Interior Home Design Trends

Everyone wants homes that perfectly combine the aesthetic with the practical. If you are planning to renovate your home you should start reading magazines for home improvement or interior design to learn the latest trends. This is an easy way to find out what are the trends, but it can also be a way to relax.

Another thing you could do is to visit the many sites that are usually filled with household appliances and designs. There are also special channels that the latest news on the homepage of the current design. But with all these different ways to learn about what interests you, you can actually forget what you want for your home.

The first important question to ask yourself is what mood you want for the room you are decorating. Some people are looking for a relaxing space to relax when they come home from work. Others who work from home for example, a room to themselves the power and not be distracted by the fact that in their pajamas. The color of the rooms is what largely determines the mood. Bright colors like yellow, red, orange will be stimulating for anyone who works in a room painted in this color. Other colors, such as glue and green have a soothing effect and will also prevent nightmares during sleep.

A very important part of a room are the curtains. They can block or allow light to filter in as well. The sunlight in combination with the color of your walls can help create the effect you were hoping for. Psychologists say that a large color affects your energy, your activity and your temperament. Also note that it is important to the chromatic your home to create balance. Do not be afraid to neutral colors like white, gray or brown to a spirit of practical and create stability make.

Kitchen Lighting Design

Kitchen lighting design is an important part of creating the perfect look and atmosphere for your kitchen, and you'll be amazed what a difference the right lighting can make to your kitchen. The effective use of lighting in your kitchen can alter the way your kitchen looks like changing the look and feel of the room.

Home Interior Design

The Arts of interior home design style took America by storm and Britain from 1850 to 1920. After the advent of mass production and rampant industrialism, artists such as John Ruskin and William Morris called for a return to rustic craftsmanship. Simplicity meets high quality with a clean, elegant furniture that is as practical as it is beautiful. William Morris said in 1882: "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

Interior Design Careers

There is more to Interior Design than home decorating. The career opportunities for interior design graduates are endless.

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of interior designers is expected to grow 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations.

If you are interested in a hands-on education, working with the latest design software technology that results in a wide variety of fulfilling positions, this may be a career path for you. Earn a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design or an Interior Design & Decorating Associates degree and start your career as a:

Green Designer - Green designers work with builders, specifying eco-friendly materials from renewable resources and designing energy efficient homes & buildings in Florida.

Healthcare Designer - Designing the interior structure of hospitals, doctor offices, medical clinics and facilities. A healthcare interior designer job is to make sure the medical facility is built within the governed regulations and technical requirements needed to function. Also, a major role of a medical interior designer is to design the clinic for optimal operational productivity and increasing the bottom line.

Buyer or Purchasing Agent - Working for large retail stores, department stores and furniture stores. A Buyer decides what merchandise will be sold at a store. Professional Buyers travel to trade shows and are innovators for the latest trends.

Hospitality or Service Designer - Working with hotels/resorts, sports stadiums and restaurants. A hospitality designer creates a pleasant & functional space for people to gather.

Set Designer - Working on television, exhibit, movie and theater sets. A set designer works closely with the director and studies the script to determine the appropriate set design. This includes selecting the furniture, wall & floor coverings and other props to give the set the desired mood and time period of the script.

Government Designer - Designing the interiors for public buildings such as court houses, training facilities and jails. Designers who specialize in public buildings concentrate on accessibility design and operational design. During the interior design process of government buildings the interior designers make sure the accessible environment meets the needs of people who are blind or have poor vision. Also, the designer is responsible to design the facility to meet the needs of the service it provides.

Preservationist -Working with historic buildings and museums. A Preservationist helps preserve, conserve and protect buildings and its materials of historic significance.

Event Designer - Designing and decorating corporate parties, charity balls or other large gatherings

The author is a marketing representative for career colleges. If you are interested in going to an Interior Design School, please visit us at The Institute of Interior Design and apply today!

Interior Design Degree

Earning an Interior design degree is becoming one of the more popular degrees offered by accredited colleges and universities. At this time, Interior design is regulated in 24 states. Thus if you are interested in entering the world of interior design it is highly recommended that you earn a bachelors degree in Interior Design before applying for your interior designers license.

Not only is an interior design degree extremely important, knowledge of CAD software (computer-aided design) is equally important for the new interior designer. Employers prefer the graduate who can navigate the modern technologies because it is time saving and highly cost effective.

Earning an online interior design degree is very much in vogue, thus the emphasis on the CAD software. Due to the advent of the internet, more and more schools are reaching out to students from around the world.

Interior designers must be intelligent and creative in order to economize the limited amount of space available in some of the world's larger cities. An interior design degree will provide the student with the knowledge and practicality in order to meet the ever-changing demands placed on the busy interior designer.

Clearly, an interior design degree is the first step in building your career in interior design. To develop your natural talent and creativity you need the proper training and education. To become established in the interior design world you must have a formal college interior design degree.

The successful interior design degree graduate will use their creativity to design private homes, corporate offices, retail stores and restaurants. The designer will use their knowledge of color, architecture and creative design to create beautiful living and work spaces.

Interior design degree programs teach skills in graphic drawing, color theory, interior finishing, and space planning and construction technology. Students will learn all aspects of the technical, creative and even the human element factors in interior decorating and design. Building codes and safety factors are also covered in depth.

When researching an interior design degree program find out whether the school offers knowledgeable industry professionals as instructors. You want to learn from the best! Another important factor in choosing a school is whether or not the school offers online training as well as in class training. That way you may be able to study on your own time, which many of today's students require.

Interior design degree programs teach the student the historical perspectives of human environment, interior design practices and the techniques of working with interior design professionals along with the responsibilities and ethics that go along with the profession.

Persian Rug Designs

The art of making Persian Rugs dates as far back in time as 500 B.C. originating in the area now called Iran. Over the years, the art has seen highs and lows, but the fact that 1.2 million Iranian weavers continue to weave carpets for domestic and international markets speaks for the craft's timelessness. Persian area rug design stands out for its intricacy and timeless beauty.

