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.

Why Should You Use an Interior Designer?

Every interior designer will tell you that one of the most common questions they are asked is 'why pay a designer when I can design just as well myself?'... Why use an interior designer?

There are many people capable of decorating their homes to their desired effect, but if you want the complete finished home with the real wow factor, call in the experts. The following article explains some of the reasons why and interior designer can be your best friend.

1. An experienced interior designer will have had years of training in his or her desired field, most of them covering all aspects of the design industry. They will have also had many years of practical experience of designing, organising, co-ordinating and project managing it entirely.

2. Experience also brings years of dealing with committed contractors who would advise on lighting schemes, plumbing requirements and if required, necessary building works.

3. Sadly so many builders, plumbers and electricians are not capable of dealing with the jobs they are quoting for. An interior designer has eliminated the bad guys!

4. Probably one of the better reasons for employing a designer, is the fact that they can save you money in the long run. A good interior designer will have access to all the best furniture, carpet, fabric houses, lighting engineers and suppliers in the world.

5. So many people have absolutely no idea of where to buy the furniture they desire and spend days, if not weeks and months searching for it. These boring shopping trips have even been known to cause a few divorces!

6. Designers have a constantly updated library of catalogues. This enables you to choose from the luxury of your own home or the designers office. Also they have the ability to obtain a compromise between partners! Many of these companies give discounts to interior designers, which some are happy to share with their clients.

7. Using an interior designer also gives you the opportunity to have products made exactly to your requirements, an interior designer can assist in having it made completely bespoke in any desired finish and style.

8. Another reason for using a designer is that, unfortunately the average person has a complete lack of special awareness... For instance how many times do you see in homes a sofa the size of one that would fit in the lobby of a London Hotel? Alternatively in a large suite, one that would suit a bedsit. interior designers have the skill to know which size pieces look good and which do not. Knowing the correct size and layout of furniture of any room is vital.

9. A designer will know how to achieve the maximum realisation of value of your property. Far too many homes are de-valued by poor interior design. The tragedy being that this has probably cost the home-owner a lot of money. New home builders always use a designer for the showhome as they know that this will generate sales very quickly. The showhome on a new development usually has a waiting list of potential buyers. Even if a show home is not to your taste, most people will aspire to that complete finished, professional look.

10. A good interior designer will provide you with a complete overview of every room with a Mood Board of the colour palette, furniture style and layout, window treatments and flooring, lighting and wall finishes. They can also supply 3D visuals if you require. This is a virtual picture of every room, so if there is anything you have doubts about it can be addressed immediately. The client will also be informed of the overall costings for room or whole project.

Interior Designers - The Top 2 Misconceptions That Keep Home Owners From Hiring an Interior Designer

As an interior designer in Atlanta, GA for the last eight years, I've noticed a few common threads running through the most popular misconceptions about using interior designers. If you've never used an interior designer, ask yourself why right now.

Go ahead. I'll wait.

...

Wow, that was quick! I bet you have a pretty good answer, too. I also bet your answer falls into one of the following two major categories:

1) COST: "I can't afford one. Using an interior designer is an excessive luxury reserved for the wealthiest of people that live in mansions and drive Bentley's." Or, "I'll save money if I do all the design work myself, which means I can buy more furniture."

2) CREATIVE EXPRESSION: "If I use an interior designer, I'm afraid I'll feel like my home won't be an expression of my unique style and tastes. I have good taste - I can do this on my own."

If your answer for not hiring an interior designer fits into one of these categories, then read on for some answers that might surprise you.

First of all, I want you to know these reactions are completely normal and understandable based on the amount of information that exists in the marketplace about how the client/ designer process works.

So let me respond to each of these arguments in order.

1. COST: Professional interior designers typically are able to purchase furniture at discounted rates from furniture and accessory manufacturers or distributors because of their purchase volume. When you use an interior designer you take advantage of their discounts to purchase furniture through your designer at a cost that is lower than what you would pay on your own. Every designer operates a little differently, but a typical pricing/ fee structure used by a lot of interior designers in Atlanta (where I am based) is "cost plus". This pricing formula is very common among industries that make purchases on behalf of their clients.

