Archive for the ‘Design Ideas’ Category

Below is a list of helpful questions to ask an interior designer during your in-person interview, and prior to hiring him. By gathering your information, and getting answers to your design questions, you will be able to make more well-informed decisions. In addition to the formalities and technicalities of the interior designer’s expertise and experience, it’s truly important that you connect with the person who will handle your home’s redesign. Communication is key to a successful collaboration.

1. Do you have experience designing spaces that are…(modern, retro, traditional, Victorian, minimalist, or contemporary) similar to what I’m looking for with this redesign?

2. What is your fee for what we’ve described with this project?

3. Will you renovate the room for us with the existing walls and structures, or will you need to knock down walls and ceilings to accomplish the look you envision?

4. Tell the designer if you have children or pets, and then ask if he can work his magic to incorporate living spaces that will reflect your lifestyle.

5. If you or another family member works at home during the day, ask the designer if he needs the space vacant to do his work.

6. What is your gut feeling about the interior designer? Do both of you click, and do you sense that you can trust him and his decisions to accomplish the goals that you have in mind?

7. Ask to see the interior designer’s portfolio, and also ask him about his schooling, years of experience, and ask him about his credentials.

8. Does he have a client list that he can share with you, or perhaps a person or two that you can call for referrals about the work he did for them?

9. Ask him if you’ll be able to see the floor plans, design boards, sample fabrics and other plans in advance of the work being started.

10. Ask him if he will allow you or another family member to approve the work before it’s started, and especially if walls and ceilings will be knocked out.

11. Ask him about his fee structure and payment plan. Does he charge a flat fee; is everything billed on an hourly basis; or, does he require a percentage-based payment structure, whereby an established amount is paid upfront before the work begins, then another amount is payable at the halfway point, and the balance is due at the completion of the project?

12. If he receives a designer’s discount by purchasing supplies from specific vendors, ask who receives the refund, you or him.

13. Ask for an estimate of how long the designer anticipates the project to take before the work is completed. Some projects will run longer than expected, but will that be reflected in the amount the designer will charge? Be very clear regarding the fees and the deliverables. Know what you are buying and paying for, and how much it will cost, before you hire the designer.

14. Ask if you’re responsible for any aspect of the design, building, and purchase portions of the project. You don’t want any surprises or being held responsible for holding up a team of workers when you didn’t know everything was hinging on your decisions.

15. Will you receive the revised or updated drawings and floor plans for any unforeseen design changes?

16. Are you responsible for recruiting and hiring the construction or design crew, or does the interior designer provide all the personnel necessary to complete the project?

17. Will the designer agree to draw up a contract that defines his fees and services? Verbal agreements and handshakes might feel fine at the initial meeting, but it’s recommended that you get everything in writing so there are no doubts regarding the arrangements that you both have agreed to.

If the designer uses words or terms that you’re unfamiliar with, ask him to explain it another way until you understand his terminology. It’s important that you’re comfortable with the aesthetic changes and conceptual ideas that the designer has in mind before you hire him.

In addition, if at any point the designer refuses to answer your questions, or explain basic concepts, you are allowed to ask him to leave your home. Again, it’s imperative that you trust the person you hire, and if your gut tells you that you both can’t work together, then it’s time to end the interview and prepare for the next meeting with another designer.

Next, you’re invited to view a video presentation where several potential clients interviewed Michael Mariotti, an interior designer from New York. Learn the steps they went through and the questions they asked before they hired a designer. The video is located here: http://www.michaelmariotti.com/media_tv.html

Author: Michael Mariotti
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Interior designing is an exciting activity to do. This challenges the artistic side of yours to come up with a beautiful design that everyone will love. There are interior designers that are trusted when it comes to this activity but then it is much exciting if you alone will design. Actually, it is not really hard to do an interior designs, all you need is your imaginative mind and let your artistic enthusiasm flows. Interior designs are applicable in different areas, locations and occasions. You can do designing at your room, the whole house, your car and even at your own office.

interior designing ideas are not really hard to find. There are lots of guide that made available for you to access and try at your own cost. When doing interior designs, you need to consider the preference of the owner. And since you are the owner, think what kind of theme you want at your place. Most common themes are classic and modern themes. When we say classic, do you have things, or designs that reflects the past? If you don’t have, well you better prefer for a modern themes with high-tech gadgets and accessories of yours. Think of the colors that you love and find good color combinations. The designs depend on the taste of the owner, so you better know what you really want to see.