Persian rug designs

Persian rug designs may be rectilinear or curvilinear, the latter being the more complex of the two. Traditional rug weavers commit the designs to memory. In more recent techniques, intricate designs are developed on graph paper and drawn to scale using actual colors. Since each square of the graph corresponds to a weaver's knot, the outcome is exactly like the design. Computerized designs have now replaced the manually drawn ones on graph.

Classic Persian rug designs include motifs or patterns that are laid out within a border or a number of borders. The motif is placed within the confines of the border - either all-over or in the middle or to one side. Adaptations include the repeat medallion in which the central medallion pattern is repeated in a column or grid formation. Gabbeh rugs and Kelims are examples of unsymmetrical designs of Persian rugs.

The motifs are patterned on nature and take the name of the geographical area where the rug was originally woven. With time, the motifs became popular and one can now find a mix of the motifs in a single rug. But the ancient patterns remain as main patterns and the variations form the sub patterns.

Popular motifs used in Persian rugs

Boteh: The word derives from the Farsi word for an open flower bud or palm leaf. Flames, Teardrops, Pinecones, Pears, and Trees are adaptations. The famous paisley pattern also originates from the Boteh or Buta.

Gul: The word means a flower in Farsi. The motif is typical to the Turkman, Gorgan, and Khal Mohammadi rugs. It employs a geometric pattern to depict an octagonal flower that is used to cover the rug in its entirety.

Herati: This is a typical field design with a repetitive pattern of a diamond with a flower within it. The diamond is surrounded by curved leaves, one for each side of the diamond. This design is found in both rectilinear and curvilinear patterns.

Mina-Khani: A design derived from nature, it comprises a field of daisies connected by circular lines. Most suitable for an all-over pattern, Mina-Khani is used by the weavers of Varamin rugs.

Rosette: As the name suggests, this motif is in the shape of a rose. It has a central medallion with petal-like formations all around it. Used in the borders, as well as in the field of the rug, the Rosette area rug design is typical of the Nain rugs.

Shah Abbasi: This design representing a bunch of palmettes is most popularly used in Kashan, Isfahan, Mashad, and Nain rugs. It is used in medallions or all over the rug. This motif is common in Tabriz rugs.

The Perfect Lighting for Your Home

Perhaps you have the most gorgeous home in world. Every room could be immaculately and uniquely stylish, modern and elegant with each and every item of furniture working in harmony to create a stunning and one-of-a-kind room. However it's atmosphere that really counts when you;re wanting to make everything just perfect. You can really put the icing on the with the way you choose you illuminate your room. Some stylish, modern, unique lighting fixtures are absolutely essential when you're wanting to create just the right mood. With all the options out there, choosing the right stuff can be a little daunting. Here are a few suggestions for some modern lighting fixtures that cannot fail to make an impact.



First of all, think Italian. Without a doubt the most stylish and desirable lighting is coming from Italy, and designers like the team at Oltre are really leading the way in terms of innovation and style. You'll find their pieces being favoured by the up-market retailers and with good reason. Their chic, contemporary lamps are tailor made to make a bold statement. They enhance a room while working by themselves to serve as attractive and eye-catching furniture. Some items are such perfect pieces of designer furniture, guests by be surprised to see light emanating from them as they admire!



It's all about finding that new focal point for a room. Bright colours, smooth contours and the kind of shapes and details that make you take a second glance. The best thing about achieving this with a lamp is the extra work it does. There's just so much to appreciate!. Placed amongst the other items in your home, it can take on the role of a piece of art while at the same time illuminating to set everything off, making itself and everything you own look the best they possibly can.

Living Room Lighting, How to Get the Placement Right

The layout or the plan of your living room is essential so you will know the source of natural light and to design the different areas in your living room. Light gives life to any room and as a matter of fact, is one of the most attention-grabbing ingredients in interior design.

How to get the placement right

Thinking of the interior plan of the living room is essential in creating a comfortable and stunning light in the living room. Start with how you will separate the areas and where to put the furniture. A few sources of light will be good so you can have varying lamps if it is necessary. Draw out on a piece of paper your living room design and put a mark where you want the source of light to be as well as where to mount the switches. The latter can be mounted in varying areas. The most sensible area to put the switch is near the main door. This should be the switch for the brightest glow. Every additional lantern must have its own control.



Be sure to have a light for every corner. It should match up with the purpose of the area as well as the furniture and should assist in finding the needed items.



Since the living room is where the family gathers together, a general light that extends equally in the entire room is a must. Floor lanterns with halogen bulbs can lighten the entire room.



Being the central part of the seating room, furniture like couch and armchairs can be lit by a table or floor lamp. But look for one where you can toggle the intensity to suit the time of the day.



A spotlight will be a good thing for the reading area. To put contrast, make use of general soft lights.



Do not place lamps near the television as it will give you a blinding glimmer. If you want a lamp near the TV, find one that gives off a soft beam.



A few decorative items such as sculptures, paintings require extra illumination. Spotlights will do the trick here.



If the living room door is faced towards the street, another light must be installed to lighten up the disparity of the indoor and outdoor luminosity. Warm and soft beams are recommended.



Bear in mind that lighting produces the atmosphere of your room. The bright ones exude energy while the soft ones radiate comfort. It is essential to have lights that do not hurt the eyes. To have the cozy effect in the seating room, you can have floor or table lanterns and candles in warm tones. Lighting can make a different appeal to any room so it is important that you know what you wanted to project in your living room. Likewise, lights also must blend in with the furniture that you have.

Lighting That Matches Your Office Furniture

The lighting design of an area whether in an office, home or public spaces like hotels and restaurants play an important role in highlighting home or office furniture. The importance of lighting to accentuate the pieces of furniture in a particular space or to add class and style to a room dates back to hundreds of years long before the popularity of modern lighting that we see and experience in this modern world.



Ever since lighting was acknowledged to be an essential aspect to beautify furniture and the entire area frequented by people, it has gone through various reinventions and electronic revolution like the coming up of intricate optical system to provide synthetic lighting which is pocket and environment friendly.



This lighting reinvention is a way to modernize and beautify a particular area without having to employ elaborate office furniture and passé decorative items. In addition to that, making a certain working area magnificent and bright, may help the productivity of the people on the job.



There are different types of lighting design that could accentuate your furniture. There are lights for the ceiling, modern chandeliers, pendant lights, lamps, wall sconces, lamp floors, lighting for open air, energy saving lights, spotlights and others.