The "cost" in this pricing structure is the designers' reduced cost for the items you purchase (furniture, accessories, window treatments, etc). The "plus" is a percentage of that cost added to compensate the designer for their services and their sources. Many designers will even waive any hourly fees for clients purchasing a certain amount of furniture through them. In the end, you pay LESS for your home furnishings using a good designer than you do without one. AND, your budget actually goes further with a designer than without one.

An interior designer can save you money in other ways, too, like:

A designer's "industry-insider" knowledge helps clients achieve the best results through sourcing options not available to the general public.

Soft-costs include time saved and higher likelihood of your satisfaction in the end result (no replacement costs for that sofa that's just too big!)

So, as you can see, using an interior designer actually makes strong financial sense. A professional designer will save you money, save you time, and stretch your budget further than you could on your own.

2. CREATIVE EXPRESSION: A good interior designer listens to what their clients' tastes and styles are and involves them heavily in the selection process. Your style will show through in each selection you make. designers will take you with them to furniture stores. Bring fabric samples to your home to have you review, and involve you in lots of other ways to make sure the final outcome is a reflection of your style - and one that you will bring you great satisfaction in the place where you spend most of your time - your home!

If you don't feel your designer is listening to you carefully enough, let them know. Keeping an honest and open channel of communication is critical to make sure you're happy with the final design of your home.

Using a professional designer who makes his or her living by decorating does have its advantages. Think about the number of times you've painted a room. Have they always turned out just the way you had imagined? And were they coordinated with the furniture and flowed from one room to the next? Or did you find yourself either repainting a room you just painted or, worse yet, think "ugghh" every time you walked into your bathroom?

Think of your designer as just a helping hand whose advice may save you from some expensive and time-consuming design set-backs.

Plus, the little finishing touches that truly make a house a home are the things that only the client can add to a room. I know as an interior designer, I take the responsibility of helping my clients achieve a great living space that they'll love and feel accurately reflects their personality and likes very seriously!

I hope I've helped clear up some of the main reasons I've seen why more people don't take advantage of professional design help when decorating a home or even just a room in a home.

Stay tuned for my next installment in my series where I'll be discussing how to evaluate and hire an interior designer.

How To Choose An Interior Designer Or Redecorator

What types of professional interior designers are available?

Have you heard of Interior redecorators? These professional interior decorators transform your home using things you have accumulated over the years. The end result is a balanced, harmonious space that reflects the personality of the people who use it. Many interior designers have added this service to their repertoire. Alternate terms for professional interior designer  specializing in interior redecorating are interior redesigners, interior arrangers, interior stylists, one day decorators, visual coordinators or interior refiners.

What is a Certified Interior Designer? (from B&P Code Section 5800,5538)

A Certified interior designer is a competent design professional who is qualified to design, prepare, and submit any type of nonstructural, non-seismic interior construction plans and specifications to local building departments. Certified interior designers have demonstrated through education, experience, and examination their knowledge of the Uniform Building Code as it relates to space planning, life safety, flammability, and disabled access code issues. Most interior designers have a minimum four-year education. Many have Master of Interior Design degrees or other additional education in architecture or interior design. Interior designers who have many years experience may not have a Bachelors in Interior Design, but usually are well educated and have many years of qualified experience. All qualified interior designers will indicate that they have passed the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Certification) examination and/or are registered/ certified/ licensed in their state.

How do Interior Decorators charge for their services?

Flat Design Fee: The client pays a flat fee for the professional interior designer's services based on the design plan, time required, and scope of services.

Hourly Rate: The interior decorator bills a negotiated rate per hour.

Cost Plus Method: Professional interior designers charge a set percentage on all merchandise purchased and tradesmen's services rendered.

Mixed Method: The client pays both a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee for hourly rate.

