Interior Design

Interior Design

Several times in the past few weeks, I have been informed by clients that wallpaper is "out." I would hate to see this source of exciting decorating ideas abandoned and suspect that the "out" response is more from fear of the unknown than any kind of practical decorating sense. Of course, decorating is just like fashion, there is a need to have trendy styles that come and go. However, wallpaper has been around since 200 BC so the Chinese must have been on to something with this "trend."

At very little expense, you can do the following. Buy any or all of the following: new lampshades (colored ones are very dramatic and effective), new window valences, tiebacks, throws and throw pillows, small area rugs to bring in new colors and patterns (try mounting a small rug on a wall), a mirror to replace a picture, candles in inexpensive glass or metal candlesticks, dried flowers to tuck onto the tops of picture frames, round mirrors on the tabletops with accessories arranged on them and any natural thing. Add plants. The new halogen lights, which can be placed on the floor to highlight a plant or piece of furniture, are great and have safety features in case they are knocked over.

Hanging mirrors is an important part of the Chinese design system known as Feng Shui, too. For example, many Feng Shui consultants advise affixing a strip of mirror above the working level of the sink and stove to avoid being taken by surprise when people enter the room behind you. The research done by these architects revealed the need for people of all cultures to feel safe and nurtured in their homes, neighborhoods and towns. Simple patterns for positive environments included things like designing rooms to have light coming in from at least two sides and more than one entrance or exit if possible. Our eyes are built to handle visual processing with multiple light sources rather than a light from a single direction. This makes seeing more difficult in environments where light is coming from only one direction. In addition, we have an instinctual need for an escape route and recoil psychologically when confronted with cave-like rooms where we may feel trapped.

Not everyone needs a designer. If you enjoy creating your own home and you are confident in what your are doing, it is possible that what you really need is a professional shopper. You know what you want, you just don’t have the time or the expertise to find it. This is where the personal shopper comes in-to help you find a specific item or list of items. They know where the stores are and where the bargains are-and don’t we all love a bargain? These hardworking folks can find you just the right table or those elusive accessories that give your home an individual look while you’re at work earning money to pay for all of this style and elegance.

Usually, it is a good idea to buy patio furniture that matches the overall décor of your home. This includes the architectural style of your house and the interior décor. For example, if you have a contemporary house design with contemporary furniture inside the house, then a wicker or teak outdoor furniture may look out of place. Of course every house is different, so that is not an iron clad rule. Each situation must be looked at separately. The idea is to maintain overall harmony.

All of us want our homes to be places of comfort and beauty. Some of us enjoy decorating and furnishing our homes and some of us don’t. How do we decide if we need an interior designer or not?

The multi award winning interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, is recognized as a modern day trend setter in the world of interior design. Her style is renowned for its individuality, simplicity and excellence where she incorporates colours and shades inspired by nature to give a luxurious timeless and simplistic ambiance. She is also a respected author on the subject, successfully publishing several best selling books. Although her designs are varied and dynamic, she is perhaps most well known for the signature 'East Meets West' Style.

Finally, when you are choosing the components of your deck railing, you have to choose your accessories. These are very important for creating a unique look for your deck. You can choose centerpiece accessories for the ballusters of the deck, for example. These can also be in various styles. Many people choose an interesting architectural design, a family crest or a design from nature. Another accessory you can choose for further customization is the top accessories. Post caps can be in many different colors, shapes sizes and designs, just as the rest of the railing. Finally, you can top off the design with finails of various materials and designs. With the choices available to you in all of these components of your deck railing, you are sure to find the combination which is just right for you.