You can give your home a total make over by merely changing your lights and by providing different lighting systems for the different rooms in your house. The lights will also add elegance to your home and office furniture and suit the ambience you want to have for a particular occasion.



Contemporary lighting systems are not just for highlighting office spaces and the furniture parts situated inside the area. Lighting fixtures also provide wonders inside and outside spaces of restaurants, clubs, ships, business establishments and practically any area that wants to be illuminated and glamorized.



The lighting distribution for areas varies depending on their need and purpose. 300 to 500 lux is suitable for residential areas but it is not applicable for office and other corporate settings. To provide sufficient light for the areas where such fixtures are located, fluorescent lamps are highly recommended.



No matter how you see it, the way a place is lighted contributes to its overall appearance and mood. It can also provide an atmosphere that decorations or office furniture could not provide. So bank on this fact and install the lighting fixture that is suitable for your business including the values and corporate message you want to convey.

Interior Design Trends For 2011

A new year has come and new trends are being set fast in all areas of our lives. A good way to start the new year afresh and with a new burst of energy is to change your interior design, but be careful as there are new rules for this year.



In 2011 trends in interior design will pay more attention to family and will show a high interest for preservation and 'vintage', as one of the first priorities will be saving money.



The present economic situation will make many of us become nostalgic about the old days. The so called "old colours" to remind us of the past will be among the most wanted design trends of this year. The earthy brown, the lime green or navy blue will find themselves both in it for colour, as well as trends in fabrics. What will fuel trends in 2011 will be the interest in 'greening up'. Through the reuse of furniture by restoration, not only will you be saving money but you will also have a good feeling that you have contributed to protecting the environment.



This year even in interior design the attention will be headed for the origins. Because of human desire to relive the past, designers think that interest will be devoted to the origins of existence, so everybody will seek forms and colours with a global influence. African tribal grounds, or symbols of early Amerindians people will be used a lot, many geometric figures. For them to go well together vibrant colours should be used, but at the same time modest ones, as golden reflections with musk, tomato or oceanic blue.



As people will turn their attention to origins, they realise that the most important thing in life is not money. The economic crises will only give them the desire to simplify their lives. Various shades of grey and white will be the most neutral colours used this year; the grey will be used in a lots of combinations with other colours, as well as various shades of yellow, to bring a smudge of colour. You can also create sophisticated combinations, using glass, crystal or even gold or steel. These accessories must be illuminated by various sources, so as to create glow in the room.



One detail that you can't forget are the colours and what they symbolise - as they must denote hope and optimism. Spring in nature symbolises birth and the colours of spring bring hope. Violet, orange mandarin, yellow and green may be used on fabrics. The floral motives with a retro aspect will still be appreciated, as more and more accessories for the interior design combine these colours.



Even if you can't change your furniture every year, there are a few rules to be followed in the interior design or suggestions that you can take into account in a new round of shopping: vintage, etno, Scandinavian, home office, outdoor - indoor are only some of this year's design trends. We're still looking for a comfortable warmth in our homes, privacy but without forgetting the wide open spaces and bright, minimalistics lines.



Vintage : old restored furniture, romantic lines, complicated pieces of massive wood, decorative pieces to remind you of old times. This, a style loved by women, vintage pieces means more than 'old', it's treasuring pieces from past generations, grandparents and great grandparents. Vintage style, both in clothes and furniture, involves pieces whose value and quality has remained untouched in time. But make sure that the vintage pieces you have or that you want to buy fit the style of your entire home.



Etno - heat, fireplace, the smell of spices - this is what this trend inspires. Regarding the interior decoration this trend is guided by the aesthetic "coloured" Orient: from India, Morocco, Central Asia, China, Russia. Explosion of colour, both on a white background and strong different contrasts: red, orange, yellow. However, if you aren't a supporter of this etno style throughout, pick out a few items: coloured carpets, a lot of wood, natural shades and dim light to get the effect.



Outdoor - Indoor is a new, catchy trend for this year, that you will fall in love with if you are an outdoor person. From the desire of an intimate, warm area, one of trends imposed this year is bringing parts of outside, inside for those who would normally sit on the terrace or garden, bring the ambiance into the living- room. So you bring the ratan deep chairs, low, bamboo coffee tables and bulky, large plants inside. For a special effect allow light to enter by the large windows.



A new trend for this year is the chill Scandinavia. Surely we all love the minimalistic look with white pieces of furniture, romantic lines, that are extremely functional. This is more than a trend, it's a way of living. Choose white furniture , walls painted white with colorful accessories thrown in; coloured pillows, nude soft carpet, boxes of different sizes, so you have somewhere to keep your magazines and DVDs.

Interior Design Trend

Interior design ideas are radically changing as people interested in smaller home designs. Bigger homes are no longer part of the urban lifestyle and people are integrating more environmental friendly interior decorating elements.



DIY 2011



A returning trend in 2011 is DIY. Although economic rumors are declaring the economy is on the rise, people are hesitant and mire bothered on spending time and money on their homes. DIY projects help home owners save money and keep them busy while at home. DIY promises to be the leading trend nowadays, homeowners are not looking for perfection & professional touch instead they are happier with personalization and homegrown imperfection. This also includes redecorating old fixtures and designs.



Colors of the new decade



Color trends for interior decorating ideas are stimulating. Vibrant colors will be the trend in coming years, as people pay more attention to their homes old beige on beige color schemes will fade out. Blasts of vibrant colors will keep home interior designs an exciting look. When repainting, brainstorm and generate creative themes by including floors, ceilings, windows, light fixtures and other interior decorations that can give a colorful burst to the interior design.



Technology



Technology is not just a trend for today but a way of life. Technology will have a huge influence on interior design ideas. We have not evolved into the Jetsons era just yet, but more and more everyday items will be connected to internet and computer technologies. Computer rooms and media rooms will be a norm in coming years. It's a far out idea, but urban homes will soon have computer simulation exercise systems incorporated into their gyms. Interior detail & Personality



People will turn to items that come from the heart, since little things are more meaningful in homes. Homes will have a more personal look for instance family heirlooms, a piece of artwork and anything else that will make the interior design unique and personalized. To fade out the cold nature of technology personal items that carry the home owner's memories and sentiments will play a huge role in decorating ideas. Small homes usually focus on comfort and meaningful details that have a personal touch and a story behind it.