You don’t have to be a professional to come up with the ideas. Although professional designers know best, still it is possible for you to make it on your own. There are many reading guides that you can use and have professional ideas and make it by yourself. interior designing guide are available in magazines and in different media sources that you will surely enjoy. This guide is great help for you to decide what you should consider and what to use for a cheap but appealing interior designs.

If you have your own office, well you better read building interior designing guide. This guide is a great help to lessen the cost of finding professional interior designers. Well, interior designs are also made for a car that is why there are interior car design guides to make you love your car more. And with this guide, you add an appeal for the convenience of your car. And when you get home, well you should also consider home interior designing. You will not just inspire by the designs you can make, you can also get the attentions of your neighbors. So, avoid the hassle of thinking what to design go for the guides and enjoy your pride of interior designing.

Alicia Gail, professionally an article writer belong to all major decoration and design areas. If you want to take more knowledge about home interior designing, interior designing ideas and interior car design then visit http://www.interiordesigningguide.com

Author: Alicia Gail
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Contemporary designs are typically based on a modern theme of clean lines and sharp visual concepts. There are usually contrasting colors that define the furniture and wall spaces in dramatic hues and shapes. Furniture in the contemporary style is often considered an artistic expression, but again, with the emphasis on the clean lines of the modern concept and design technique.

A person who might be interested in learning about the contemporary style of design has limitless choices of places to find information. Whether the decision to go with a contemporary theme is based on the architecture of a home, or the need to clear the clutter from any and all surrounding spaces, learning how to appropriately apply the contemporary style will certainly create a happy environment for the designer.

There are literally thousands of design magazines in the world, and many of them are devoted exclusively to the concept of contemporary designing. Companies that create nothing but contemporary furniture have catalogs and websites available for use on any such project. Magazines are filled with tips on how to properly execute the contemporary style to its utmost perfection. They are also loaded with photos of current designs, hot trends and fashionable colors in the design world. These will come in handy when picking your own pieces for a design.

Book after book has been written and miles of pictures have been photographed in order to educate the masses about premier designers and architects. Much useful information is tucked away in the history of the contemporary movement and now the most successful designers in the field are using the contemporary style with great success. A designer with a question on contemporary design can find any information they need by looking in the right book.

Classes are abundantly available on contemporary design. Even on line classes are available for those with a need to telecommute. Finding the right educational experience can help a young designer move closer to their goal of becoming successful in using the modern contemporary techniques. A teacher that is an expert in contemporary art, design, architecture and who truly loves the field can provide an educational experience that will enhance a student designer’s appreciation and application of the skill it takes to achieve a successful and visually appealing styles.

For the techno-savvy, there are always computer programs that can be used to design the ultimate contemporary designs. With a point of the arrow, colors change, walls move and furniture is placed from one side to the other, for fantastic images of cyber design. This advanced way of practicing what design elements are preferable can be incredibly helpful with a design client as well. A lot of work can be saved if a mock up can be programmed into the computer and a designer and their client can develop a vision together.

Chris Dohlander’s long articles can be encountered on a variety of web pages with information about curtains and window coverings. His publications on discount window coverings can be encountered on his webpage and also different web pages.

Author: Chris Dohlander
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Developing interiors that are technically advanced, aesthetically appealing and satisfy the requirements of the client is what interior designing is all about. A good interior designer must be artistic, creative and imaginative to beat the competition. Entry-level local interior design jobs can be snapped up by a candidate who has a bachelor’s degree in the field. But, a lot of hard work, dedication and also talent is required to establish your name in Interior Design.