Per square foot: This method is used especially in new construction.

What to ask at the first meeting:

o Ask to see the interior designer's portfolio, but remember that the designs reflect other people's tastes,¬ not necessarily the interior decorator's, and possibly not your own.

o Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what was the budget range.

o Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedules the interior decorator requires.

o Ask about the types of services the designer can provide.

o Ask for a list of references.

What you may be asked at the first meeting:

It is a good idea to prepare for your first meeting with a professional interior designer  by creating your own folder of clippings from magazines, catalogs, and books of design ideas that appeal to you.

You may also be asked some or all of the following questions:

o For whom is the space being designed?

o What activities will take place in the space?

o How long do you plan to occupy the space?

o What is your time frame for completing the project?

o What is your budget?

o Are you relocating or remodeling?

o What image do you want to project?

o What colors, style, and effects do you like?

o What are your objective and lifestyle needs?

o What is the approximate square footage to be designed?

If a professional interior designer, or anyone, for that matter, tells you the process is easy, stress-free, and will be complete in two weeks, they're either lying or stupid. Don't hire that person.

Becoming an Interior Designer

Interior Designer or Interior Decorator?
People often romanticize the work of an interior designer with the misleading notion that the work consists solely of picking out colors and fabrics for a room. These duties are a bit closer to interior decorating. But an interior designer  has an array of responsibilities that include both those of an interior decorator as well as more complex jobs. They include light management, space planning, color coordination, providing estimates that fit a budget, and subcontracting the fabrication and installation of flooring, light fixtures, draperies, paint and wall coverings, furniture, and so on.

An increasing number of designers even take part in the architectural aspect of building of a home, so designers need to be able to read blueprints and possess a knowledge of building codes. It is desirable for an interior designer to have experience with CAD software and home design software in order to prepare blueprints or presentations for clients.

Training and Entry Requirements
Up until recent years there existed no accredited education programs for budding interior designers in the United States. Now there are a number of institutions with interior design programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. These programs typically run from two to five years and most often lead to an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. Coursework for these programs may include CAD, furniture design, color and fabrics, space planning, ergonomics, architectural courses, and even psychology.

Most interior designers opt to enter an apprenticeship after a formal education. During this time recent graduates work under the supervision of an experienced designer. This gives designers a chance to build a portfolio and learn the nooks and crannies of the business before going solo.

Interior designers can also choose to become certified by passing an exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). One must have both a formal education and work experience to even sit for the NCIDQ exam. The NCIDQ has defined six various routes that can be found on their site. Note that this certificate is a requirement for professional registration in 26 of the U.S. states and Canadian provinces that require licensing. You must also possess an NCIDQ certificate if you wish to become a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, International Interior Design Association, and other similar organizations.

Work Environment and Conditions
Interior designers most often work as a part of a larger design team or on a freelance basis, although some find work in architectural firms or home-furnishing stores. Clients range from individuals wanting to renovate their homes to corporations planning to open a new business location.

Building relationships with clients is an absolute must for any designer regardless of where he or she works since the main goal of an interior designer is to identify the wants and needs of a client and integrate them into both the aesthetics and function of the interior. This can lead to working on weekends or long hours in order to fit a client's schedule.

Interior designers tend to travel from place to place quite a bit since much of their time is spent on-site discussing plans with clients and overseeing contracted work. But interior designers actually spend the majority of their time in the office.

Note that designers often work under stress since they constantly juggle deadlines and budgets.

Earnings
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wages for interior designers were $44,950 as of May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between The lowest 10 percent earned $27,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,750.

Give Interior Design a Try
Designing interiors is a fulfilling job that allows one to express his or her creativity, but it is by far not for everyone. Those wishing to become interior designers are encouraged to try themselves at interior design before making the decision to enroll at a design institute. You can do this by designing the interior of your own home or getting acquainted with home design software. If you find that interior design is for you, then embrace yourself for a worthwhile career and jump in head first!