ECO- Friendly Décor



A hot new trend for coming years will be environmental friendly interior design. Homes will have more environmentally sound designs and built with eco friendly materials. There will be a burst of light as people will place more importance on sunlight and use decorative elements that reflect nature. Home owners should keep updated on new environmental innovations and ideas, which can be in turn incorporated at home. New interior design ideas will bring radical changes to home decorations. Latest trends will keep home owners on the cutting edge of interior decoration and design, also preparing their homes for future advanced eco friendly technologies.

New Home Owner Interior Design

One of the most essential elements for a new home owner to address is the interior design of their new home. Whether they pay a professional to do a little consulting and help them shop for a few hours or they employ a designer to overhaul their entire dwelling, the designer's expertise will help them take their home from nondescript to perfect. Interior designers have training that allows them to do research and analyze situations. They, then, take their findings to create beautiful spaces tailored to their clients' desires.



A trained designer will understand how to integrate various design elements so that a home is both visually appealing and functional. An effective designer should understand a homeowner's basic objectives regarding their home. The designer should know if their clients enjoy entertaining, crafting, or watching films so they can design with an eye toward those hobbies. Furthermore, their design elements should virtually reflect their client's neighborhood.



Regardless of whether a home is a ranch in Western South Dakota, a hip condo in North East Minneapolis, or a gem in the world of Chicago real estate, it is important that the designer has spent some time in that area. For instance, if a homeowner purchases a Chicago condo in Gold Coast, it would look out of place if their designer decorated their condo in completely modern themes. The interior design should reflect the classic and historic nature of that neighborhood. Most of the structures in the Gold Coast neighborhood were built after Chicago's great fire of 1871, and the beautiful Victorian features of these properties should be highlighted rather than subdued.



However, even within the same city, there are a wide variety of interior design elements. If a homeowner chooses to live in a Chicago home in Wrigleyville, their interior design may need to be completely different than what may have seemed right in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. They may want to incorporate some of the themes that have been historically used in the pubs and restaurants in that area. Because that area hosts Wrigley field, many people like to use sports themes. However, employing a sport based theme is not essential as long as the interior design scheme is not fighting with the architecture of the area or of the condo itself.



However, even without hiring a professional designer, it is possible for homeowners to decorate their homes beautifully. They should fill their minds with as much inspiration as possible. If they spend time in the businesses and homes in their area, they can ascertain how these places deal with various architectural elements. Because the buildings in most neighborhoods were built during the same time period, they will see similar features as they move from one building to another. They should also read as many decorating books and magazines as they can find. Then, they simply need to browse shops until they find the perfect pieces to compliment their homes and lifestyles.

Home Interior Design Ideas For Children

Designing and decorating living space for children can be a very fun and exciting part of home Interior design. It's easy to let your imagination go because children are very creative and imaginative on their own. That's also why it's a good idea to include children in the planning stages of your design as they can often come up with great ideas on their own that you would never think of.



Probably one of the best places to start on designing a theme for a child's room is to start with their own favorite activity or interest. Of course, as children grow up their interests often change dramatically, so try to decorate in such a way that the accessories can be changed as a child gets older and gets more interested in other activities. But usually, children will get very excited if they know that their room will be decorated to reflect their favorite interests. Just be sure to go over it carefully with them in advance to get their input on what they really like. That way your Interior design will be sure to be a hit.



When designing and decorating for children, one of the advantages is that you can often choose color schemes and combinations that you do not often use in adult surroundings. In fact, you can often go much brighter and bolder with colors that you select for children. You can also arrange the room in a different way then you would normally with most adult rooms. For instance, a chalkboard or toy box may be the centerpiece of a child's room, and this would be far more appropriate than making a seating arrangement the focal point instead.



The accessories that you choose for a child's room will also be completely different than those that you choose for an adult. Toys and collectibles make great accessories for the room of a child. However, the child may want to play with these toys instead of just leave them on display. In this case, it may be advisable to buy duplicates of the toy accessories. One set can be used for display, and the other set can be used as an actual toy. It's also not best to use collectibles that are of high value in a child's room. Remember, children just want to have fun. And they aren't thinking about the price or cost of a collectible item. So whatever collectibles you choose to use as decorations in your child's room should not be so expensive that it would cause a problem if it became broken.



Another great way to spice up the appearance of a child's room is to use one of the millions of available bed treatments as a central theme that fits in with the overall design of the room. Usually these kind of bed treatments packages come as a full set that includes matching sheets, a comforter, dust ruffle, and window coverings. Altogether, these can quickly change the overall appearance of the child's room very fast. Once again, just make sure that you involve your child in the buying decision process to make sure that it is something that they will be happy with.



When changing the overall theme of a child's room, just keep in mind that most changes you make should not be considered to be permanent at this stage in their life. It's not uncommon to have to change the theme of a child's room every couple of years or so to stay up with their changing interests. And kids are very hard on their furniture as a general rule. So there is no need to be buying expensive furniture and accessories that may only last a short while or get ruined.

Button Back Sofa

A couch and relaxing chair evolved with time and in modern days, it is available in many shapes, designs and seating capacity. One of the evolved types is a sofa, which is used for comfortable seating. A beautiful design in sofas is Button Back Sofa. It is elegant in its looks and available in stylish traditional or classic designs. This sofa gives a traditional but attractive appearance to all. It is classy in its style; many buttons are used at the back of these sofas, which make these sofas more attractive.

In the current market of sofas, this sofa is coming in different styles and seating capacity based on material and user requirements. Seating capacity ranges from a single seat to five seats normally and can be variable according to different user requirements. Metals and wood are used in manufacturing of this sofa even now there are sofas made of fiber material. The covering materials who form the elegance of this sofa are consisting of various types of upholstery fabric covering foam padding. Fabrics that are used to cover this sofa consist of velvet, leather, fur and many other covering materials. In short, we can say that this trendy and beautiful sofa providing high comfort has a class of its own.