Designers are generally employed in architectural firms with architects only, resort chains, town planning bureaus and hotels. They may of course also work self-employed. Once a designer has made a name for themselves, interior designing jobs can then prove to be very lucrative indeed.

The job may involve handling big projects such as airports, hotels, theme parks, buildings or the designers may be hired by companies on a contract basis to design homes for their clients.

Specifications and plans for interior construction, furnishings, lighting and colors are prepared by designers in local jobs. However, they have to make sure that everything they do is in accordance with the many requirements, the budget and the tastes of the client in question.

For these jobs, designers should also be well-versed with the use of computer-aided methods such as scaled dimensional plans, animated walkthroughs and 3-D presentations.

These methods help a designer to present his/her ideas to the client in an effective manner before they actually employ it to design the interiors of their property. This helps them to make changes in accordance with the preferences of the client at the touch of a button.

Also, it is important for the designer to meet the many laws of the state and building codes when they undertake any projects. Conforming to safety and health standards are also a necessary consideration for the job of all interior designers and this is a big factor that shouldn’t be brushed aside. This is especially the case if the designer is to be self-employed. One mistake could see you lose you business.

Furthermore, historic restoration, energy conservation and planning for barrier-free facilities for physically challenged and aged people are some other considerations that an interior designer may have to work upon.

With many young and dynamic youngsters graduating with a degree in interior designing, competition in the field has increased tremendously in the past few years. So, in order to get a good job and have an edge over other candidates, it is important for candidates to stay updated with the latest innovations and trends.

It is also essential for candidates in local interior design jobs to maintain a project portfolio that include details of projects they have worked upon. Gaining membership of a good professional body is definitely a good idea. Typically, new designers need to undergo on-the-job training for 1-3 years before they progress to higher positions such as head of an interior designing department, chief designer or similar positions. You may also get the job of a professor or teacher in a university or college that specializes in this field.

All-in-all, once you have established yourself and gained the correct qualifications, the world is your oyster. Competition may be tough but it’s one of the few jobs you can truly enjoy every single day.

You could get qualifications in your own time by using one of many Online Interior Design Schools. You could start a new Interior Decorating Career without having to quit your current job to train. So what’s stopping you?

Author: Dawn Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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As you are planning your new kitchen design, the look and style you select is very important in determining the overall feel your kitchen will portray.

From the country charm of wood cabinets to modern-looking stainless steel appliances, kitchen design styles come in many choices and styles.

So just what determines your kitchen’s design style?

Well many of the more successful kitchen design styles are made up of many components go together the right way. The color you select, and the styles of fabrics, furniture, flooring, windows, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting can help to determine a kitchen design style. You will discover that various design elements of the kitchen provide each style with its own unique flavor.

The type of kitchen cabinets you have are an important consideration in regards to the overall kitchen design style. The cabinetry can have a powerful effect on the design of your kitchen.

The style of kitchen cabinet you choose will give personality and a specific atmosphere to your kitchen.
Some of the popular styles of kitchen cabinets today are:

English Country – Consists of open china display racks, unique paints and finishes.

Shaker – This style is characterized by purity, simplicity, and utility. Uses flat panel doors that are inset and flush with the cabinet frame. Other features include wood counter tops, wooden knobs, and brass hardware pieces. It combines simple furniture design with clear crisp lines, and strength.

Country – This style creates an old farm kitchen look with glazes and layered finishes. Includes open shelves, pot racks for cast iron cookware, butcher block, and multi-colored cabinet pieces that look like they are separate pieces of furniture.

French Country – There are so many elements that go into the French country kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture that are made mainly of light colored woods and can be decorated with ornate carving. Natural materials are an important element in walls, cabinetry and furniture that is used in the design of French country kitchens.

