Interior Design

Designing a Space

Effective interior design requires careful planning, and you are more likely to be pleased with the results.

When planning a decorating project, do the following: Identify what you need Evaluate your current space Keep your resources in mind Identify your preferences

Designing a Space: Backgrounds

The background of your room is one of the most important features!

Backgrounds are the walls, floors, windows, and ceilings of a living area.

Backgrounds can be the main focus or the room or just be used to help display furniture or accessories in the room.

Backgrounds: Walls

Walls define areas, provide privacy, and help absorb noise.

The two most popular means of decorating walls are: Paint: choosing from many colors and

techniques Wallpaper: can add interesting patterns and

textures

Backgrounds: Windows

Sometimes, windows can be left alone to show off a view.

Usually, windows have window treatments that can provide both privacy and decoration.

Backgrounds: Windows

Window treatment choices include curtains, drapes, shutters, blinds, and shades in a variety of colors and materials.

You can also combine treatments (for example: using shutters and curtains on the same window).

Backgrounds: Floors

Flooring materials, such as concrete, wood, ceramic and stone, are a permanent part of the floor.

Floor coverings – which are not permanent – may be installed over permanent flooring.

Backgrounds: Floors

Examples of floor coverings include: vinyl, carpets, rugs, wood laminate, tile, and hardwood floors.

Each type of floor covering has its own set of pros and cons.

Backgrounds: Ceilings

Ceilings are often forgotten, but an important element to a room.

High ceilings give off the feeling of dignity and elegance.

Lower ceilings create a warm, informal feeling, but they can also create a cramped feeling.

Furniture

Most furniture is functional furniture – it meets a specific need.

Functional furniture is usually decorative as well.

Furniture Styles

Furniture styles can be split into two categories:

Traditional: based on designs used for hundreds of years

Contemporary: simple, usually straight lines and little or no decoration

Arranging Furniture

The smart way of arranging furniture is to use graph paper or a computer program before actually doing it in your room.

Check to see whether the traffic patterns, or the paths people use to get from one area of room to another, are uncluttered and fairly direct.

Avoid blocking traffic patterns with furniture or other obstacles.

Accessories

Accessories are the easiest and least expensive way to change a room.

Accessories can include lamps, plants, posters, books, pictures, mirrors, etc.

Accessories: Lighting

General lighting: provides enough light that you can move around a room safely and comfortably

Task lighting: focuses light where it is needed

Accent lighting: an intense beam of light aimed at a painting, sculpture, or other object to create a dramatic or directed effect