Button back sofas are usually larger, and they are most suitable for a spacious room. The buttons are ideally placed at equal distance forming a lattice type design. The covering material for the buttons is usually the same or matching with the upholstery. The main thing about this sofa is that it is hand made and many tufted back sofas have buttons on them used as embellishments to enhance the style and beauty. There can be as few as 3 to 5 buttons, or it can be dozens of buttons on the back of the sofa for a unique look.

Design Ideas For a Cream Sofa

A cream sofa doesn't have to be boring. It can be an asset to your space. Plus, it's quite versatile so you can have it for years to come. It will work with all different color palettes, and decor styles. This means that your room can really be decorated without spending a lot of money. However, you will really want to find different ways to bring color into the room to still create interesting spaces. Here are a few tips on how to do that on a budget.

Of course, you might be well aware that you can use throw pillows and blankets on your furniture to really spice things up with color and pattern. However, there are also another few ways that you can do this. For instance you'll really want to pay attention to the wall behind the sofa. This is really where things are going to come into play. It will really determine how much wow factor and contrast your room has just because you can get a big wow factor when you put a neutral color against something very dramatic. If you aren't up for painting your walls then you could just try bring in the same oversized artwork that is very colorful and graphic that will really add height as well as color to breakup most of your furniture. This will really draw the eye to your new pieces.

You can also try the same trick on the flooring. You could bring in a very modern two tone area rug. This gives you the opportunity to experiment with a vivid orange or just go with a high contrast black-and-white look. Many contemporary rugs will have little bit of cream in them so it will still tie it in with your sofa. This allows you to really change up the look of your space. At the same time the focus will really be on the colorful accessories in the room no matter how expensive they are.

You don't have to buy an entire set of the same color of furniture. Since this will work with all different kinds of color palettes you can really experiment with different colors and patterns. Decorating like this means that you can just get totally different look by buying a new accent chair. You could also mix and match a sofa and love seat for a funky vibe. The leather couch can have a texture to it that will still relate back to your cream sofa.

Modern Interior Design Ideas and Art

Modern interior design ideas are as varied as there are people who come with them. The role of modern art in the design, things like bronze, wood bends, abstract paintings, etchings stones and the like, is central to creating a living space more pleasant and intriguing. They often well with other colors, shapes and textures you choose to put in a certain area. Perhaps the best reason for including them in an interior is precisely because they are complementary to almost any room. Or that the space is large and open with very little items, or small and cluttered, the right piece at the right place can make a valuable contribution.

A surprising thing about many modern interior design ideas, the way they are available to almost everyone. Let's say for example that in a shop or gallery and you just love a particular image or painting. Maybe you can afford it without thinking and are happy to take it off as part of your growing collection. But maybe it's a price slightly above what you can really justify. But you still want. Never fear, happy, many times these pieces you want can be bought in time. They are not just for the rich and famous. Many galleries have even layaway programs. If you have a piece that is too much for your budget, but communication with the receiver and see what could be developed. Before you know it, you've paid for and proudly displayed in your home or office.

So how art fits into the modern interior design ideas that you might have? Is it a conflict? Will it "work"? These are big questions to ask. Many people are particularly perplexed about how to implement them in the parts of their living spaces that are not the usual venues for such things. Inside a house, in particular, there are the normal entryways and hallways often are the new display location for many of the pieces can be acquired. A beautiful sculpture proudly displayed on an appropriate stand makes an interesting and inviting experience for your guests when they first step into your home. A beautiful large abstract painting is just the thing to spark some interesting conversation with your guests in your office. But what about the other rooms like the bathroom or a bedroom. These areas need help and are often overlooked.

Art is everywhere, if the right material. With a little thought and effort, and some help from experts if needed, your modern interior design ideas are successfully implemented in many space you want. In the bathroom, with attention to the naturally high humidity is important. A long hot shower or bath is definitely going to make some art is not practical to add to the room. You do not have to settle for the cold, intimidating, modern bathroom empty spaces. Add the bronze sculpture of well-protected piece of abstract wall art or whimsy and color you know will definitely make the room come alive.

The same principle applies to all rooms in your home. Be bold. Try what you think you want. If you do not like something, you can always change. Enjoy the art, creates emotional reactions in you and others. If you do, you will experience how well the modern interior design ideas and art really can go together.

Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

The definition of a modern kitchen varies from person to person. Just optimizing the means of electrical appliances in your kitchen does not make for a modern centric kitchen. Every aspect of your kitchen right from its accessories to design to storage facility has to be contemporary to give it a modern outlook.

While working on your kitchen design, first and foremost look out for the furniture that makes your kitchen look spacious and less cluttered. The contemporary furniture employs artistic yet simple shapes, bold colors and clean lines. The storage means like modern kitchen cabinets have an excellent finesse in lustrous and bold colors. Open shelving and glass made doors are popular contemporary trends. While drafting your kitchen cabinet design, make sure to craft them in simple square or rectangle shapes so that they don't occupy much of your kitchen's space.

You can further refine the look of your cabinets by coloring them in a new stain or a paint that completely changes the look of your kitchen. You can also opt for changing the look of your cabinets by placing a new veneer over its existent finish and redefine the look of your kitchen. This is one of the popular methods adopted by an average person to modernize the look of his kitchen. Using Chrome handles, revolving shelves are other few ideas for stylizing your kitchen's appeal.

Next, replace your old kitchen appliances with enhanced high technological appliances. Upgrade your kitchen utilities with electric appliances like stoves, chimneys etc. Go for the electronic brand that uses computer based chips for running refrigerators and burners. These appliances are specially designed to render ease to the users and create a smoke-free healthy environment in the kitchen.

In a typical modern kitchen, decoration is at a minimal level. Instead, more focus is paid on choosing the right colors and style for your storage cabinets and furniture. If you have a small kitchen, then choose to paint the walls of your kitchen with the color that merges with the color of your kitchen wares and furniture.

Leather Sofas

In this world of styles, everyone wants to seem unique either in the sense of interior or exterior look of their homes. Such alerts about furniture, stunning styles, designs and gazes can lead them to the wonderful leather sofas straightforwardly. For the mind-blowing appearance of your drawing room use matching fine leather made sofa with other accessories of room. Its very well assembly can make it appreciable in style as well as in comfort. Don't feel that such items are just limited to your drawing rooms but modern furniture designs innovation has made a leather sofa ideal for the guest room, living room, and for any office reception too.

