Interior Design Decorating Ideas: Get Some Guidelines On How To Do Creative Interior Decorating

A lot of people when they think of Interior decorating think its something that can only be done by the professional decorators. This is not the case since anyone can Design their house with the right guidelines and Interior Design training. Some homeowners even find they make better Designs than those they deem professionals in this field.

To do Interior decorating does not need any educational certificate, which means you don't need to have a degree to be a creative Interior Designer. It's an industry that any one can get into as long as they have the passion.

When starting out in doing your own Designs you should go for the simple decorations. A well Designed home doesn't have to be equipped with expensive equipment and have the equipment spread all around the house. Functionality and usage is the basics of Interior decorating and should be put above the beauty and aesthetic of any home you are decorating.

Below are some guidelines to follow when decorating the Interior of a home:

1. Free space: The first thing to do when redecorating a house is to free up some space and throw away old unnecessary equipment. Old sofas that are no longer in use should be stored away to open up some space.

2. Make good use of the store room and put away decorations that are not right for that season such as Christmas decorations.

3. If there are any picture frames and small figurines that are scaring people instead of amusing and exciting them remove them to clear the walls. Less is more when it comes to Interior decorating.

4. Replace old carpets with new ones and if the living room doesn't have one place a nice cozy one to make the atmosphere a little more comfortable.

5. Having a beautiful clean kitchen is very important because it's the most visited part of the house. Design your kitchen in a way that it is well-lighted and paint should also bright to blend with the light. The wall color you choose should also blend with the table and chairs and not have different colors that don't match with anything.

6. You bathroom should also be beautiful like your kitchen. There should be enough space to accommodate two people at the same time and have all the necessary things required in a bathroom. And try to have two bathrooms, one for your family and a second one for visitors so they don't see your personal stuff.

There's a lot more involved in creative Interior decorating. If you want more guidelines on how to become a creative Interior Designer then get yourself a copy of the one and only guide to DIY Interior decorating here: http://www.diyInteriordecorating.com

You can also get your FREE copy of our ebook "Interior Decorating" that will give you tips on using various methods to great Interior decorating. Download your copy here: Interior decorating manual.

5 Landscape Design Tips For Beginners

I have recently been working on planning the new Design of my front yard. Having Tips to Designing a yard that not only compliments your home, but is also functional for your needs.
previously been a horticulture specialist (in a past life), I knew where to start my research, but maybe others don't. Here are my

Know your climate. You have to really know the climate you live in: average temperatures during the day and at night, what seasons (if any) does the area experience, how much rainfall does the area receive throughout the year, and does the climate include extreme temperatures (hot or cold, or both). You'll want to find plants that tolerate the conditions in your specific climate.

Watering. Is there, or will there be, a sprinkler system? Are you willing to go outside and water the yard (plants) every day? If the answer is no to these questions, and there isn't an abundance of rain year-round, you'll likely want to go with drought-tolerant plants. You'll also want to look at each type of plant you choose to make sure the watering requirements are similar so you don't over-or accidentally under-water any of them.

Sunlight exposure. You'll need to look at the specific sunlight conditions in the area you are looking to plant in. You'll need to be aware of how much sunlight each area receives during the day and in what areas of the yard. Be sure to look at the specifications for the plants you are considering to ensure they will receive the appropriate amount of sunlight in that particular area of your yard.

Maintenance. You'll need to decide how much time and money you want to throw at the maintenance of your yard. Some plants require more maintenance than others, so the time spent will vary by the type of plants you use in your Landscape. Also, will you (or someone in your home) be doing the maintenance, or are you going to hire someone to do it for you? How much are you willing to spend?

Color. The fun, but for me, the hard part of the process. What color do I want in my yard? What compliments the color of my home? What color schemes look the best for my yard, and where do I want to put the colors? These are all questions that should be asked.

Other things to think about:

Fillers - i.e. small plants, grass, artificial turf, wood chips, etc.

