they had fantastic bedroom decor ideas for me, but as I began to enter adolescence, I knew that I needed to take over and make my room my own. After all, I am 13, and no longer a little girl.
Now, most of my bedroom decor ideas come from my friends. We love to get together and talk about how we like to set up our rooms. After all, aside from the clothes you wear, there is nothing that you can use to express yourself better than the way your room is decorated. That is why it is important to have the right friends. Although a lot of my bedroom decor ideas come from myself, there are a lot more of them that come from other people that I know and get to talk to. For example, my friend Michelle came up with the brilliant bedroom decorating idea of making everything, and anything in sight, pink. Oh I know, once it occurs to do it will seem obvious; it seems obvious to me now, but this is one of many bedroom decor ideas that I would not have come up with on my own. Michelle is such a girly girl though, that ideas like that come naturally to her. One of her other brilliant bedroom decor ideas was to replace my pillows with frilly ones with pictures of hearts on them.
I do not know if I have caught her fever for making a room look fantastic, but all this talk of bedroom decor ideas has made me think of my future. After careful consideration, I have figured out that I want to be an interior designer. That way, I will not only get to decorate bedrooms, but whole houses – and not just my own either. I can hardly wait to tell my parents!
Now, most of my bedroom decor ideas come from my friends. We love to get together and talk about how we like to set up our rooms. After all, aside from the clothes you wear, there is nothing that you can use to express yourself better than the way your room is decorated. That is why it is important to have the right friends. Although a lot of my bedroom decor ideas come from myself, there are a lot more of them that come from other people that I know and get to talk to. For example, my friend Michelle came up with the brilliant bedroom decorating idea of making everything, and anything in sight, pink. Oh I know, once it occurs to do it will seem obvious; it seems obvious to me now, but this is one of many bedroom decor ideas that I would not have come up with on my own. Michelle is such a girly girl though, that ideas like that come naturally to her. One of her other brilliant bedroom decor ideas was to replace my pillows with frilly ones with pictures of hearts on them.
I do not know if I have caught her fever for making a room look fantastic, but all this talk of bedroom decor ideas has made me think of my future. After careful consideration, I have figured out that I want to be an interior designer. That way, I will not only get to decorate bedrooms, but whole houses – and not just my own either. I can hardly wait to tell my parents!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Long Standing Tradition In Interior Designs
Interior design is a profession with a long standing tradition. Everything from office buildings to private homes has been created using various design principles to give a wonderful, lasting impression of beauty and art. When considering how to redesign any interior space it is important to consider just what type of style you will incorporate into the plans right from the beginning. One of the most popular design aspects that has been used for many decades is known as art deco.
Initially art deco was used as a purely decorative style of design and was very popular during the 1920’s and into the late 1930’s. Back then it was viewed as functional, elegant as well as being ultra modern. Art deco is an extremely eclectic style, drawing influences from a variety of different sources. Some of them are considered primitive like Egyptian and African, even Aztec Mexico. Other include streamlined technology like aviation. Binding together with techniques routed in Cubism and Futurism, art deco has a wide range of functionality and expressiveness. A home decorator using this style can be free to do a huge variety of different things in the interior of a space.
The type of materials used in art deco interior design consist of stainless steel, lacquer, aluminum, inlaid wood, even sharkskin and zebra skin. Stemming from this use of harder, metallic materials is the celebration of the machine age. Art deco does this through the repetitive use of these man-made materials and also through symmetry. During the Great Depression the use of art deco saw its heyday because of its practicality and simplicity.
Although its popularity declined shortly after, it has recently enjoyed a rebirth in popularity and there is no reason not to utilize this style when planning any interior design. When you want a classic retro type of look go for art deco. There are so many examples of buildings that use art deco in their design like the Empire State Building, completed in 1931. Many art deco skyscrapers have been torn down but they can still serve as an amazing example of the power and majesty of this design style.
Art deco uses very strong, sharp angles in its application. Thick metal groves inlaid with heavy concrete and full bodied foundations characterize this style of design. When using it within the confides of your home or office building, keep in mind the effect you wish to portray with not only walls but the furniture as well. Because of both the Aztec and Egyptian influences, there is also a heavily pyramidal feeling to a lot of art deco buildings. A gradual step by step lessening of form can give the impression of strength and endurance. This was a great reason why art deco was so popular during the Great Depression. Today it can still have the same kind of impact.
Initially art deco was used as a purely decorative style of design and was very popular during the 1920’s and into the late 1930’s. Back then it was viewed as functional, elegant as well as being ultra modern. Art deco is an extremely eclectic style, drawing influences from a variety of different sources. Some of them are considered primitive like Egyptian and African, even Aztec Mexico. Other include streamlined technology like aviation. Binding together with techniques routed in Cubism and Futurism, art deco has a wide range of functionality and expressiveness. A home decorator using this style can be free to do a huge variety of different things in the interior of a space.
The type of materials used in art deco interior design consist of stainless steel, lacquer, aluminum, inlaid wood, even sharkskin and zebra skin. Stemming from this use of harder, metallic materials is the celebration of the machine age. Art deco does this through the repetitive use of these man-made materials and also through symmetry. During the Great Depression the use of art deco saw its heyday because of its practicality and simplicity.
