Interior Design Ideas 101
Where to Get Those Decorating Ideas for Your Home
You have always wanted to make your home that lovely picture you have in mind. Perhaps it was that design showcase you saw accidentally in the mall, or maybe you saw your friend's lovely home makeover and you're wanting to have the same. If choosing a professional to help you make that design project a reality is not an option, here are some tips to help you get started:
Cut and Paste Design Ideas
Start with pictures from the pages of your favorite glossy interior design magazine. Cut out the images that strike you most and paste it on a board, like a collage. You may group the images according to colors, space or furniture. Choose a unifying scheme that will put all pieces together. It can be by color or style. Be careful with the elements you put together and make sure that they don't clash. An exception would be the Eclectic Style, where accents from various eras are placed strategically in order to bring out a style uniquely its own.
Make That Design Shop Visit
Where else can you get those ideas to have a more concrete image in your head? The answer is simple: Take time off and visit your favorite stores, exhibits and homes. Stores give you the latest design trends in real-time. You can always ask for suggestions from the in-house designer or sales staff and you may ask for sample swatches from your fabric or paint store. You may also seek out the help of your family or friend, if their homes inspire you to redocorate your own. Trade shows and design conventions are not to be missed since it will give you a variety of fresh ideas to start with.
Choose a Decor Theme
The last thing you want is a case of mismatch in your home. The only way to resolve this is to choose the theme for your design. Interior decorating books can guide you on what theme to choose. There are plenty to choose from. If your home is older, you can go for period styles or historical themes. For smaller spaces, the modern style gives you an illusion of space. The theme will depend on what you currently have at home, which can be enhanced by adding a few elements to make it morph into that style you desire.
Make a List of Design Needs
If you work within a specific budget, it is very important to make a list of what you have and what you need to buy. Work your way up from the floor, walls to the ceiling. Do you need new flooring? Do you want your wall painted in a different color? Do you want to change lighting fixtures? Do you need custom-built furniture? Professional designers can give you access to trade furniture which are not usually sold in the public. You can hire extra services for major renovations.
Have a Plan for Your Home Redesign
The best way to know how the final results would look like is to sketch a plan or lay-out of the space. You can even make a mock 3D-scale model. If you want to see a digital, virtual image of your space, you can try various 3D Home Design Software on the web. For starters, Google SketchUp is user-friendly and easy to use. You may download the free version on their site and take a quick look on the site's tutorials. This program is compatible for both Windows and Mac.
These are basic guidelines to keep you started in making that space an object of beauty and envy. Interior decorating takes time and dedication. Get those ideas and start turning them into reality.
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