Interior Design and Interior Decorating - Some Definitions

Interior Decoration and Interior Design, although related disciplines, are different in terms of their application. Interior Decoration is the process of decorating a house with regards to finishes (for example wallpaper and paint, choice of furniture and fittings as well as adding finishing touches and decorations such as paintings and objets d'art. All of this provide a certain "feel" to a house but essentially the underlying structure of the house is not changed.

Interior decoration is normally professionally done by Interior Decorators although recently the trend has been for people to learn about Interior Decorating through various courses or books and then apply the techniques themselves-usually on a shoestring budget. The whole objective of Interior Decorating is to make a house aesthetically pleasing and at the same time, unique, since it should reflect the owner's specific personality and tastes.

Interior design on the other hand is more integrated with the architecture of a building and a professional Interior Designer will work closely with architects and builders to make choices regarding the integral design of the whole house or building. This includes looking at choices with regards to room layout, choice of cabinets and tiles and lots of other design factors. While the Interior Design budget for new developments used to be minimal, it is recognized these days that incorporating Interior Design into the project means the difference between a run-of-the-mill development and one that contributes to the branding and life-style image of the project. The money spent on Interior Design is therefore seen as a worthwhile investment in the whole property development process.

Homeowners are spending more and more to improve their homes. Since it is relatively easy to change the appearance of a house by changing the finishings and fittings a large portion of this money goes into Interior Decorating. The growing popularity in do-it-yourself Interior Decorating has meant that a whole industry around Interior Decorating courses, books and TV Shows have also sprung up, and it has become a popular hobby for married couples. Innovative Interior Decoration ideas, which cost less but at the same time giving the impression of style and class, are in vogue.

Young entrepreneurs have also seen the gap and there is a growing demand for information and courses on how to break into the Interior Design and Interior Decoration Industry. This has also given the home {interior decoration industry a boost.

Although the trend recently is for people to tackle the exciting task of transforming a house themselves, it has to be recognized that this falls more in the area of Interior Decorating. Interior Design still requires study of the context of Interior Design, the theory of good design, knowledge of the technical advances in the engineering industry for both residential as well as commercial buildings and knowledge of the latest trends and advances in the Interior Design industry.

In short, an Interior Design project in which all the elements of design are pulled together is still the ambit of the professional designer who should be able to deliver on projects that extend beyond the boundaries of a hobby pastime.

Bedroom Interior Design Basics For The Beginner

People are often confused with the concepts of bedroom interior design and bedroom interior decoration. Not a few believe that these concepts rae one and the same, although in reality, they are two different things - although they may both pertain to changing the look of a bedroom.

In order to better comprehend what each term refers to, we will first examine the elements that play a part in bedroom interior design and how it is related to interior decoration.

More Than Just A Sleeping Area

Times have changed and so have bedroom's purposes. Due to technology and changes in lifestyles, a bedroom often doubles up as a home office or an exercise area. Sometimes a homeowner may even opt to have a settee in one corner of the bedroom where he or she can have tea with a friend or a partner.

In any case, the bedroom interior design will largely depend on what the owner intends to use the space for. The designer may have to do some research on the homeowner's hobbies and activities or whatever goals he has for the outcome of the bedroom.

This is the reason why if the room owner intends to hire a professional to do the bedroom interior design, it is important for them to spend time to discuss their thoughts so that the result would be exactly what the client wants.

Planning the Bedroom Interior Design

Many designers consider this step to be more difficult the the actual work itself. When planning a design for the bedroom, a lot of designers take advantage of user-friendly modeling programs to help them come up with graphic representations of their ideas.

Alternatively, concept sketches could still be used, for as long as they serve the purpose of concretizing the ideas that have been discussed. During this stage, the furniture that will serve well, depending on the planned functions of the bedroom, are selected.

In addition, the color scheme and the window treatments to be used for this particular bedroom interior design are carefully chosen and put together. Finally, the accessories and other decor such as lamps, vases, or paintings are added to the plan.

This means that apart from the bedroom's interior decor, bedroom interior design is also concerned with the room's framework, use of space, and all the furniture needed to serve the intended function of the room.

How It All Comes Together

Working on a bedroom interior design may not be as easy as it's made out to be. In some ways, the project entails recruiting the help of an engineer or sometimes a contractor to bring the concept to fruition.

Unlike a simple paint job or furniture rearrangement, bedroom interior design involves ensuring that all the changes to be made conform to a safe and functional design, no matter how minor the changes may be. In this sense, the interior designer also acts as a "project manager" of sorts.

