Showing posts with label Interior Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interior Design. Show all posts

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Choosing Colours For Your Interiors!

Blinds, Colour, Interior Design, Rugs, Venetian blinds
One of the greatest things about interior design is that you can opt for any style you like, it's your home and you should feel comfortable in it! You do not have to keep up with the very latest design trends to have an interior which is stunning.

If you can't decide on which colour you like best or simply have to have them all then simple aspects such as painting your cupboard doors all a different colour can look striking and very stylish! In order that the look is not overwhelmed opt for plain white blinds which enable you to control how much light and privacy you want or need.

Using Venetian styled blinds in a kitchen is ideal, particularly if they are made from metal which has been coated to help reduce dust build up as well as being very easy to keep clean, as they allow plenty of natural light to flood into the room creating a homely, bright and airy space when stacked at the top of the window or when the louvres are tilted open. If you have small windows you can further maximise the use of natural light up slightly tilting the louvres upwards which enables the light to bounce off a white ceiling.

Keep things natural in the kitchen by having easy to clean flooring around the working areas. If you have a table in your kitchen you can opt for a rug made from natural materials to keep the theme coordinated and bring a sense of homeliness as well as cohesion to the room.

Image: Avant-garde Design

Choosing Colours For Your Interiors!

Blinds, Colour, Interior Design, Rugs, Venetian blinds
One of the greatest things about interior design is that you can opt for any style you like, it's your home and you should feel comfortable in it! You do not have to keep up with the very latest design trends to have an interior which is stunning.

If you can't decide on which colour you like best or simply have to have them all then simple aspects such as painting your cupboard doors all a different colour can look striking and very stylish! In order that the look is not overwhelmed opt for plain white blinds which enable you to control how much light and privacy you want or need.

Using Venetian styled blinds in a kitchen is ideal, particularly if they are made from metal which has been coated to help reduce dust build up as well as being very easy to keep clean, as they allow plenty of natural light to flood into the room creating a homely, bright and airy space when stacked at the top of the window or when the louvres are tilted open. If you have small windows you can further maximise the use of natural light up slightly tilting the louvres upwards which enables the light to bounce off a white ceiling.

Keep things natural in the kitchen by having easy to clean flooring around the working areas. If you have a table in your kitchen you can opt for a rug made from natural materials to keep the theme coordinated and bring a sense of homeliness as well as cohesion to the room.

Image: Avant-garde Design

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

What Gives Your Bedroom The Factor?


If you have a fairly sleek bedroom and want to give it more of the 'wow' factor, consider one piece of furniture or a wall decoration that makes heads turn. An armchair that is an unusual shape and with a chosen accent colour. Taking one wall and giving it new life with a daring wallpaper print would also be a good option.

If you insist on having neutral colours in the bedroom then why not warm things up by choosing a monochrome scheme in shades of black and white. With the right choice of fabrics and black and white bedding you can make a relaxing retreat - go with all things soft to touch such as cashmere or Chinese silk. A simple graphic print on bedding will add more depth and interest to the final look.

Perhaps you need more space? It can be that you are looking to re-decorate with new colours and fabrics or even update furniture and/or the flooring.

You could also install spotlights above the bed for extra light on the evening. Try to choose colours and patterns that are not too dark, demanding or 'busy'. Neutrals and pastels in block colours or with a fine pattern will be the best option to give the appearance of more light and space.

Image: Decorology

What Gives Your Bedroom The Factor?


If you have a fairly sleek bedroom and want to give it more of the 'wow' factor, consider one piece of furniture or a wall decoration that makes heads turn. An armchair that is an unusual shape and with a chosen accent colour. Taking one wall and giving it new life with a daring wallpaper print would also be a good option.

If you insist on having neutral colours in the bedroom then why not warm things up by choosing a monochrome scheme in shades of black and white. With the right choice of fabrics and black and white bedding you can make a relaxing retreat - go with all things soft to touch such as cashmere or Chinese silk. A simple graphic print on bedding will add more depth and interest to the final look.

Perhaps you need more space? It can be that you are looking to re-decorate with new colours and fabrics or even update furniture and/or the flooring.

