The Interior Design Process

Do you really need an interior designer?

You may know what you want, but aren't quite sure where to begin. A professional designer will guide you through the design process with a well thought out plan to help you avoid costly mistakes such as furniture that is too large, colors that are not working and contractors who don't do quality work. They will introduce you to new ideas and solutions.

The Goal

The goal is to prevent common pitfalls and costly mistakes. A professional interior designer will assist you throughout the number of project phases so that you feel comfortable with your decisions. They will work with you to make sure your project is not only beautiful, but practical and functional.

There are several steps that are included in this process. They are as follows:

Initial Consultation

A meeting is held at the project site to see the space and talk about your the functions of the space and design style. This process allows ideas to be formulated. It includes reviewing an idea book that illustrates a variety of design styles and color schemes. A designer will then analyze the results to determine a specific style so that the space is a reflection of you and your personality.

Design and Proposal Fees

Based on the initial consultation, a detailed proposal that outlines the scope of services to be performed is presented. Depending on the scope of the job, there are two types of fees. A one time design fee or flat fee or an hourly fee. Typically a retainer is requested at this time before proceeding with the project. More detailed questions regarding your needs, utilization of space and budget are also discussed.

Detailed Measurements

After the proposal is accepted, a follow-up consultation takes place for detailed measurements and evaluation of existing conditions and furnishings. If there are blueprints for the project they should be provided at this time.

Space Planning

A two-dimensional space plan is proposed and discussed to address particular needs and function of the area being designed.

The Conceptual Presentation

Based on prior meetings, a preliminary conceptual design scheme is presented. Various elements are depicted with photos, sketches, magazine shots and samples of finishes, such as flooring, counter tops, cabinetry, wall and window treatments, lighting and hardware to help visualize the overall plan. Once the concept has been accepted and approved, several meetings may take place in showrooms or on the project site to view additional samples. Specific details are discussed in greater depth during this phase.

Budget/Estimate

A preliminary budget is prepared based on the materials and design ideas proposed during the concept presentation. The budget is evaluated and analyzed at this time. Once items are agreed upon, purchase orders are created and placed with manufacturers and contractors. Follow up on orders include: tracking and lead times, deliveries and coordination of contractors.

Project Management

Contractors are recommended based on the project. The contractor will provide a negotiated bid based on current market values and a remodeling project timetable is evaluated. Pre and post construction meetings and onsite visits during construction are conducted, ensuring the fulfillment of design intent and maintenance of quality levels.

Installation

Oversight of actual furniture placement and installations are overseen ensuring proper locations and quality.

What To Expect When You Hire An Interior Designer

Despite the common assumption that using the services of a professional interior designer is unaffordable to most of us, choosing this option can offer savings in the long run. But have you ever wondered what's involved in the entire process of house interior design?

Phase one involves gathering and analyzing information and making all the necessary preparations before starting the actual design job. You must formulate a detailed home interior design program that will be customized towards your individual needs and objectives, as well as the size and relationship between spaces and a host of other considerations that will affect how you live in your home. If you hire an interior designer for the job, he or she will analyze your home and determine the best positioning of the furniture and spaces within to capture views and sunlight. During this first phase, the budget and schedule will also be estimated.

The second phase goes under the sign of conceptual brainstorming and exploration. It starts with the creation of a concept diagram of the house interior and several rough design sketches. During this period, designers (hired by you) will come up with the general layout, form and overall appearance of the house's interior. When the layout, size and character of the house are refined, designers focus on the different interior elements such as stairs, fireplaces, cabinetry, and built-in furniture. To help describe some of the important technical details, different drawings will be prepared. Once this stage is finished, 70 to 80 percent of the actual house interior design work will be finished.

The next phase is called Construction Documentation and during this period, the house interior design is translated into a technical language used by the contractor. Working Drawings and specifications are made that outline in detail all of the materials that will be used, where they will be positioned and how they will be installed. Despite the fact that this stage is mostly intended for working out the technical aspects of the project, some design work also takes place. Furthermore, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and finish materials such as carpet, paint colors and tile are also selected.

In the Bidding and Negotiation phase, you will receive bids from different contractors that will do the actual work. The designers you work with have a list of contractors for hire. You will be able to review their bids and negotiate the different proposals.

The last phase of the house interior design process is the actual making (construction). During this stage, interior designers will answer questions, review submittals and shop drawings and review monthly certificates of payment that are submitted by the contractor. The very final selections of fixtures and finishes are also done here. Once this stage is completed, the entire house will be thoroughly inspected to guarantee that everything is done as it should.

The Advantages of Getting an Architect to Design and Build Your House

One of the biggest decisions to take when you decide to design and build your own house is whether you need to engage the services of an architect or not. While most people do recommend it, there are others who would like to go through the entire thing without professional help. What they fail to realize is that there are many benefits that come with the territory when you opt to avail the services of an architect to build your dream home. Let us understand the advantages of getting professional help to design and build your house.