In summation, while the interior decoration of a bedroom involves altering the space's looks, including wall hangings, carpeting, or paint, bedroom interior design is known to be more comprehensive, as it includes the functional use of space and furniture.

Finally, bedroom interior design should also incorporate the essential elements of aesthetic design. After all, a bedroom that fulfills its occupant's goals in terms of functionality must also serve as his or her haven - and to be one, it must be pleasing to the eyes.

What Is Interior Design and How Is It Different From Interior Decorating?

To begin this journey, first an attempt must be made to answer the question, 'What is interior design'; The National Council for interior design Qualification offers up the following definition: 'is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive'. Comparing this to the definitions provided by The Free Dictionary for an interior decorator: 'also called interior designer a person whose profession is the planning of the decoration and furnishings of the interior of houses, shops, etc.' and 'a person whose profession is the painting and wallpapering of houses'

Well it is understandable, based on the two definitions above, why there are two camps. One camp holds that the interior designer is held to a higher standard and has significantly more training and design responsibilities than the interior decorator, and then there are those that bunch them all together as one and the same. There are those that look at the designer as a version of an architect and those that look at them as being a house painter. No wonder there is confusion amongst the ranks.

In an attempt to answer the question, 'Is there a difference or not?', a Google search was performed for ' interior decorator Degree' and the response overwhelmingly returned results for 'interior designer'; and not the keyword as searched. One can reasonably conclude that since one can get a degree in interior design, but not as an interior decorator, that there is a difference.

So where would one draw the line between a designer and a decorator? Reverting back to the two definitions above one can discern the key difference. The definition for the designer refers to 'built interior environment' whereas the decorator suggests ' decorating and furnishing' as the key activities. The higher standard is the designer's ability and responsibilities to call for tearing out walls, flooring, windows, lighting, electrical, as well as recommending furniture and miscellaneous design pieces. In short, the scope their role includes the responsibilities of a decorator, but goes much further.

Often it is critical for the designer to understand the wants and needs of the individual or company leadership that is hiring them to make a space comfortable and esthetically pleasing to 'the eye of the beholder'; meaning whoever is paying the freight. This will require the designer to ask the question, 'What is interior design through the eyes of my employer?'

Determining just how to customize a small dwelling area up to major corporate businesses like a national restaurant chain that must be attractive to the eye in many different regions of the country with a common design can be very challenging. Requiring a grasp of many different fields including developing and reading floor plans, a knowledge of building codes, and access to a long list of contractors that are capable of doing the work to specification are just a few of the extra requirement that separate interior design from decoration.

Often specializing in unique areas like hotels, casinos, restaurants, or other businesses that may regularly freshen up their designs to keep their businesses looking comfortable yet enticing, designers generally develop skill sets that may not play all that well outside of their special areas of expertise. What they probably are looking for in the interior design of a hospital is most likely a far cry from what they are looking for at a casino. Perhaps a better example would be determining just how to continue on with a southwestern theme for a Mexican restaurant chain in places like Seattle, St. Louis, Charlotte, Pittsburg, and Boston. What is interior design widely accepted in one region may not be well accepted in another.

In asking, 'What is interior design?' in today's environment, one must also begin to start thinking green and to look for ways to minimize the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. How does one create areas with a lot of natural lighting but not subject the individual to the blazing rays of the sun? How does one incorporate solar panels into the design or solar powered floor heaters in colder climates without losing the esthetic charm and ambiance of marble floors? These are the challenges of today's designers. It's a good thing that they love their jobs.

Interior Design - The Meaning of Colors

We live surrounded by colors, shades and light. Each tone and sometimes we don't even notice it, influences our mood, each color has a meaning and intertwines with our frame of mind. There is nothing arbitrary in this world: it's all harmony. Have you noticed? There are days you feel like wearing black and days you feel like adding color to your life, spicing it up a little by wearing an orange top or a lime green scarf, or a mysterious dark red evening dress. You can choose the colors for your wardrobe according to your mood and change them as often as you like, but you cannot change the colors of a room so easily. When you start decorating a room it is very important that you choose the colors right.

Interior designers use a color wheel to choose colors and tones that match. You should know that there are active colors (such as red, yellow and orange), passive colors (blue, green and purple) and neutral colors (white, black, gray, beige and brown). It is very important that you know how each of these color groups might influence a room. For example, warm colors tend to stand out; neutrals, as their name suggests are..... neutral; and passive colors calm the atmosphere.