Fertilizer - what type you should use

Sprinkler system - if you're going to put one in, you'll need to decide what type to purchase, who is going to install it, and where the controls for it will go

Trellis - if you choose to add vines to your Landscape, you'll likely want to include a trellis, so you'll need to know what type, size, and color will look and work best

Don't Hire an Interior Designer Until You've Read This

Have you ever tried to remodel and /or redecorate your home? For those of you who have Interior Designer comes into play. A good Interior Designer will not only give you decorating ideas based on expertise, he or she will also save you money by pointing out little intricacies and design details that otherwise, you may miss.
embarked on this journey of furniture buying, swatch ordering and working with contractors, you know that doing it alone is nearly impossible. This is where an

There are plenty of upsides in partnering with an Interior Designer, but when it comes to hiring the right Interior Designer, many people are skeptical or cautious. This is, in part, because Designer fees and processes are not set in stone. To curb your skepticism, ask key questions before you hire an Interior Designer- a good Designer will answer your questions and allay your concerns.

Because key questions aren't always the easiest to pinpoint, I have gathered some FAQs from a few current clients and reflected upon them so that your remodeling and redecorating process is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Q: What if I don't need a Designer for the full design process and I just need someone to bounce my ideas off of?

A: Although there are some Interior Designers who only work on projects that involve the whole house, many will be willing to guide you throughout specific phases of the design process. The first phase where this type of consultation can really help your situation is when you are almost ready to start your project. The second phase is when you are in the process of making important decisions on specific materials, such as buying furniture. In fact, your Interior Designer can likely create a report that includes elements such as paint colors, fabrics, countertops, and cabinets, and where to find them. A good Designer will provide recommendations, but in this case, you will be in charge of ordering and receiving. This will still allow you to have more control of your renovation.

Q: How do I come up with a budget for my home decorating projects?

A: The key is to create a design plan in stages, and keep in mind that your whole house does not have to be decorated at once. For example, some people decide to do the family room first, then the kitchen, then the upstairs bathroom.

I recommend a three-step approach:

Step 1: Make a wish list of desired items. Allow yourself to dream, but do not forget practical components, such as fixing your bathroom vanities.

Step 2: Assign price points to your wish list items by browsing for prices on the internet, in retail stores and catalogs. Don't forget that labor for construction, such as painting, tiling and installations will add at least 15% to your predicted costs.

Step 3: Discuss the costs of certain options with your Designer-do not worry about overspending, as a good Designer will stay within the frame of your budget.

Q: What if I have trouble articulating my desired look?

A: A good Designer will be able to find a common thread among a variety of different images and styles that you collected. In this instance, try creating a folder or an electronic library of images of rooms that have the look that you like, just to share ideas of what you are hoping to achieve.

Q: What if I want to shop for some items myself? Is this allowed if I work with a Designer?
A: While this may not work for all Designers, if you want to shop by yourself for a few things, this can be specified in the contract. Just one thing to note: many Interior Designers will request that you consult them prior to buying independently, because introducing different objects that deviate from the initial design plan will alter the final look of your space.

Q: Is it common to ask an Interior Designer for a contract?

A: Absolutely. If you are to work with a Designer, never work without a contract that acknowledges and covers all the aspects of the project at hand. I recommend having all contractual components clearly defined before proceeding with a Designer.
Q: How different are the services provided by in-store design consultants compared to an independent Interior Designer?
A: While there are a lot of talented in-store design consultants that could be a great fit for you, with in-store Designers, they are likely limited by the products that are sold by only their store(s), and will not provide you with research on out-of-store resources. Also, they will not be likely to compare values of different products that are not in their store. If you desire a unique look, you should go beyond what a specific store has to offer.

Q: How does the markup process work?

A: When a Designer has special trade discounts through existing relationships, it is up to that Designer to pass along a percentage of the trade discounts to you. So, if your Designer is buying wholesale for example, you might receive 25% off the retail price and her markup is 25% added to the wholesale cost.

Q: How long does it take to design/decorate a house that is 3,000 square feet?

A: The length of time involved depends on many factors- not just square footage. For example, if you want to order custom items, such as upholstery and pillows, you need to be patient. Projects can take as long as a few months to a year, depending on what is ordered, how quickly contractors accomplish tasks, the speed of fabrication and also how quickly you, the client, are able to make decisions. I recommend requesting regular updates throughout the process.