You could also install spotlights above the bed for extra light on the evening. Try to choose colours and patterns that are not too dark, demanding or 'busy'. Neutrals and pastels in block colours or with a fine pattern will be the best option to give the appearance of more light and space.

Image: Decorology

Friday, April 22, 2011

Jazz Up Your Living Space With A By-Gone Era


Trying a new design style in your home is a great way of adding a new lease of life to a tired looking interior without having the expense and upheaval of moving home.

Try styles inspired by past eras which fit in with the style of your home and your lifestyle. With so many great ideas around at the moment there is no one style which is deemed better than another. Interior design is all part experimenting and trying new things, mixing and matching if you so wish, just as long as you remember to keep to the basic principles of design.

For Art Deco inspiration we have a very useful guide on how to get the look - but to inspire you further don't hesitate to spend a night in watching old Hollywood films from the late twenties and early thirties.

No interior designer can forget the influence of early Hollywood and jazz - shiny fabrics, low lighting, highly polished wood, cocktail cabinets and mirrors. Ultimately in a time of depression - Art Deco offered a little luxury and opulence to the regular family home; which seems pretty apt for the current economic situation!

Both wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps UK were popular - look for geometric shapes and sandblasted glass. Scour antique shops for female figurine table lamps that were a Hollywood influence.

Image: Decorology

Jazz Up Your Living Space With A By-Gone Era


Trying a new design style in your home is a great way of adding a new lease of life to a tired looking interior without having the expense and upheaval of moving home.

Try styles inspired by past eras which fit in with the style of your home and your lifestyle. With so many great ideas around at the moment there is no one style which is deemed better than another. Interior design is all part experimenting and trying new things, mixing and matching if you so wish, just as long as you remember to keep to the basic principles of design.

For Art Deco inspiration we have a very useful guide on how to get the look - but to inspire you further don't hesitate to spend a night in watching old Hollywood films from the late twenties and early thirties.

No interior designer can forget the influence of early Hollywood and jazz - shiny fabrics, low lighting, highly polished wood, cocktail cabinets and mirrors. Ultimately in a time of depression - Art Deco offered a little luxury and opulence to the regular family home; which seems pretty apt for the current economic situation!

Both wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps UK were popular - look for geometric shapes and sandblasted glass. Scour antique shops for female figurine table lamps that were a Hollywood influence.

Image: Decorology

Monday, April 18, 2011

Pretty Summer Pastels


Pastels colours are rather like Marmite, you either love them or hate them! However, the newest sherbet colours bridge the gap between the palest of pastels and the more intense colours of bright bolds rather effectively and of course sherbets are right on-trend!

There will be rooms within the home that can carry off a completely pastel or sherbet palette such as the bedroom and the bathroom. These spaces should be easy on the eye and relaxing - something that a pastel can achieve in an instant. Duck egg blue bedding works well when teamed with cream or ivory for a chic refined look which is up market and more formal.

More livable rooms such as the lounge and dining space may work better when you add a punch of neon colour such as lime green curtains to a pastel backdrop.

Pretty pastels can be used in the bathroom to create a soft and relaxing place to relax and de-stress. For a coastal look experiment with light shades of blues and greens that will look all the more crisp when paired with white wood and fixtures. Choose accessories carefully, as your don't want the style to vie for attention with the colours; peaceful tranquillity is desired look.

Image: Delight By Design

Pretty Summer Pastels


Pastels colours are rather like Marmite, you either love them or hate them! However, the newest sherbet colours bridge the gap between the palest of pastels and the more intense colours of bright bolds rather effectively and of course sherbets are right on-trend!

There will be rooms within the home that can carry off a completely pastel or sherbet palette such as the bedroom and the bathroom. These spaces should be easy on the eye and relaxing - something that a pastel can achieve in an instant. Duck egg blue bedding works well when teamed with cream or ivory for a chic refined look which is up market and more formal.

More livable rooms such as the lounge and dining space may work better when you add a punch of neon colour such as lime green curtains to a pastel backdrop.

Pretty pastels can be used in the bathroom to create a soft and relaxing place to relax and de-stress. For a coastal look experiment with light shades of blues and greens that will look all the more crisp when paired with white wood and fixtures. Choose accessories carefully, as your don't want the style to vie for attention with the colours; peaceful tranquillity is desired look.