You should find a way to balance the tones, to create the mood you long for. You want a room full of energy, use orange. You want passion - red is the answer. You want to chill - take blue. So let's see what each color means, for colors are not given the same meaning all over the world.

Red is for many the color of passionate love: a red rose, a red box of chocolates on Valentines Day, a red heart, but in South Africa red means mourning. Red is also the most common color found in national flags. That is because in ancient times flags were usually used on the battlefield and red gave the signal for battle. Red is also the color of blood - red eggs at Easter symbolize the blood of Christ and good luck. Red is good luck also in China, where it is also used as wedding color. If you like red, creating an interior decoration with a Chinese theme is a perfect choice.

Green is the color of nature. You find it everywhere: in trees, grass and even some fruits. It relaxes and inspires. In ancient times green was the color of honor and victory. In Ireland, this is still the color of good luck. Choose an Irish theme if you like dark green. Blue is the most common color used in interior decoration - it relaxes and refreshes, it provides for a feeling of safety. This shouldn't be a surprise: as you know blue is also the color for police uniforms. If you choose blue for your home, you cannot go wrong. But blue is a cold color, so balance it with orange or yellow.

Purple is a royal color. In ancient times purple was difficult to obtain - the color was extracted from Purpura snails. This is also the color of inspiration, so if you are an artist, a room with purple accents might stimulate your mind. As purple is believed to help kids develop imagination, it is often used to decorate children rooms.

Yellow and orange are extremely warm colors. They are usually associated with the sun and with tropical fruits (oranges, bananas, lemons). Both have a positive impact, however yellow could be taken as a symbol of jealousy and deceit and let's not forget that some time ago, in Spain, executioners wore yellow. Take care how you use orange and yellow in iinterior decorations: both stand out and tend to dominate the room. Black and white are neutral. Both symbolize mourning, each for different civilizations. But hey, almost each color symbolizes mourning for some: red for South Africans, blue for Iranians, purple for women in Thailand, yellow for Egyptians, white for Chinese and Japanese, black for Europeans and Americans. But black and white are both very elegant and, while you should not paint your walls black, you could choose black furniture to give your interiors a feel of opulence and strength. White is purity, kindness, peace and loyalty.

Georgian Interior Design Ideas And Styles

Considered by many to be the epitome of all that is desirable for the interior design ideas (and, incidentally, the exterior too), the Georgian period has a great influence on how we arrange our homes today and is, in fact, the basis for the currently popular English country house style. A combination of perfect proportions, symmetry and harmony is hard to resist for long.

Covering a period of about a hundred years from George I's accession to the throne in 1714, Georgian style represents the sum of several highly diverse, imported styles, the homogenization of which produced a high point in English decoration. This style in turn was re-exported, influencing, in particular, the newly established colonies in North America.

At the start of the period, rococo was all the rage in France and to some extent in the rest of Europe. With its rampant, florid, asymmetrical lines featuring such motifs as scrolls, shells, flowers and ribbons - in fact, anything which could be represented by a curve - it had many admirers, not least the French court, the font of fashion in Europe.

In England, however, there were other forces at work. The Grand Tour, undertaken by many a well-heeled gentleman to enrich his cultural knowledge of the world, meant that continental ideas, especially those espoused in Italy - a 'must stop' on the trek - were given an airing back home. The Earl of Burlington was one who made the trip. An architect, he was much influenced by the work of Andrea Palladio in Italy, and upon his return to England did much to popularize this classical style of architecture.

The clash of these two very different styles could have meant an awful compromise. Instead the best of both was retained and the result was magnificent. The straight lines, symmetry and control of the Palladian style served to restrain the more excessive fluidity and glitz of the rococo interpretation. In turn the French delicacy and freedom of line lifted the rather constrained classical style.

To these two important influences were added two more, Gothick (the 'k' denotes the revival period) and chinoiserie. Every age draws upon the past and this was no exception and, with the increased availability of furnishings from the east, oriental taste also crept into the currency of English decoration.

One outstanding feature of the period was that, through the genius of people such as Robert Adam and William Kent, the designs of interiors were, for the first time, indelibly linked with those of the exterior. Classical pediments, plinths and pilasters all found their way indoors to become common interior embellishments.