Arts and Crafts – This kitchen design style is becoming a popular style for kitchens. In this type of style glass doors and natural wood tones with a matte sheen are used. The style can be eclectic and artistic.

Contemporary – Kitchens that are done in the contemporary kitchen design style often use plastic laminates, special wood veneers, enamels, lacquers, or metal foil laminate for the kitchen cabinet facings. Cabinet doors in this kitchen design style usually use frameless construction with overlay door and no toe kick panel.

Homes can come in many different styles, and built using a variety of materials. So the same goes for kitchen design styles. However, in most cases, people will want their kitchen to match the overall design and style of their home.

It may not be absolutely necessary to select a kitchen design style that is the same as your home’s exterior architectural style. Although it is considered a good idea that you should really try to select the kitchen design style that will best complement your home’s style.

James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.

Author: James Mahoney
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Everything is created from a thought, and it is designers that think the thought that becomes an object. Why are designers important, and who are the best out there?

How has IKEA managed the feat to make furniture that sells to 300 million people around the world? How come certain areas feel safer to walk than others? How come the modern Jet Ski is one of the most efficient sea rescue vehicles in existence?

The answer is the design. IKEA sells design driven products. The safe area was created with thought behind it. The Jet Ski has a unique function. Function is the foundation of all good design.

Consider Dr Guillotine’s invention of the better executioner’s axe. One could argue that the efficient function of the guillotine makes it an example of striking design. Notorious, yes, but nevertheless it is the better mouse trap, for the purpose it was intended for, namely to efficiently and quickly cut peoples’ heads off.

Function is everything

With the view that function dictates everything comes consideration for form, shape, material as a natural consequence. With the view that function is the essence of creation comes the elegance and the durability inherent in all famous products.

Rörstrand, the second oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe, states this as loud as they can:

- Design is the same as function. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! We’re happy with details that give tableware its character – but only if they’re there for a reason, Rörstrand says boldly.

With that in mind it becomes less and less hard, even if it is still guesswork, to choose what designs will stay with us over the coming decades, and which designers will set the tone for the coming century. What follows is a short list of the most important designers of the age.

Alfredo Häberli

Alfredo Häberli is one of the bigger stars within the global design world. His creations tend to be personal with simple touches, but without falling into the trap of minimalism. Today, he is based in Zurich where manages to unite tradition with innovation, joy and energy. He works with companies such as Iittala, Rörstrand, Alias and Cappellini. His most famous dinnerware line is the colourful Origo-range which he did for Iittala. It is not the largest range in the world, with just a handful of parts, but definitely one of the most striking.

Philippe Starck

Being the clever and prolific enfant terrible of the design world that Philippe Starck is, you would think that he either never stops creating or that he has an abundant ready made objects to fetch on order. After accusations of ‘over designing’ things in the 90s and 80s, Starck now follows a more restrained urge.

Konstantin Grcic

Grcic has designed furniture and products for companies including Authentics, Cappellini, Flos, Iittala, Lamy, Magis, Moroso and Muji, as well as Krups. At heart he is more of a rationalist with a design language that is quite stern and format, but he has lately experimented more fluid forms.

Matali Crasset

Crasset encourages us to pose questions in everything that she designs. She works across a wide range of disciplines on mass-manufactured furniture and electronic products, experimental projects such as Phytolab for Dornbracht and architectural commissions including HI Hotel in Nice and a capsule house for pigeons.

Bjrn Pedersen
http://www.northern-home.com

Author: Bjorn Pedersen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Most often at the onset of the spring and summer months with winter being behind, people generally are geared-up to get in the creative mode. The beginning of a new season in some way incites creativity and motivation for change. Included with the desire to change may arise enhancing our lives; more outside activities and the best vacation spots. Much the same comes about for the home. Refreshing and renewing worn places ranks high on our to-do list. For many of us, we seek to get our home in order and finally decorate those neglected and tough to tackle areas.

READY FOR A CHANGE!