Although its popularity declined shortly after, it has recently enjoyed a rebirth in popularity and there is no reason not to utilize this style when planning any interior design. When you want a classic retro type of look go for art deco. There are so many examples of buildings that use art deco in their design like the Empire State Building, completed in 1931. Many art deco skyscrapers have been torn down but they can still serve as an amazing example of the power and majesty of this design style.
Art deco uses very strong, sharp angles in its application. Thick metal groves inlaid with heavy concrete and full bodied foundations characterize this style of design. When using it within the confides of your home or office building, keep in mind the effect you wish to portray with not only walls but the furniture as well. Because of both the Aztec and Egyptian influences, there is also a heavily pyramidal feeling to a lot of art deco buildings. A gradual step by step lessening of form can give the impression of strength and endurance. This was a great reason why art deco was so popular during the Great Depression. Today it can still have the same kind of impact.
Special Skills For The Personal Interior Designs
Every person wants to be recognized as an individual with special skills, values and talents. These attributes are often displayed in the way we dress, the way we act, the friends we choose and yes, the way we decorate our homes.
For instance, interior designers believe that choosing glass as a means of interior decorating speaks about attributes such as inner beauty, fragility, tenderness and luxury. It's in romantic natures to opt for tiffany lamps or crystal chandeliers. Yet, these are expensive products. Wouldn't it be better to try a little interior decoration of our own?
A personal design mirrors our very essence, hidden feelings and traits we often disregard. Is it safe to expose them? Is it safe to let people know who we really are? Yes, because that's what it takes to make out of interior decorations a real art: to give something to the world, to create.
Creating our own interior design means taking a personal risk. It's not fear, it's just the emotional stress: whether the design we have in mind will come to fruition as we picture it or not, whether people will see it as we do and accept it as a work of art, as a statement of personality or they will just reject it, thus rejecting us.
No matter what, as long as it comes from the heart, this interior design, as any artwork, will be rewarding. Are you willing to take the risk? It would be safe to follow trends, to imitate what you see in magazines. You will not fail: those are professionals; they do interior design for a living. Follow their advice; even hire one if you want, but then, where is your real reward? You'll hear from your friends: "Wow! This is great!" But is this really for you? To do so is to ruin your own talent.
So look inside yourself, think what really matters to you. Let's say you have a thing for dream catchers. So create a design where the dream catcher will fit: ambiguous shapes and shades, obscure lights, fantastic pictures on the walls. If the world you imagine doesn't exist, create your own world! Let your passion drive your mind: don't be afraid to use unusual materials. Anything will do: from broken glass and marbles to tree branches, from dried plants and feathers to paper folds, from broken pieces of a mirror to wood chips or metal accents, from sea shells you color with acrylics to unexpected artworks on canvas.
It's sometimes hard, but don't give up. Great works of art need time and you have time on your side. There's no rush. Your home is your temple, so make it holy for you!
Don't be afraid of what people think. They cannot see the world as you do. They do not feel the same, nor think the same. But when your work is done, astonishing in its beauty, they do not need to understand its meaning but to know it's unique: as unique as its creator - YOU.
For instance, interior designers believe that choosing glass as a means of interior decorating speaks about attributes such as inner beauty, fragility, tenderness and luxury. It's in romantic natures to opt for tiffany lamps or crystal chandeliers. Yet, these are expensive products. Wouldn't it be better to try a little interior decoration of our own?
A personal design mirrors our very essence, hidden feelings and traits we often disregard. Is it safe to expose them? Is it safe to let people know who we really are? Yes, because that's what it takes to make out of interior decorations a real art: to give something to the world, to create.
Creating our own interior design means taking a personal risk. It's not fear, it's just the emotional stress: whether the design we have in mind will come to fruition as we picture it or not, whether people will see it as we do and accept it as a work of art, as a statement of personality or they will just reject it, thus rejecting us.
No matter what, as long as it comes from the heart, this interior design, as any artwork, will be rewarding. Are you willing to take the risk? It would be safe to follow trends, to imitate what you see in magazines. You will not fail: those are professionals; they do interior design for a living. Follow their advice; even hire one if you want, but then, where is your real reward? You'll hear from your friends: "Wow! This is great!" But is this really for you? To do so is to ruin your own talent.
So look inside yourself, think what really matters to you. Let's say you have a thing for dream catchers. So create a design where the dream catcher will fit: ambiguous shapes and shades, obscure lights, fantastic pictures on the walls. If the world you imagine doesn't exist, create your own world! Let your passion drive your mind: don't be afraid to use unusual materials. Anything will do: from broken glass and marbles to tree branches, from dried plants and feathers to paper folds, from broken pieces of a mirror to wood chips or metal accents, from sea shells you color with acrylics to unexpected artworks on canvas.
It's sometimes hard, but don't give up. Great works of art need time and you have time on your side. There's no rush. Your home is your temple, so make it holy for you!
Don't be afraid of what people think. They cannot see the world as you do. They do not feel the same, nor think the same. But when your work is done, astonishing in its beauty, they do not need to understand its meaning but to know it's unique: as unique as its creator - YOU.
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