Advantage #1: "Professional" Help

The word professional itself says it all. The architect is a person who is qualified and certified in design and build homes. He speaks the language of home building much better than you. In fact, there are many times when we want certain aspects of the design to be changed after the construction has commenced. You may not be able to incorporate this ad hoc change if you do not have an architect to help you with it. Since he has more knowledge in this field, he will be able to see things that you, as a layman, cannot and hence be able to make the changes you want.

Advantage #2: Suggest options you would not have thought possible

Thanks to the advanced level of studies in this field, the architects will be able to provide you with a wide range of design options that can enhance the look of your house. Most often than not, these ideas cannot be conceptualized by us since we are not aware of how the vast number of construction materials that are available can be put to use.

Advantage #3: Design energy efficient homes

The main focus today is the need to conserve energy to the maximum extent possible. The architects will be able to help you design and build your house around this concept. A well constructed house should help you reduce the costs of electricity, water and heating bills. This can be possible only when you engage an architect in your endeavor. This will ensure you get maximum returns on the investment you make.

Advantage #4: End to End Solutions

Availing the services of an architect who knows his Ps and Qs will take a heavy burden off your shoulders. A good architect will be able to shoulder the entire construction project end to end, which means right from conceptualizing the design to giving the final touches to your house. This will enable you to distress to a great extent because your architect will co-ordinate with all the necessary people including the quantity surveyors, engineers, builders, sub contractors and interior designers. So, you need not worry about anything at all.

With all these advantages considered, don't you think it is a wise decision to go in for an architect to help you design and build your home? But yes, it is important that you choose the architect after great thought and consideration. The best way to choose them is by getting feedback from friends and family who have recently constructed a home.

Art of Interior Designing Solutions

Interior design is the art of applying the knowledge of interior space, with the manipulation of spatial volume and surface treatment application. Interior space design draws on aspects of environmental psychology, interior architecture design, product design and furniture design in addition to traditional decoration. An interior designer is a person who is an experienced professional in the area of interior design or one who designs interiors as part of their job requirements.

Modern Interior design is a creative practice that analyzes programmatic information, establishes a conceptual direction, refines the design direction, and produces graphic communication and construction documents.

After a design layout has been finalized, the interior designer will start specifying the materials, finishes, and furnishings required, such as furniture, lighting, flooring, wall covering, and artwork. Depending on the complexity of the design project, the designer will need to prepare drawings and submit them for architectural review which later requires approval by a construction inspector to ensure that the design is equivalent with all applicable building codes. If a design needed any structural work, the designer will need to work with an architect or engineer for that part of the project. Most designs also requires hiring of contractors to complete technical task such as lighting, electrical wiring or plumbing,. If required, the designer will select qualified contractors and write up work contracts.

Interior decoration is the art of decorating a rooms of house so that it looks attractive, easy to use, and functional well with the existing design architecture. The aim of interior decoration is to provide a unique "feel" in the room; basically it encompasses applying wallpaper, painting walls and other surfaces, choosing furniture and fittings, such as light fixtures, floorings and providing other decorations such as paintings, sculptures and carpets.

Interior Design Tips for Using Wall Art With Antique Picture Frames

If you find your walls dull and monotonous, it would be a great idea to add hanging art and picture frames to your wall. However, even if these walls had pictures or paintings on it, there are times that these artworks are just not enough. If you have already planned to re-decorate your dull-looking walls but you have no idea how to start, then you might want to acquaint yourself with the process on beautifying your home walls.

Redecorating your interior walls is just like redecorating your home. This might need quite a bit of effort especially if you are inexperienced in interior design. Although interior design can be done by professionals, regular inexperienced individuals, just like you, can also be able to re-decorate walls using a little bit of creativity and imagination. Of course, you might need some expert advice along the way, but you can totally do it on your own.

Plan Ahead

Have you decided to start conceptualizing the design for your interior walls? If you have, then you might need to plan ahead. Considering that you are inexperienced, you will need to set up a plan for the design that you want. You need to consider what you want to change, your budget, the tools you will need, and the time frame for your project.

If you want to retain the original wall design, it would be much nicer to add some items to further enhance the design, such as art and picture frames. If you have already found that right art piece for the wall and the right spot to place it, that would be the time to put it on display for all to view. Things to remember for putting up the pictured or art frame would be a good thing so as to bring out that interior designer within you.

Primarily, we should determine the best place to hang the art piece or pictures. It is better to choose a picture or painting to be the center of attraction. It doesn't need to be on the center, but you can emphasize the frame amongst all the other artworks. Make markings, like using a pencil, to serve as a guide for the exact location to hang it. Choose the right hook, depending upon the weight of the picture and hammer it on the marked spot. Hang the picture and adjust it to make sure it is placed correctly.

There can be a lot of things to consider in hanging pictures. Here are a few of those:

* The pictures would look better if they are hung along the eye-level, which usually starts at 5 feet and 6 inches. For offices or areas where there are chairs, pictures are best hanged at the seated eye level.