When I think about changing my home environment it reminds me of how Jesus changed the darkened, hidden places of my being into a ray of light and hope. With a renewed mindset and beaming anticipation I knew He had a purpose for my life. I was ready for a change. Venturing into a home make-over, whether one room or the entire home, can produce this same optimism. But before you jet out to the store to make your purchases, prepare your mind for the change. Consider what you want your home to accomplish for you. More importantly, how can your home design unify your family? Do you want it to remind you of the warmth and security of your home as a child? Or would you like it to help cancel the pain of the past? What about a design that will accommodate every family member’s desires and needs?

Too often we acclimatize lifestyles and living at home to the layout and features of the home. Imagine how our lives would be if God didn’t first re-arrange the universe. He designed His world in His majestic display of power with purpose. The same holds true for every design or decorating endeavor we undertake. Design changes should spring forth out of a renewed mindset. I’m not only talking about designing to appeal to forms and aesthetics. And I’m certainly not referring to making changes because your best friend or neighbor’s home is outdoing yours. That’s not the right mindset, that’s meddling. Creating the right home design mindset means to have a plan.

DESIGN A PLAN

Looking back over Scripture it is apparent that God did nothing without a plan. From the design of the world in Genesis to the soon and coming King in Revelation, His plan has always been wooing His people to Himself. It didn’t matter how impossible the darken world looked, God had a plan for the design of His world. He knew exactly what He wanted His design to do for Him and His family. This says to me that we must do no less when designing our home. Let’s consider the gathering or family room for example. This room generally serves as a multi-purpose area where we relax and entertain, play and work, or watch TV, read and do homework. But we certainly can’t engage all these activities simultaneously. And someone has to plan the room’s layout and dcor for incorporating these activities. Then the schedule must be planned.

MEETING OF THE MINDS

Actually the way you live at home determines how you should plan your design. If relationships are centered in your heart, then making a place that unifies the family and connects family with friends is one way to define the purpose of the home. Perhaps working from home defines a major purpose for redesigning the home. Evaluate the use of each space. I often advise my clients to have a design meeting with their families. In this meeting discuss what is important to each household member, write it down, and be willing to compromise and be flexible when possible. While function is a major consideration in the design process; what’s paramount is the emotional and spiritual well-being of the entire household. Here are a few suggestions to discuss in the design meeting:

OBJECTION

* What is the main purpose for making design changes? More space? A better lay-out? New purchase? Reworking some existing things? Insulation to stifle the sound of drum practice or electric games?

* Do you want your home to reflect your spiritual life? If so, what would you need to do to be ready to reflect this? Would it be more patience with each other? Like-mindedness with your spouse? Unselfishness?

* Does your lifestyle define how you live at home? What functions must be performed for each room?

EDITING

* Walking through the home and carefully looking at each room, what do you see that needs to be done?

* What do you see that needs to be removed? What isn’t needed that can be donated or just simply thrown away?

* Are there any hard places in your heart needing editing? What about spurts of anger over something simple as tidying up behind someone or taking out the trash?

AMBIANCE

* What kind of atmosphere do you want? Do you want it to be peaceful? energetic? restful? loving?

* What kind of atmosphere can you create that will sustain His Presence?

* Atmosphere is very important to the Lord. Remember that He transformed space to separate the waters so He could design an atmosphere called heaven.

* How is the atmosphere of your heart? Does it need renovating? Only a touch-up?Do you have the right spirit in your heart? What about your attitude?

* What style, objects and activities will be pleasing to the Holy Spirit? Everything that looks good may not necessarily be sanctioned by God.

BRINGING ORDER

* How can you arrange your activities to undermine any negative habits and keep the home in order.

* Assess your needs for bringing clarity to what to do with what you have.

* Which spaces can you use in nontraditional ways if functional issues arise?

* In what ways can you adjust and show more love and respect for each other?

SENTIMENTS

* How can you incorporate past places of influence into the design?

* How can you incorporate those pleasant childhood memories into the design?

* How can you incorporate priceless family traditions into the design?