High quality material coupled with unique styles can make them perfect for boosting up your room's prestige. Fusion of traditional and updated designs can produce the unique styles of sofas. Smooth brown leather is perfect for sheeting such section of art. Moreover, uniquely curved armrests can exhibit supercilious look of sofa but soft and smooth leather sheet can really offer a cool insight to the user. Most of all, stain resistant quality can satisfy your feelings of cleanliness 100%. Liberation of movements can get pleasures by sitting over its stretchable leather.

Leather sofas with discounted prices can make your day pleasant so looking for one amongst the wide range of modern sofas, contemporary sofas and Italian sofas according to your needs means taking a good and economical decision. Stylish skin sofas are the best outcomes of renowned designer's hard work. Each step during the manufacturing process is taken with full care. Sofa's outer stitching can itself display the rich features of this unmatched selection. On customer's demand cushions can be fixed with the sofa sitting base or can be positioned over it for exclusive modern look. Select a good source for buying what you need within your budget range.

Modern Sofas of Today

Modern sofas give plenty of advantages to the interior design of your home. Modern sofas come in various original styles and designs which light up the whole atmosphere of your home. There are huge selections of materials, styles, colors and designs you can choose from when it comes to modern sofas.

Nevertheless, the preference of a new trendy sofa, first and foremost, depends on what you actually need. Because of the huge selection of sofas you can choose from, you can definitely get easily confused regarding which to choose. You should think first of what you really need to be able to choose the perfect modern sofas for your home. Also, think of the area you are going to place it into and the other furniture pieces and decorations that you already have. It is also important to think of the budget that you can afford. It is essential to know your budget before you even think of buying one.

Rectangular contemporary sofas are one of the general choices of designed sofas nowadays. This type of sofa has a capacity of seating 3 people comfortably. It is very appropriate for living rooms. Sofa beds are also another option, it has multi purposes.

Another popular choice is the sectional sofa. These types of sofas can give you comfortable seating space and style as well. These types of sofas can be positioned in various spaces and you can also decorate them as you like.

You should always keep your budget in mind, no matter what type of modern sofas you want to purchase. The quality, design and the materials used determines the price of the modern sofas.

Space or the area where you will put your sofa is very important. It will easily help you determine which type of sofa is perfect for you and your home. You may want to have a regular or sectional sofa but without a space to place them. Of course, that wouldn't be possible.

Modern sofas have been made to be placed in various areas of your home. Futons and sofa beds, for instance, can be positioned in the bedroom or the living room. Sectional sofas and regular sofas, on the other hand, are made particularly for the living or seating room to provide seating accommodation for families and friends. When you are anticipating having more guests at home on a regular basis, you should check and consider getting sectional modern sofas. This is the perfect choice for your home, because this will not only accommodate more people but also you can place the items together or you can place them in any part of your home as you like.

A loveseat is perfect inside the bedroom because it creates a romantic atmosphere. The loveseat is also a good alternative when you are not concerned of the guests you'll be having in the future. There are various designs of loveseats you can choose from and you can easily place them in any part of your home.

And last, but not the least, the important thing to remember before buying modern sofas is its use. Do you need it for guests or friends that will relax on it while visiting your home? For family and friends that needs a place to sleep overnight? This will also help you in choosing perfect modern sofas for your particular needs.

You should also check on the upholstery when you are planning on purchasing modern sofas. There are various selections of materials you can choose from. These can be leather, fabric or suede. The materials also determine the price. The quality of each material also affects the size and shape of the finished product.

The Best Interior Design Schools

The best interior design schools are generally the ones which have the most graduates and most successful employment rate on completion of courses. Naturally it can be difficult to access this type of information as it is often considered confidential, but you will find top rating schools boasting about their graduation rate and this can be a good way to find a great school.

There are more and more schools offering interior design classes than ever before and this is due to the rising interest in this field. People enjoy spending money redesigning their homes, and business and the commercial sector are in an ongoing need for creative and talented interior designers. This results in an abundance of opportunities for you after you complete your interior design certification.

What do interior designers do?

Interior designers have a goal of creating functional areas out of spaces in buildings. They design environments for living, working and functioning according to the needs of the client. Graduate interior designers can find work in architectural firms or as a freelance interior designer. Some speciality areas of expertise for interior designers include:

- Kitchen and bathroom design

- Lighting

- Retail store design

- Office planning

- Health care planning

- Universities and schools

- Historic locations

Interior designers by nature must be creative people. Although most of the skills can be learned at interior design schools, creativity generally comes naturally to someone choosing interior design as a career. Creative skills that will be studied in school include color choices and compatibility, textures, space, cultures, materials and more.

The best interior design schools provide a variety of general courses and courses that are aimed at qualified designers who want to become an expert on a particular aspect of interior design. Most people start with an associate or bachelor degree in interior design before embarking upon a speciality subject of study, generally after gaining some employment experience.

Some schools offer interior design apprenticeships which let you study and work at the same time. This provides excellent practical experience so that you can more easily understand that theory that is taught in school. It will also give you excellent opportunity for employment on completion of your apprenticeship, with most people staying on in their current employer.

If you enjoy manipulating space and can see yourself creating outstanding indoor environments then an interior design career is for you. Make sure you research interior design schools before deciding on the one that best meets your needs.

Green Interior Design Lighting

Green interior design lighting is important because light sucks up electricity, generates heat and costs us money. A green lighting designer would tell you that compact fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent lamps, using 80% less energy. "CFLs last 10 times longer than incandescents and normally pay for themselves," explains David Lee, a 23-year lighting designer with The Lighting Source.

Antique Lamps and Interior Design

In the UK in 2008 a Bristol pensioner chained himself to a lamppost and went on hunger strike. His protest was against the removal of Victorian lampposts from the city's streets; illustrating that those passionate about quality design and heritage will do just about anything to protect it.