Q: Should I ask a Designer for a portfolio and referrals?

A: Yes, you should. A good Designer will be happy to provide referrals and portfolio of accomplished work, and will encourage you to review them.

Marina Klima Goldberg is an Interior Designer, allied ASID, CAPS. Her knowledge of Interior design and Interior decorating comes from over fifteen years experience in the field. Marina believes that people deserve to feel good about their homes whether they live in a large house or a small apartment. She shares her day-to-day working experience as an Interior Designer with her readers. Visit her personal blog http://mydecoratingtips.com where you will get decorating ideas as well as suggestions for your home decorating projects.

Choosing a Proper Interior Designer for Your Needs

Whether you are looking to redecorate your entire house or just one particular room, you Interior Designer. When Choosing a decorator, it is important that you are extremely careful about whom you pick. A right Designer will ensure that you have a wonderfully decorated room which meets all your design and budgetary requirements. A wrong choice, however, will leave you with a considerably lighter pocket with almost nothing to show for it.
might want to seek the services of a professional

When you are looking for an Interior Designer, the best way to start is by contacting people you know like friends, relatives, coworkers, etc. to see if there is anyone they would care to recommend. By opting for someone who has already been employed by a person you know, you can rest assured that the Designer is reliable. However, not everyone has the same taste and you should look at the portfolio of the decorator's past work. It is better to opt for someone who has designed what you hope to achieve for your project. You can also find Designers using the Internet or by contacting local design agencies.

Interior Design Ideas: Let's Talk Color

House Beautiful polled thousands of their readers and several hundred Interior Designers Design bloggers. It came to a near tie but America's Favorite Color is... BLUE! 29% of America said blue was their favorite color. Now taking myself back to color theory this makes sense because blue has long been a popular color because of the peaceful, calming feeling it puts off. Every Interior Designer will tel you Blue is great for bedrooms because of it's relaxing attributes, but it is also a great color choice for offices: studies show that people are more productive in a blue room. If we take a look at what color psychology says, we'll find that the color blue is one of trust, honesty and loyalty. It is sincere, reserved and quiet, and doesn't like to make a fuss or draw attention.
and

What Are The 5 Most Important Questions To Ask An Interior Designer

When you want the feel and look of a room or your home to be exquisite and perfect, you Interior Designer. They have the expertise and experience to bring it all together, no matter what your setup and needs are. They have a natural ability as well as the education and training that it takes to make a room or a home's interior design whole and complete.
most likely will want to hire an

When you do decide to hire an Interior Designer, you'll need to select one with care and caution. Make sure they understand your needs, wants and most of all your budget and the time frame. As you venture into this project, there are certain questions you want to make sure you cover:

Interior Design Training: Principles of the Four Basic Style Categories

If you are beginning your coursework or self-Training to become an Interior Designer, Basics. Whether you're decorating a dorm room or a whole house, a bungalow or a penthouse, you'll find the many specific Design Styles fit into four broad generic Categories. This overview guide will define the Casual, Formal, Traditional and Contemporary Styles so you may proceed in your studies and your career with an understanding of each Categories' Design Principles.
you want to have a firm grasp of the

From Classic To Contemporary: Interior Design Types

interior design can be highly versatile. Home design and decor is not just about taste. It interior design types can fall under a variety of categories. So, let us have a look at some of those categories and see how we can determine the right interior design for us.
is about time, space, budget, and of course creativity and imagination. In this sense,

interior design should reflect the personality of the owner of the space that is being decorated, not the interior designer. Your space is about you, not about someone else. A good decorator should also be a good judge of character and should be able to listen, not just talk. This is why all those interior decoration "reality" shows are so annoying and so overdone. You should never have someone come to your place and redo your entire home in their specific taste. You should know what you want before you call in an interior designer to help you.