Image: Delight By Design

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Choosing Blue For Beautiful Bedrooms


Blue is one of the most calming of all colours and can be very easy to work with. Modern and contemporary homes are looking more and more to the qualities of blues such as navy, teal, azure and cobalt.

Like green, the colour blue reminds us of outdoor spaces and nature - specifically our skies and various bodies of water. This connection can also give answers as to why blue is so calming - dreamy blue skies and soothing water therapies. Our contemporary blues do have a tendency to steer towards ocean and aquatic blues that have a gentle shimmer to them.

The many different shades of blue can carry various colours but to stay on trend you should keep things simple with cool neutrals such as a light grey or a pale pink which will lighten darker blues.

Smoky and blue-grey tones are so very now and the best colour for a sophisticated bedroom. Go with a few different shades and give the bedspread or curtains a sheen fabric for added depth and interest. On the contrary, young adults or teens might prefer a more fun approach with bold blues. Make the most of it by adding an accent colour such as hot pink curtains and accessories.

Turquoise is this year's most trendy colour choice and is a blue-green shade. In fact, we are seeing a lot of natural blue-green shades right now and they are definitely the way forward for an ultra modern bedroom interior. Bright and subtle tones are equally on trend and smoky blues are favoured for a more sophisticated edge - well matched with cool neutrals.

Image: House of Turquoise

Choosing Blue For Beautiful Bedrooms


Blue is one of the most calming of all colours and can be very easy to work with. Modern and contemporary homes are looking more and more to the qualities of blues such as navy, teal, azure and cobalt.

Like green, the colour blue reminds us of outdoor spaces and nature - specifically our skies and various bodies of water. This connection can also give answers as to why blue is so calming - dreamy blue skies and soothing water therapies. Our contemporary blues do have a tendency to steer towards ocean and aquatic blues that have a gentle shimmer to them.

The many different shades of blue can carry various colours but to stay on trend you should keep things simple with cool neutrals such as a light grey or a pale pink which will lighten darker blues.

Smoky and blue-grey tones are so very now and the best colour for a sophisticated bedroom. Go with a few different shades and give the bedspread or curtains a sheen fabric for added depth and interest. On the contrary, young adults or teens might prefer a more fun approach with bold blues. Make the most of it by adding an accent colour such as hot pink curtains and accessories.

Turquoise is this year's most trendy colour choice and is a blue-green shade. In fact, we are seeing a lot of natural blue-green shades right now and they are definitely the way forward for an ultra modern bedroom interior. Bright and subtle tones are equally on trend and smoky blues are favoured for a more sophisticated edge - well matched with cool neutrals.

Image: House of Turquoise

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Ideas For Decorating Children's Bedrooms: A Beach Theme


First, you will need to pry open the door and assess the storage situation. Most of the time, it is the ever-growing pile of toys and books that make us shudder on entering our child's bedrooms. It is this clutter and chaos that makes us realise that something needs to be done and it wouldn't be harmful to give the whole room a makeover!

Buying some extra storage would be a good move in the right direction. The cheaper options are plastic boxes with clip on lids - choose them in bright colours to add eye-candy for kids or even consider normal waste bins in bright colours for storing anything from toys, school supplies and hats. You will feel a lot better knowing that all of their possessions have a given space and they will like the bright colour additions!

Children absolutely love the beach so they will be fascinated to see their own bedroom transform into their very own private beach cove! Strongly linked with summer holidays, the beach theme will play on light and bright colours to have that sunshine feeling. Choose bedding and curtain sets in colours inspired by the sea. Involve your children with the decorating process - they will give lots of hints at to what they love about the beach and how you can incorporate their ideas into the room or even as a focal point.
Image: On Interior Design

Ideas For Decorating Children's Bedrooms: A Beach Theme


First, you will need to pry open the door and assess the storage situation. Most of the time, it is the ever-growing pile of toys and books that make us shudder on entering our child's bedrooms. It is this clutter and chaos that makes us realise that something needs to be done and it wouldn't be harmful to give the whole room a makeover!