Overseas trade and increased wealth led to a demand for a more sophisticated lifestyle. Rudimentary plumbing (running cold water at ground level and basic waste disposal) became available, as did better heating and illumination in the homes of the nobility and merchant class. Lower down the social strata it was a very different story, a fact that can be used to great advantage when planning a Georgian style interior today. It is not necessary to inherit a grand country mansion together with a substantial budget before considering the adoption of Georgian style. All you need are rooms of pleasing proportions and a knowledge of the materials and styles adopted by the average household of the day. A modern-day natural floor covering, such as jute over a quarry tiled floor, will serve every bit as well as a precious Aubusson carpet on ancient wood.

As with the interior styles of other ages, it was the development of materials and skills which greatly influenced the changes in interior fashion. The use of hardwoods (mahogany in particular) and the refinement of glass production meant that early 'heavy' designs gave way to more delicate styles.

Rooms were dominated, as ever, by practical considerations. The need to keep warm and to introduce as much light as possible meant that considerable thought was given to fireplaces and windows.

Mirrors were also an important feature, reflecting and increasing what natural light was available and, at night, candlelight. Practical though these elements were, it did not mean that they had to have a utilitarian appearance. Fireplaces were surrounded by the grandest of treatments in fine marble, mirrors framed with intricately carved, gilt moldings and windows dressed either with beautifully paneled shutters or curtains hanging from delicately worked, wooden pelmets. In addition, doors (often double) were fielded, ceilings molded and walls frequently paneled.

Not only was this a golden age of architecture and decoration but furniture making too was at its height. The designs of Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton are legendary and constantly revived. No wonder, then, that elements of Georgian style have endured and are as popular today as ever.

Low Cost Interior Design and Decorating Tips

Thinking of a home or office renovation, but worried about the cost of the interior designing and decorating? Do you think you can't afford to spend much on the interior designing but wish for an elegant make over for your room? You don't have to get vexed about not having too much money to spend on your decoration, because you can do a fabulous job of decorating your house without spending much of your pennies, if you do it wise.

Plan your budget
Low or high, you should always have a specific budget plan for your work, rather than saying 'I want the room's interior design to be done at a low cost it is better to have an idea of how much you are ready to spend. Coming to the correct value may not be possible but giving an almost accurate estimate will always help. Divide your budget under different task like, $ 100 for new furniture, $ 50 for paint etc rather than quoting the whole amount. But remember your budget plan should be realistic and should be strictly followed for a successful low cost interior designing.

Be the interior designer yourself
Hiring a firm or a specialist to do the makeover might give you a completely remarkable room or office, but remember the more established they are, the more you will end up paying them for the service alone. So it is best to take your imagination into play and come up with how much you are going to spent and what would have to be changed or introduced. You can refer articles in magazines or the internet to get ample ideas on how to do the job at minimum cost.

Shop low and wide
You are planning to decorate the interiors of the room, so it calls for full day fun shopping. Are you aware that most of the goods you buy at the branded Shoppe may be available at an unbelievably slashed price in local shops and auction houses? So take your time to hunt in the second hand shops, bargain market and any shop with a year ending sale or shop renovation sale sign board. You are going to hit on something great at an unbelievable price. But just getting the thing at a low price should not tempt you to buy it; you should buy only those things you came to shop for. Otherwise, the low priced shopping experience will turn to a conflicting one.

Get your things auctioned
If you are renovating the place, you may have to remove a piece of furniture, curtains and a lot of junk you may no longer require. Rather than shifting them to the storeroom, you can get these things sold at a low price to get a tip on your budget; you can either auction it or sell it to a second hand shop. Remember your stuff might not fetch much, but removing these will help you to de clutter the room and at the same time get a small raise on your budget. But if you are doing the interior designing and decorating from start, don't worry for not having anything to sell; you can have an option of choosing very wisely and designing the room afresh with no time loss.

Reuse your stuff
You can use a lot of things at hand in a novel and creative way to make the interior designing a fun and creative experience. You can make a cushion cover out of your old curtain by stitching together the pieces but while choosing the fabric, see to it that it either gives an arresting effect to the otherwise blunt room or else combine with the mood of it. You can also use an old piece of furniture and polish it to make a centrepiece of the room. Your grandmother's chest drawer can boast the main attraction in your drawing room if you space it well and take care to project it.

Decorative pieces
Decorative items and wall painting can come in any range and sometimes it may cost you a fortune. But it's not just costly decorative pieces and antique collections that can make your interior boast a good appearance. You can use a family portrait or a painting your little one did to give a new look to the walls. These paintings and photos don't just come free, they are worthless and just a good frame will do the job. Similarly you can also use decorative candles and gift pieces in a creative way to change the face of your room.