However, apart from, perhaps, Bristol City Council, there are people out there who appreciate the timeless quality and design of domestic scale antique and vintage lamps. A visit to some antique shops or specialist internet sites will show that antique lamps are available and still hugely popular as a design choice for many.

No need, thankfully, to go on hunger strike to protect these examples of our heritage as the demand for them is continually high.

Occasional Lighting and Permanent Comfort -:

Antique or vintage lamps are ideal for traditional / classic design schemes but can work equally well in even the most modern of interiors. An old, and stunningly effective, design trick is to place one or two display 'antiques' in sleek, stylish, modern rooms.

This juxtaposition of old and new can be used in a number of ways. It can create a high impact visual statement, add a quirky edge to a simple design or create intricate detail in an otherwise clean, clear design. An antique lamp can be the perfect tool to create these effects, adding not only a bold statement but incorporating a functional element. No home should be without 'occasional' lighting and lamps provide a simple and flexible solution.

Wired for Light -:

In traditional / classic, or period interiors, vintage or antique lamps are an absolute must! Whether for a residential setting or a hotel, bar or restaurant the lamp will add a touch of luxury and authenticity.

You don't have to go the whole way and use traditional paraffin or oil lamps - though apart from some fire regulations in commercial properties there's nothing to stop you! These days the majority of antique lamps are adapted for electrical use which reduces the risk as well as the smell.

For those using antique lamps in a period home, one important thing to check is the quality of the workmanship and design of the 'converted' lamp. The majority of antique lamp bases will need some renovation, due to their age. Finding a supplier that can not only expertly and subtly wire the base but provide new shades where necessary is important.

Changing Times -:

While antique lamps suit just about any scheme, you may be looking to compliment a particular design period. Vintage lamps from the 20th century can come in just about any design style you can imagine. From the ornate 'fin-de-siecle' style of the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, to the now retro-chic of the fifties, sixties and seventies; just about any style of lamp can be sourced to add the finishing touch to your home.

Other popular styles include Tiffany lamps and these, like other vintage or antique lamps offer not only a decorative statement, but also are a great investment. Design choices will always be very personal, but in many cases vintage or antique lamps are a good choice as they have this added feature - that they are likely to remain valuable and will most likely increase in value.

Many items of furniture can depreciate in value thanks to inevitable wear and tear. Design classics and antiques however should retain their value and hopefully grow. The cost of such items can vary, but there is usually an affordable solution to suit any pocket allowing you to create that perfect look for you.

Sourcing Antique Lamps -:

As with nearly everything, antique lamps are now easy to source on the internet, as well as direct from antique shops and specialist stores. Specialists, whether online or not, are usually the best place to start your search. Not only will they be knowledgeable - often passionate - about their products, but can offer advice on the types and styles of lamps. A specialist supplier is also best placed to find unusual or rare items - having a network of contacts that can help you source specific items or styles.

This can be invaluable to you if you have a specific style or theme that you are creating, as some designs are much rarer than others. With a good supplier you can find the right antique lamp, make a great investment and preserve a part of our heritage.

An antique lamp creates a comfortable homely lighting effect and can work well in just about any setting. Ideal for period properties including homes, hotels, bars and restaurants, they can work equally well as statement pieces in modern homes and offices.

Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co, has had a lifetime's association with antique porcelain and pottery.

He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company's site, he is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.

Modern Lighting Decoration I Essential Component of Interior Design

One of the most important factors that affect the home environment is indoor lighting, because it can affect our daily life in different degree. Different forms of illumination can affect an object's image, its tone as well as the impression that they leave behind. Lighting can create or destroy the atmosphere of indoor environment.

In many cases, people only start to think about lighting after the interior design has been completed and construction has started. This is a very big mistake. Lighting is also one of the factors to consider during the design phase. In particular, the owner needs to posses the basic knowledge of lighting, so as to be able to provide some personal opinions regarding lighting decoration during the design phase. Regrettably, many architects, designer and reconstruction personnel are lacking in this aspect of training. Over the past ten years, new technologies have been appearing, and large variety of interior lighting products had been introduced to the market. Thus, lighting has been an essential component of interior design.

A splendid lighting decoration must take in consideration of all occupant needs and their lifestyle, in order to satisfy three essential factors: people, construction and point of focus (example: artwork, paintings). But the most important of all, is to provide effective lighting to the person using the space.

- Background illumination.

Background lighting design should archive a soft, gentle and mesmerizing effect to the space. In order to obtain the ideal background light, the modern illumination design uses the reflection from the wall surface and the ceiling light, so as to avoid producing luminescent spot, thus achieving the satisfying light effect. The background illumination light may come from the wall lamp, the hanging lamp or light source from pillars.

- Decorative illumination.

Decorative lighting provides glittering effect to the surface, giving the illusion of it providing the background light. This kind of illumination should be lightly used, so as not to cause the entire space to appear too dazzling.

- Focus illumination.

Prominent light source is carefully arranged to focus on some objects like artwork, paintings or certain construction structures detail. The main goal is to achieve the artistic effect. Focus illumination make use of not too bright light sources like candle or wall hanging lamp. Track lighting and portable type lighting can also be used.

Interior Lighting Design

The stunning chandelier in the dining room is simply breathtaking. So is the glowing accent wall that conceals a series of fluorescent lights that line its back. The three pieces of quirky and whimsical drop lights that illuminated the bar counter in the kitchen are so attractive that they stand out from all the interior elements in the area. Lighting fixtures are marvelous inventions of the modern world. They either aid the furnishings or the other interior elements in making rooms look as presentable as possible or they, themselves, represent the beauty of the rooms by their eye-catching and elaborate appearance. The proper distribution and application of these lighting fixtures is what constitutes good and effective interior lighting design.

Any interiors that has been brightened up by the most functional and the most appealing kinds of lighting fixtures are transformed into beautiful and harmoniously designed areas. Sometimes, all it takes for a fancy living room to achieve its desired effect is the perfect pendant light. The bedroom can be warm and inviting with comfortable furniture pieces and accessories but it can even be cozier with the right kind of lighting fixtures. Spotlights for the artworks in the display shelves, cove lighting on the wall where the headboard is located, as well as the side table lamps beside the bed, are the lighting fixtures that can not only set the serene mood in the bedroom but can also serve as direct task lighting for reading, studying and finding objects in the bedroom.