Buying some extra storage would be a good move in the right direction. The cheaper options are plastic boxes with clip on lids - choose them in bright colours to add eye-candy for kids or even consider normal waste bins in bright colours for storing anything from toys, school supplies and hats. You will feel a lot better knowing that all of their possessions have a given space and they will like the bright colour additions!

Children absolutely love the beach so they will be fascinated to see their own bedroom transform into their very own private beach cove! Strongly linked with summer holidays, the beach theme will play on light and bright colours to have that sunshine feeling. Choose bedding and curtain sets in colours inspired by the sea. Involve your children with the decorating process - they will give lots of hints at to what they love about the beach and how you can incorporate their ideas into the room or even as a focal point.
Image: On Interior Design

Monday, April 4, 2011

Minimalism – You Either Love It Or Hate It!


Minimalism - you might like to see it as a style, then again you might not. It is more a way of living and everyone could feel the benefits of simple living habits. Minimalism does not have to be extreme and lack any form of character, but to have the attitude of 'less is more' will give way to a home environment that is calming, free of clutter and in a strange sense – liberating!

Without all of the clutter in your home and excess, there will be nothing that demands your attention and distract you from the thoughts and tasks that really matter in life. Something else that may appeal to most is the less time you will have to spend cleaning around knick-knacks and hoovering up floors crammed with unnecessary objects.

However minimalism style doesn't have to be bland and boring; it's a case of getting the balance right - colour schemes which suit the style of your home and compliment your furniture and soft furnishings.

Use interior design ideas to give you inspiration and food for thought! - especially if you fed up with every interior design TV show and magazine telling you to de-clutter and you're not quite sure where to begin.

Image: A Life's Design

Minimalism – You Either Love It Or Hate It!


Minimalism - you might like to see it as a style, then again you might not. It is more a way of living and everyone could feel the benefits of simple living habits. Minimalism does not have to be extreme and lack any form of character, but to have the attitude of 'less is more' will give way to a home environment that is calming, free of clutter and in a strange sense – liberating!

Without all of the clutter in your home and excess, there will be nothing that demands your attention and distract you from the thoughts and tasks that really matter in life. Something else that may appeal to most is the less time you will have to spend cleaning around knick-knacks and hoovering up floors crammed with unnecessary objects.

However minimalism style doesn't have to be bland and boring; it's a case of getting the balance right - colour schemes which suit the style of your home and compliment your furniture and soft furnishings.

Use interior design ideas to give you inspiration and food for thought! - especially if you fed up with every interior design TV show and magazine telling you to de-clutter and you're not quite sure where to begin.

Image: A Life's Design

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Fantasy Interior Design Ideas - Alice In Wonderland!


This is urban fantasy where everything gets thrown out of proportion! Mix and match furnitures and the odd colour clash pave the way for this summer trend.
Hot Pink Curtains provide a cheap and quick update for homes looking for the playful side of decorating. Fuchsia pink curtains can be seen next to other brights such as red or yellow for a really spontaneous interior which is bright, fun and funky!

Oversized floor lamps - or anything oversized for that matter - it is one of the key elements of this themed look. Although this is best achieved through decorative pieces such as sculptural floor lamps, artworks or larger than life vases for pretty blooms.

Include the Mad Hatter's tea party as a theme for your dining area using pretty china tea cups and saucers, add a trendy tea pot along with an on-trend table runner made from cotton curtain fabrics online and add oversized cushions and throws to give a quirky, yet very comfortable place to eat!

You don't have to be a child to adore this theme just young at heart with a good sense of fun and the need to do something completely different to your home!

Image: Freshome

Can';t Find The Curtains You're Looking? - Simple, Make Your Own!


If you're looking for a particular style of window dressing and are fed up with not being able to find exactly what you're after, then why not join this years interior design revival of making your own curtains or blinds? Further still you could even opt for second hand curtains and add your own personal touches with trimmings.

Making curtains is really not that difficult as long as you have the basic skills of being able to use a sewing machine; having said that you could even cheat and use the latest haberdashery and take up hems using iron-on tape! If you want Roman blinds these are available in kit form and all you need is a kit and the fabric!