*It is better to have a group of pictures rather than a single picture placed on the wall.

*It is better to make a design for it first, on where to place the art pieces.

* Make enough space for pictures to stand out from the group of pictures.

*Make sure to inspect and replace for pictures that fades with time.

Other tips would be to use white or light colored mats for the pictures, as they give emphasis to the art and picture frames. But that would depend upon the picture itself. Contrast is the key to address such an issue. To prevent fading, avoid striking the pictures to the rays of sunshine. Instead of nails, it is best to use hooks to hold the pictures. Try alternating large and small picture frames as it gives a nicer effect. If multiple pictures are to be placed, you could select one to be its center or its main picture.

In this article, you have learned quite a few yet effective tips in decorating that dull wall. But as experts say, be not be afraid to experiment as it unleashes your creative side.

Integrating Wickless Candles Into Interior Design

Interior design converts an interior space into a setting for a specific activity such as dining, relaxing, or working. This multifaceted career involves conceptualization, artistic skills, and interpersonal relations. Interior designers have a multitude of resources and products at their disposal, including home décor items like wickless candles. Small items like these make a big difference when they are included in a design project.

Traditionally, the interior of a structure was developed during the building process. The decorators of the space were upholsterers or craftsmen, who also happened to sell the products used in the decorating process. As society and architecture developed, the interior design profession emerged. Occupants wish to use interior space most effectively and they want the design to be functional and contribute to their well-being. Having a professional design their home allows people to obtain all the benefits without doing the work.

An interior designer focuses on planning, functional design, and the effective use of space. This professional arranges the basic layout of a space and addresses technical issues like lighting, temperature, and acoustics. The result is an area that is comfortable, practical, and appealing to the senses. Aside from sight, smell is one of the most important senses in the world of interior design. If a space does not smell acceptable, it will be unappealing to anyone entering it.

Wickfree candles combine highly fragranced wax with electric warmers. A variety of scents is available, with everything from home baked apple pie to cool ocean breezes. Warmers come in different sizes and styles, including those that can be plugged into the wall. Interior designers select the pairing that delivers the desired effect, whether it be to invigorate the senses or calm the nerves. The versatility of these products allows users to change fragrances and move warmers whenever desired. Since these products are inexpensive to purchase and operate, a separate warmer can be used in each room of the home.

Plug-in warmers are ideal for small spaces like a powder room or laundry area. One can be found in a color and pattern that matches the color scheme of the room. Herbal and citrus scents are perfect for the laundry room, while a fruity or floral scent is ideal for the powder room. In the kitchen, these professionals can use scents with notes of vanilla or cinnamon to create the impression that baked goods just came out of the oven.

Regular warmers come in small, medium, and full size and feature different colors, designs, and patterns. A plain, single color warmer is ideal for an ornately decorated room, while a warmer featuring an eye-catching design is suitable for a more simple space. Scents are designed to lighten the mood, evoke a memory, or create a feeling.

Whether homeowners hire a professional or do the interior design themselves, they can incorporate wickless candles into the décor. With so many wax fragrances and warmer styles, it is easy to find a combination that complements the room. These products appeal to both the eyes and the nose, enhancing any area.

Interior Wall Paint Conceptualizing Ideas

Wall painting is one of the tasks that you can do when you want to upgrade the interior look of your room. Painting your walls can bring new changes and look into the room, giving a fresh and new ambience. You can enjoy experimenting as you try to conceptualize interior wall paint designs to consider for a more creative effect. Painting your walls yourself is a fun and enjoying thing to do. You can have the freedom to make your own paint designs according to any theme you have in mind. You can also exercise options with the kind of wall painting design that will complement your room furniture such as sofa, lamps, and beds.

If you want to re-paint a child's room, you should consider a theme that is child-friendly. Babies will appreciate rooms with cool paint colors and you can even draw some animals or alphabets and numbers on the background to have some educational effect on the child. The kind of paintings in the wall can have learning effect on your child as they grow and learn from their surroundings.

If you are married couples, it is important that both of you come to a common decision on the kind of theme you want to create in your room. The kind of color is essential when you consider wall painting. Pastel colors can bring a cooler ambience to allow couples enjoy a relaxing moment with each other.

There are also some different ways of interior wall paint designing that you can experiment with. Rag painting is one of the most popular ways of painting the room to create the effects of marble wallpaper. Just use a rag and soak it into the paint and rub it on the wall to paint. As the paint runs out, re-apply the paint again using the rag. To create a random and abstract design, you may try sponge painting. You will need many sponges to dip them in various paint colors and dab them on the wall. To make an indiscriminate pattern, dab randomly in various directions.

You can enjoy doing wall painting yourself as you can do your own designs and styles. They are more affordable than hiring professionals to do the interior wall paint job for you. You can always conceptualize your own painting designs and ideas transforming a room with your own unique painting design ideas. You can further optimize the wall decoration by adding some paintings and other wall decorations.