CULTURAL

* Are there any cultural influences and can it be included?

* Talk about your differences and how to effectively translate them into the design.

PREFERENCE

* What are your likes and dislikes?

* What are your individual interests?

BONDING

* When and where is family time together? It maybe as simple as sitting around the table sharing your day.

* Remember children are people too. Don’t make the design so important that they aren’t allowed to enjoy it.

DIFFERENCES

* Discuss personalities, values, and memories. This carries a high price in keeping peace at home.

IMPROVEMENTS

* What changes will benefit everyone and fortify the family?

* What are some practical ways to improve on what you have?

* How can you better designate the existing spaces to meet your family’s needs?

These lists are not all inclusive, but know how vital it is to do this. So much time is used when planning activities to entertain friends, but planning the details with the right mindset for living at home is oftentimes overlooked. When you think about it, you spend more time in your home than any other place, which makes home design the most influential art form. In view of that, home is an important part of health, spiritual and well-being of your family.

Making changes in our lives and homes is essential and always necessary. I challenge you to begin this spring/summer season with the approach of looking at home design from a different perspective. Yes you are eager to finally decorate those neglected and tough to tackle areas. You’re longing for a fresh start. But be mindful of your family’s needs, surrender any selfish ways of doing things. Renovating allows for a fresh start. Renovate your heart of those hidden attitudes so that His plan and creativity can rise up within you.

Your home is a good gift. Design it with the right home design mindset.

Deana Murphy is a visionary, author, lifestyle designer, speaker, and talk show host who enjoys making people happy and desire that everyone live in a peaceful home. She has a passion for helping people to see their potentials and not the problems: to recognize strengths and resolve the weaknesses in their lives. Deana is an interior designer who teaches the spiritual applications of design and guides people through life, home, and family transformations. Deana’s expertise is showcased on television and in signature magazines, and she recently authored Designing for the King and co-authored Victorious Living for Women. She conducts workshops on designing within and writes frequently on designing for empowerment topics. Deana encourages a lifestyle of rewarding living from the inside out. Email Deana at dm@deanamurphy.com

Visit Deana at http://deanamurphy.com or http://designingfortheking.com

Author: Deana Murphy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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When people think of interior design, they can tend to have a limited vision of the profession. Most people will imagine a woman decorating her own home, or someone else’s as a paid consultant. While this is certainly an aspect of design, it is by no means the only application of the principles of design, or of the degree. In fact, design is a rich, rewarding and versatile career that can include many different opportunities across a wide spectrum of industries and applications.

If you are considering a career in interior design, your first step will be to get a college degree. Degrees in design can be obtained from numerous college and universities. As with any degree program, certain institutions will have a more lucrative and honorable reputation in the field. These are generally harder to get into and more expensive. You will face more competition in networking for jobs and internships, but the name on the diploma can be worth it. Outside of prestigious design schools, you can acquire an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a variety of schools. A quick Internet search should turn up a number of options. While you are in school, you will pick up a variety of experience that will both help you determine where you want to practice and will make your resume look impressive to future employers.

Once your degree is completed, you are ready to get to work. Some designers do work in residential design. They may be employed by furniture stores or by custom decorators. They specialize in bringing a homeowner’s personality to life through the interior design of the home. Another application for a design career is in commercial design. In this area, a designer may find him or herself creating designs for hotels, hospitals, offices, malls, and stores, for example. Still other interior design students can find work in the theater world, in areas such as set design for movies, plays, and other types of theater, or in decorating a performance hall, for example. Some designers will work as a buyer or purchaser for furniture or other home accent stores. It is their job to find the unique and special pieces that customers will want to buy and will help to create the reputation of the store in the local areas. Still another possibility for Design would be sales careers in areas such as kitchen design, flooring design, landscape design, and even home design, although the latter requires collaboration with an architect.

Singapore interior designers providing interior design service. Check out JP Concept now.

Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.

Author: Charles Cheow
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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