Ideas For an Excellent Bedroom Interior Design

The Interior Design of a Bedroom is the most common concern in every home Design. Design of Bedroom must be such that it is a comfortable and relaxing place. Bedroom is among the rooms where it is recommended not to use bright colors. The reason is bright colors do not have a calming effect. The best colors for the Bedrooms are the neutral and light colors.
The

Selection of fabric and choice of the base color of the wall are the first things that have to be determined while starting an Interior Design of a Bedroom. Furniture comes next. But, to select the right kind of furniture, the fabric and base colors have to be decided. It is not necessary to invest a lot of money in covering the walls. Amateur photography can be put to great use while covering the walls of the Bedroom. If photographs do not suit your liking, then choose some paintings, frame them and mount them on the wall. Both of these ways are good for creating an Excellent feel in the Bedroom because of the inimitable pictures that you covered the walls with.

A Spaghetti Ice Cream Sundae: How to Pick an Interior Design Style

I love food, all kinds of food. I just can't get enough of it. Even if I didn't need it to survive, I would eat. I am often caught stating that I work out so much not with the intention of getting smaller, but to maintain my weight and eating habits. I know what you are thinking, what does this have to do with Interior Design? Well the truth is, a lot. The world of Design and food share their abundance of Styles, flavours, and trends. Sometimes it can be an overwhelming task to choose which direction to go in. This is something we see in Design too, what happens when you love everything? How do you know what to buy for your home? Well the answer is simple, pick a Style and take a stand. This does not mean you can only buy things that fit into the Style of "Retro Urban" or what have you. It just means you can't mix and match everything. In regards to food, I love ice cream, cheese, spaghetti, and butter chicken, but I sure would not like to eat them all together at the same time. I may eat these all in one day, but not in one dish. There have to be boundaries. I use this same principal in Design. Sometimes I may really love an item, but it just does not go. For your home, this translates into smaller segments. Think of your home as a day, your rooms as meals, and the items in your rooms as individual dishes. Throughout a day you will likely only eat items you like, so that creates a constant. This constant is your personal Style. You will only pick items that speak to you that you either love or need. Ideally it will be both. The meals are your rooms, they share your personal Style, but there will be some diversity here. There may be a bit more of a fun factor in your den than in your living room. Think about what room you will put an item in before you buy it. If it doesn't fit in any of the rooms, put it back. I have walked away from wonderful items because I could simply not find a home for it. Usually if you are struggling to make an item fit, you are holding on too much. That item does not blend with the flavors of the meal, it has to go. Lastly think about these flavors, does the item match or go with the items that are around it? This does not mean everything has to be pink. It means that some items just naturally go together better than others. Cinnamon matches flavors better with apples that ground beef. And in Design a harmony of flavors is necessary as well. There is an exception to this rule, however; the eclectic palette. For the owner of the eclectic pallet, a modern light fixture blends seamlessly with a farmhouse table. This works because there is still a common personal flavour throughout the space. In food this is the cinnamon that is in with chicken. It is unexpected, but the flavors still go well together. This trait will be seen throughout the homeowners taste in food, fashion and Design. It can't be forced it just is. Listen to your inner voice; are you trying to make it work? If not it is the right ingredient for your dish, pick it up, and bon appétit!

What Is The Biggest Challenge An Interior Designer Has To Overcome?