Lighting fixtures fall among three categories and these are task lighting, general lighting and ambient or mood lighting. The first category, which is task lighting, is needed for areas that have certain activities going on. For example, a pin light that points directly below the space in front of the bathroom vanity unit. This is needed to help persons in doing their make up or shaving their beards. General lighting has a broader scope when it comes to function. It lights up hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and all the areas in the house but it deals more on the larger spaces rather than on one specific area. The last lighting category is ambient lighting. These are lighting fixtures that create the mood of an area. The living room has to have a livelier atmosphere during the day so brilliant light can be applied, but this brightness can be reduced into a warmer glow at night when the family gathers in the area and they want to have a calmer and more relaxing time. Dimmers can help minimize the glare of lighting fixtures so they should be installed with them especially in areas where the light should be regulated such as the bedroom, living room and dining room.

When you have determined what type of lighting fixture should be assigned in what area, then you can select from a wide assortment of chandeliers, lamps, spotlights, pin lights and drop lights available in home accessories stores and mall department stores. You can also choose from lighting fixture and interior design websites on the internet for the design that you want. Creating handmade lamps and chandeliers is also a great way of exploring your options when it comes to materials and styles, and you can be certain that your taste and preferences are taken into consideration because you dictate the shape and design they will achieve.

Home Design Plans For A Small Home

If you want to build your own house, the first thing that you should come up with is the design plans. These plans will help you visualize what your house is going to look like when it is completed. Home design plans will determine whether your house will turn out just the way you want it to or, on the contrary, a disastrous mess. Therefore, you will need to familiarize yourself with the design plans and pay close attention to even the smallest details.

The question is how to create a design plan for a small house? Most people are often frustrated when it comes to designing a house in a limited space. But coming up with a design plan for a limited space house is not a very difficult task to do. There are several things that you should keep in mind:

First and foremost, you have to choose the appropriate colors to paint your house with. For a small house, it is recommended that you choose lighter tones with relatively minimal patterns. These will help create the illusion that your house is bigger than it actually is.

Choose the appropriate locations for the kitchen, the living room, the bedrooms, and the bathrooms.

The living room should go in between the kitchen and the bathroom. Most of the time, the kitchen and the bathroom are located at the ends of the house, thus the living room will certainly be located in the middle. By locating the rooms appropriately, your house will be well-organized and cozy.

Use every available space wisely. If you are building a two story house, use the space beneath the staircase to put a drawer or a cupboard. Alternatively, you can also build a small storage room below the staircase. So if you run out of storage space elsewhere, you can easily keep your things in here.

Last but not least, maximize the use of mirrors inside your house. It is a good idea to put a big mirror near the staircase, because it is the focal point of the house. Mirrors can also help create a spacious feel, making the house look and feel roomy.

Hopefully, all the basic tips mentioned above will help you create the ideal design plan for a small yet comfortable home. If you are still in doubt, you can also consult an expert as they know what's best for your house.

Efficient Green Home Design

Efficient was the focus of the house My Bigger Half and I designed and had built seven years ago. It's a green home in most ways. But, as efficient as we made it, we didn't think of going with movable walls.

Before I share the movable wall idea, let me digress and talk about other eco-friendly homes and home design. The Solar Decathlon competition. According to the website "The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends cost-effectiveness, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency." There also is to be enough energy generated by the house to fuel an electric car. Student teams come from around the world to participate in this annual event in Washington, DC.

I was thrilled to see the Solar Decathlon competition on the Mall in Washington, DC, October 2009, because that meant I got to tour it. I'd seen and enjoyed two entries before that -- CU-Boulder and Montreal -- and had enjoyed their innovations. So when I found myself on the Mall with all of the entries I knew I was in for a good time.

I saw a delightful array of houses. Beach and mountain, urban and country, as well as modern and futuristic. One house I saw had solar panels comprising the exterior of the building -- all four sides and the roof. Solar panels were of course a common element of all of the entry homes. Lots of light was a common element of the homes, and shading too. Some incorporated gardens, others patios. Innovative, fun and exciting sum it up for me.

One house used modular walls and sliding wall panels to create flexible space. It didn't hit me how useful that concept was until I saw the 344 square foot Hong Kong condo in this video. The architect and owner calls it his Domestic Transformer.

The Murphy bed was the precursor of this idea. My Bigger Half and I do have a Murphy bed in our TV room, making the room more utilitarian and efficient than having two rooms. We don't watch that much TV, and we don't have that many house guests. One room does the duty of two. It's not a transformer in the sense of Gary Chang's, but it's not far off.

Kitchen Pantry

A kitchen pantry is one of the best gifts you can give yourself while redesigning your new kitchen. Believe me, there is nothing like being able to walk into your pantry and start selecting the ingredients you need for a spur-of-the-moment dinner party or for the Sunday morning breakfast that you are making for the surprise guests that just walked in the door.

One of the major problems in any kitchen is storage. While working on your kitchen interior design, make room for a large kitchen pantry, even if it is in another room. You will thank yourself for making the room, and I do mean room. If you can only afford the space of an old broom closet, then use it wisely with a modular shelf arrangement that you can change at will. But if you can design a walk-in pantry, you will love having the space and having the supplies at hand. Consider tip out floor level bins for your major ingredients - flour, sugar, rice, etc. You can buy in bulk and save a ton of money.

One word of caution however, flour may contain 'things' that will progress to little weevils if the flour is kept for a long time. As far as other storage, consider see-through bins so you can see exactly what is in each container. The new silver impregnated clip-top containers are a true saver of food stuffs as they do make an air tight seal. Use these for pasta of all kinds as well as beans, lentils and cereals.

Have shelves made so that you can stack like canned goods more than one can high. Do not forget to have some shelves made with enough height for your taller bottles of oils and vinegars. The shelving needs to be heavy and relatively shallow in depth for the can goods. Make sure that there is plenty of light so you can easily see what you have stored in your pantry.

If there is enough room, have a vertical storage area for tall platters and over-sized cookie sheets as well. You can store extra dishes and very large pans if need be. A kitchen pantry is one of the best uses of space you can design into your newly remodeled kitchen.