An extra coat of paint
An extra coat of paint can always give a facelift to a room. interior designing is never complete without a well painted wall. Choose the same shade of paint as your previous one as getting a new shade will require more coats of the paint and hence it will increase the cost of painting. But you can do a contrasting shade on just one wall if you are bored with the 'same old paint' this not just give a new face to the room, it also saves a bit on the paint.

Keep it simple
Be it kitchen, bedroom, office or study; keep the room as simple as possible. Reduce the number of furniture and extra piece of couch to give your room a neat, organised, spacious and new look. Your rooms and office should also have a touch of your personality so work on it.

Interior Design Trends For 2011

A new year has come and new trends are being set fast in all areas of our lives. A good way to start the new year afresh and with a new burst of energy is to change your interior design, but be careful as there are new rules for this year.

In 2011 trends in interior design will pay more attention to family and will show a high interest for preservation and 'vintage', as one of the first priorities will be saving money.

The present economic situation will make many of us become nostalgic about the old days. The so called "old colours" to remind us of the past will be among the most wanted design trends of this year. The earthy brown, the lime green or navy blue will find themselves both in it for colour, as well as trends in fabrics. What will fuel trends in 2011 will be the interest in 'greening up'. Through the reuse of furniture by restoration, not only will you be saving money but you will also have a good feeling that you have contributed to protecting the environment.

This year even in interior design the attention will be headed for the origins. Because of human desire to relive the past, designers think that interest will be devoted to the origins of existence, so everybody will seek forms and colours with a global influence. African tribal grounds, or symbols of early Amerindians people will be used a lot, many geometric figures. For them to go well together vibrant colours should be used, but at the same time modest ones, as golden reflections with musk, tomato or oceanic blue.

As people will turn their attention to origins, they realise that the most important thing in life is not money. The economic crises will only give them the desire to simplify their lives. Various shades of grey and white will be the most neutral colours used this year; the grey will be used in a lots of combinations with other colours, as well as various shades of yellow, to bring a smudge of colour. You can also create sophisticated combinations, using glass, crystal or even gold or steel. These accessories must be illuminated by various sources, so as to create glow in the room.

One detail that you can't forget are the colours and what they symbolise - as they must denote hope and optimism. Spring in nature symbolises birth and the colours of spring bring hope. Violet, orange mandarin, yellow and green may be used on fabrics. The floral motives with a retro aspect will still be appreciated, as more and more accessories for the interior design combine these colours.

Even if you can't change your furniture every year, there are a few rules to be followed in the interior design or suggestions that you can take into account in a new round of shopping: vintage, etno, Scandinavian, home office, outdoor - indoor are only some of this year's design trends. We're still looking for a comfortable warmth in our homes, privacy but without forgetting the wide open spaces and bright, minimalistics lines.

Vintage : old restored furniture, romantic lines, complicated pieces of massive wood, decorative pieces to remind you of old times. This, a style loved by women, vintage pieces means more than 'old', it's treasuring pieces from past generations, grandparents and great grandparents. Vintage style, both in clothes and furniture, involves pieces whose value and quality has remained untouched in time. But make sure that the vintage pieces you have or that you want to buy fit the style of your entire home.

Etno - heat, fireplace, the smell of spices - this is what this trend inspires. Regarding the interior decoration this trend is guided by the aesthetic "coloured" Orient: from India, Morocco, Central Asia, China, Russia. Explosion of colour, both on a white background and strong different contrasts: red, orange, yellow. However, if you aren't a supporter of this etno style throughout, pick out a few items: coloured carpets, a lot of wood, natural shades and dim light to get the effect.

Outdoor - Indoor is a new, catchy trend for this year, that you will fall in love with if you are an outdoor person. From the desire of an intimate, warm area, one of trends imposed this year is bringing parts of outside, inside for those who would normally sit on the terrace or garden, bring the ambiance into the living- room. So you bring the ratan deep chairs, low, bamboo coffee tables and bulky, large plants inside. For a special effect allow light to enter by the large windows.

A new trend for this year is the chill Scandinavia. Surely we all love the minimalistic look with white pieces of furniture, romantic lines, that are extremely functional. This is more than a trend, it's a way of living. Choose white furniture , walls painted white with colorful accessories thrown in; coloured pillows, nude soft carpet, boxes of different sizes, so you have somewhere to keep your magazines and DVDs.