Interior Decorators create an artistic and comfortable setting in a business or a home. It is an integral process that takes patience, talent and understanding. They must think outside the box from time to time when creating an Interior design that is unique to the person or space they're designing for. While Interior Designers handle the traditional decorating process, they also will also have a comprehensive knowledge of architecture as well. They often work with the architect or building contractor with details for built-in bookshelves, crown molding, stairways, walkways and windows. The Designer must have more than just an eye for color, design and style, they must have a intelligent understanding of the whole job. Within all the aspects of their work, they will face and handle many Challenges. There isn't really one Challenge more significant than the others. They must first get to know their client and get a feeling for what they want. They will work with the clients ideas and try to make them practicable and feasible within the space and funds they have to work with. The Biggest Challenge in this respect is trying to grant the client all their wishes and stay within a budget. Too often a client has a desire, a dream or taste for something more expensive than they can afford. An experienced Designer will be able to compensate by offering them a more affordable alternative. The next Challenge for an Interior Designer is turning all plans into reality and staying in budget and on time. They have many people they have to coordinate with from the start to the completion of the project including the delivery of materials. An Interior Designer will create a time-line for which things should follow, but that doesn't always happen. Problems can include a product not arriving in time, or running short of a specially ordered paint or wall paper. One part of a project can't go forward until the supply of materials has arrived, and this may have a flow-on effect to other parts of the job. When that delivery is a day or two late, it can make that part of a project run even further behind, and affect other contractors working on the project. If one contractor is behind on their part, it can put the time-line for the completed job out of sync. For the contractor it can be an issue from a worker not showing up, to a permit not being granted. Even though not all things are in the total control of an Interior Designer, he or she could be held responsible for the project not finishing on time or over-budget. Ultimately, the Biggest Challenge an Interior Designer has to overcome is keeping the client happy during the construction process and satisfied with the end result. When the final touch is added and the last drop cloth is removed, the ultimate aim must be to have a delighted client.

Interior Design: Style Made Affordable and Efficient

Most people dread reDesigning their homes as it can cost a fortune. All Interior Designs do not have to come at a high price. There are various methods available in Affordable Interior Design that help make Interior Designing cost effective and Efficient. Whether it's the living room, bedroom or the guest room; there are simple tips that can help you get the best in Interior Design. The tips you can follow are given below:
 1) Rearrange the Furniture: When you want to give your room a new look but can't spare enough money, think about rearranging the furniture for an Affordable Interior Design. Remove the furniture from the walls and place it in the centre. Furniture like chairs and tables can be drawn in the centre of the room for Room reDesign. This creates a focal point for the room and helps the visitor focus on the new ambiance created.
  2) Use of Wallpapers: Walls and their colors determine the theme of the room. It's not always necessary to choose from expensive woodwork that can be engraved on the wall. Wallpapers are an Affordable and Efficient way to bring alive the walls with a plethora of colors and Designs. 
3) Use of accessories: You can visit any online home decorating site and they will tell you the importance of accessories. Home accessories are the blue eyed boy in Interior Designing. You may want to choose from lighting fixtures, candle holders, sofa cushions, vases for flowers, mirrors, paintings, etc. Mirrors or paintings add vigor to the room and give the much desired invigorating touch at a minimal cost. 
 4) Drapery: Conduct a small survey of your room before the room reDesign and see if the drapery matches the overall color of the room. You may want to change the drapery and for this purpose it's always advisable to get the curtains or pillow covers stitched in accordance with your demands. Some people prefer blinds as an alternative to curtains. Blinds are suitable for living rooms and as opposed to popular belief can be quite long lasting. In the beginning you might have to conduct a small survey of the things you already have and the things you need in room reDesign. In reDesigning it's always advisable to keep the rhythm and harmony of the room in mind. Whatever changes you make should be cognizant with the overall theme of the room.

Unusual Interior Design Ideas

Those moving into a new home for the first time as well as those upgrading their home may want to express their individuality through the materials and Design elements they choose. Architects, Interior Designers and general contractors can all help conceptualize and implement a desired look. Below are just a few suggestions as to how to free your mind of more standard looks for your home and realize what's possible when you let your imagination run wild. 1. Creating a nature room inside the home. Imagine a carpet of grass and moss, trees and bushes planted into the floor of your home. Furniture in tropical colors or in muted tones to blend into the surroundings. People crave quiet spaces in nature, so why not create a natural room inside your home? Hidden speakers can add ambiance and water features such as fountains and rivers that run from inside to outside the home can all help you feel like your sanctuary is an escape into your perfect vision of solitude. 2. Mix up wall materials. Beyond paint, wallpaper and tile, unique materials add a certain touch to a room that won't often be copied. Silk walls, walls of gold or steel or even leather will have guests commenting on your remarkable Design. 3. Use of arches and angles. Think of the calm feeling that comes over one as they enter a church. Religious or not, the stained glass windows and impressive arches often give people pause for a moment and create a sensation of awe. There's no reason tall repeating arches can't be used inside a home. Stained glass windows as large as you like will change the look and feel of any room. 4. Create a theme for a room, then make every single detail of the room fit into that theme. For example, if you like water, consider small ponds for sinks or showers made of glass that looks like icicles. Paint the walls blue and use a variety of small tiles of various blue colors to create the feel of movement in your home. 5. Don't forget the exterior. What types of materials can you use that are out of the ordinary? What about a mesh layer over the home? Shutters, as simple as they may sound transform the look and feel of a home. No matter what your personal preferences, whether they are natural, industrial, minimalist or bright and cherry, there are ways to make a home uniquely yours. Think outside the box and you'll end up with a home everybody in the neighborhood is talking about.