With those parts out of the way you can begin with contemplating colours and/or patterns for your curtain project. Neutral colours are easy on the eye and can look good in nearly every space - they will also enhance on light or give the impression of light.

Colours create moods too so think about cool tones for bedrooms and bathrooms, warm tones for kitchens and dining spaces. It might be easiest to go with an existing colour palette that you have in your room. With large windows or rooms you have more options when it comes to bold patterns but with a smaller scale you should look for delicate details or stripes.

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things

Fantasy Interior Design Ideas - Alice In Wonderland!


This is urban fantasy where everything gets thrown out of proportion! Mix and match furnitures and the odd colour clash pave the way for this summer trend.
Hot Pink Curtains provide a cheap and quick update for homes looking for the playful side of decorating. Fuchsia pink curtains can be seen next to other brights such as red or yellow for a really spontaneous interior which is bright, fun and funky!

Oversized floor lamps - or anything oversized for that matter - it is one of the key elements of this themed look. Although this is best achieved through decorative pieces such as sculptural floor lamps, artworks or larger than life vases for pretty blooms.

Include the Mad Hatter's tea party as a theme for your dining area using pretty china tea cups and saucers, add a trendy tea pot along with an on-trend table runner made from cotton curtain fabrics online and add oversized cushions and throws to give a quirky, yet very comfortable place to eat!

You don't have to be a child to adore this theme just young at heart with a good sense of fun and the need to do something completely different to your home!

Image: Freshome

Can';t Find The Curtains You're Looking? - Simple, Make Your Own!


If you're looking for a particular style of window dressing and are fed up with not being able to find exactly what you're after, then why not join this years interior design revival of making your own curtains or blinds? Further still you could even opt for second hand curtains and add your own personal touches with trimmings.

Making curtains is really not that difficult as long as you have the basic skills of being able to use a sewing machine; having said that you could even cheat and use the latest haberdashery and take up hems using iron-on tape! If you want Roman blinds these are available in kit form and all you need is a kit and the fabric!

With those parts out of the way you can begin with contemplating colours and/or patterns for your curtain project. Neutral colours are easy on the eye and can look good in nearly every space - they will also enhance on light or give the impression of light.

Colours create moods too so think about cool tones for bedrooms and bathrooms, warm tones for kitchens and dining spaces. It might be easiest to go with an existing colour palette that you have in your room. With large windows or rooms you have more options when it comes to bold patterns but with a smaller scale you should look for delicate details or stripes.

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Children's Bedroom Interior Design Ideas


We always arrive at a problem when decorating a child's bedroom in the first place. This being that we want to inspire their creativity with lots of colour and things to play with - but at the same time we want to help them get a good night's rest with soothing colours and less clutter.

When bedrooms have multi purposes it is good to try and divide areas up. A simple divide placed between the sleeping and playing areas should do the trick - then you can tone down colours and eliminate clutter in the sleeping quarters!

Sleep time should be calm and quiet, no TVs, computers or games consoles otherwise they'll be up half the night! Try and get into a regular routine from an early age – (easier said than done sometimes!) Use colour to help create a calm environment, paler shades of blues and greens are child friendly, leave the lime green curtains or hot pink curtains until they're a bit older otherwise the intensive colours could have a detrimental affect – rather like sugary drinks they're too much when the time should be peaceful and relaxing!

Image: A Life's Design

Children's Bedroom Interior Design Ideas


We always arrive at a problem when decorating a child's bedroom in the first place. This being that we want to inspire their creativity with lots of colour and things to play with - but at the same time we want to help them get a good night's rest with soothing colours and less clutter.

When bedrooms have multi purposes it is good to try and divide areas up. A simple divide placed between the sleeping and playing areas should do the trick - then you can tone down colours and eliminate clutter in the sleeping quarters!

Sleep time should be calm and quiet, no TVs, computers or games consoles otherwise they'll be up half the night! Try and get into a regular routine from an early age – (easier said than done sometimes!) Use colour to help create a calm environment, paler shades of blues and greens are child friendly, leave the lime green curtains or hot pink curtains until they're a bit older otherwise the intensive colours could have a detrimental affect – rather like sugary drinks they're too much when the time should be peaceful and relaxing!

Image: A Life's Design