Steps Involved in Becoming an Interior Designer

The reference to Interior decorator and Interior design often go hand in hand, with each profession referring to the ability to enhance an indoor living space without making any significant structural alterations to the home. If the work goes beyond the capability of the Interior Designer, for instance a need to reconfigure the shape of a room, this is likely to require the need to hold the right licenses and permits. Here are some of the stages involved in the process of becoming a responsible and qualified Interior Designer: Training Programs: If you are hoping to progress in the field of Interior design and have a solid foundation of the basic and advanced skills it will be essential to complete the right training programs. This can result in the right qualifications to prove that you are qualified to work in this particular industry. By attending the right schools or colleges you have the opportunity to progress much quicker in this particular field. Since there is such a range of teaching institutes it is highly beneficial to research the types of classes offered at the different schools and colleges to make certain you are receiving the education you demand. Class schedules and itineraries can vary quite significantly and therefore you really want to make certain that the teaching is right for the career path you wish to pursue. Once qualified as an Interior Designer, it will make things a far-sight easier if wishing to work for one of the more established Interior design company's. Creating an Effective Portfolio: Whether you are planning on seeing a prospective client or employer, you will benefit in having a successful interview if you are able to prepare an effective portfolio showcasing your full creative abilities. It generally benefits if you are able to create a versatile portfolio which might include modern designs to more traditional country looks. A well planned portfolio which is highly organized and easy to flip through can go a long way to selling your particular skill set. Overall, there aren't any quick Steps that can be taken to establish a career in Interior design, especially if you want to brand yourself as a specialist in this trade. But if you are able to invest the time and effort into attending one of the better quality design schools this would go a long way to making sure you are able to advance in your chosen career path.

Steps to Becoming an Interior Designer

Interior Designers have many faces; they observe, they invent, they start trends, they inspire and they create new and innovative ways of decorating your home. Most often Designers run projects, are part of or create new businesses and can work freelance. If you're considering a career as an Interior Designer, you hold an interest in design or you simply are looking for a new hobby, there are Steps you can take to become one. It does require an eye for fashion, or at least the knowledge of current fashion or trends, above all it requires passion. Good Interior Designers have a talent for observing what is right for what room. They can walk into a space, a room and start to build a picture of what could be done with the space. Training your eye to pick up on details and start to think in this way is the first step to Becoming a Designer. Using magazines, articles and showrooms as inspiration you can train yourself to start recognising space and potential when you walk into a new room for the first time. Practice exercises such as this to begin with and it will become more and more natural to you over time. Education is important; obtaining a relevant certification in professional Interior design will not only teach you about Interior design but it will give weight to your potential clients and your reputation in the future. You need to prove you have certified skills in your area to make a name for yourself. A degree will even help you acquire a job for a designing company, which is your way in to networking in the sector. They say that practice makes perfect and in this profession it's essential to stay on top of your game and keep practising to polish your skills whenever possible. Offer to do work for no pay with friends and family once your house is well and truly out-designed. Aim to build a portfolio keeping a record of all your work you do; this is a great way to exhibit your work to potential clients and keep a real-time CV in check for potential new companies for work experience. You can also build up contacts this way; the bigger your portfolio and the more contacts you have the more chance you have of gaining bigger and financially rewarding contracts. Although it can be easy to get lost in the world of Interior design it's important to put your own stamp on things and stay true to how you see the world and design around it.