Interior Design: Decorating the Interior of your House

It’s time once again to look at decorating your home? Are you excited about this possibility or are you frustrated? It’s the idea to decorate your home, or you want to move the town or make you anxious and excited? You’ll find surely mixed feelings with regards to decorating their homes. Not everybody is creative or intelligent. A single may well assume that they’re incapable of furnishing. Some folks just don’t have any of these projects. Then you will discover people who can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get the paint and plaster. You can find many help available for each individual, no matter what their feelings in relation to decorate your home.

If you hate the thought of decorating the interior of your home, an interior model professional can be the best merchandise for you. They will work with you to allow you to pick a decorative model including colors, flooring, furniture and accessories. It’s going to launch the plan, but will likely have to hire a painter or someone to install your floor. It’s a very good selection in case you can afford, but several men and women don’t have the money to buy a professional interior decorator, a painter and a flooring installer.

If you are an adventurous individual can decorate in your home is regarded as just one more exciting event. You don’t have issue finding details on decorating within your home. There are lots of magazines published each month which provides information and instructions to decorate inside your home. There are books, books do-it-yourself giving particular details, step by step to decorate inside your home. The internet is often a excellent resource for easy facts about the device. Hundreds of pages filled with intriguing details to assist you to plan your decorating and assist you to from your process. Television can be a excellent source of interior of the home. There are several fact TV programs that may educate you and give you ideas for your home decorating project.

When you decide to decorate within your home, make sure you first decide which piece or pieces you will change. Pick a theme will allow you to make decisions concerning color, furniture, fabrics and accessories. There are numerous themes to select from, for instance Victorian, Cottage, Modern, English, French Country, Traditional, Medieval, Moroccan, Art Deco, Southwestern, etc. When you decide on a theme, you can then select materials based around this interior design of the house.

Use the resources offered to decorate within your home, you need to be in a position to make a color palette that will improve your room, pick furniture fabric adds warmth, you consider comfortable selecting and accessories that complement and accent your space. Of the numerous resources available to you, numerous will offer ideas for decorating your home free, you should be able to decorate your home an interesting adventure with little or no stress and frustration.

Victorian Interior Design

Victorian architecture is a name given to a very broad spectrum of different architectural styles that occurred during the middle and late nineteenth century.  Like many other things during this time, they were named after the reigning queen, Queen Victoria, a custom developed by the British and French people of the time period.

The period of the Victorian era encompasses a total of eleven different architectural styles that occurred during this period, each with their own distinctive styles and design elements.  There were several different architectural styles that came to be during this time period that didn’t necessarily have elements that fit in this style, because they started during this same period they tend to be lumped into the same category.

The decorative style associated with this architectural style had many distinctive elements that represented it.  Just like different countries influenced the architecture, they also had a heavy influence on what the interior looked like.  The Middle East and China were two of the biggest influences of interior design.  They also helped to establish several of the sub cultures associated with this time period.

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Victorian homes were very orderly, yet still very elaborately decorated.  Homes were very clearly divided into rooms, each with their own purpose.  No room, no matter how seldom used, was left undecorated, as this was seen as a sign of poor taste. Color schemes varied depending upon the location of the home. Lighter colors tended to be avoided in town and city dwellings due to pollution. Another factor in color choice was often determined by the availability of pigments. In country areas, interior decorations were often carried out by traveling craftsmen who carried limited supplies. Paint had to be mixed on site with whatever locally available ingredients could be found. For example, the blue-green colorwash used on wooden paneled walls in country areas was derived from the earth pigment terra verde, mixed with egg whites and buttermilk.

Homes, like today, were considered reflections of the people who live in them.  Walls and ceilings were painted to represent their purpose, and it was not uncommon to find plaster walls with carved designs in them. Wallpaper was quite popular and in the early and mid-Victorian period elaborate scrolled floral patterns were favored and primary backgrounds of red, blue and green overprinted with shades of cream and tan were common. Furniture, on the other hand, was not very dominant or exclusive to the time; the main focus was on all of the other elements in the room.

Home Interior Decoration

Home Interior Decoration – The process of decorating a home in order to make it look good becomes easier to use and gels well with the architecture. Home interior decoration provides a certain “feel” to the home; it includes applying wallpaper, painting the walls, choosing of furniture and fittings such as light fixtures, and adding decorations such as paintings.

Home interior decoration is professionally done by interior designers/ decorators and also by a few architects. There is a distinctive difference between home interior decoration and interior design.

Home interior decoration is focused on finishing, such as wallpaper, window covering, furnishings and paint. Interior design is more integrated with the architecture, and in addition to home interior decoration involves cabinet making, room layout etc and host of other design parameters that go into making a home.

Although the concept of home interior decoration evolved in Paris and London in the late 18th century, modern home interior decoration began with Jeanselme in Paris, Lenygon and Morant in London and Ogden Codman from New York. This concept of home interior decoration has gone through many trends and discussions. The current trends of this industry is to discover innovative ways to decorate on a budget mostly shoe string.

The whole objective of home interior decoration is to functionally improve the home and make it reflect your tastes and personality at the same time rendering it unique. A big challenge, nevertheless, undertaken by artistic scientists.

Homeowners spent approximately 5 billion in the year 2003 to improve their homes. About 65% of this can be attributed to home interior decoration. The new trends indicate most spending on expanding kitchens and livening up bathrooms with new fittings. Current trends also indicate that emphasis is being given to creating specialty rooms and areas for individual members of the family. Growing in popularity are massage suites, spa areas, media space, craft rooms, wine cellars and home library areas. Even though luxury is a synonym for space, most small home owners are eagerly using home interior decoration to create definition areas for each individual.

Colors are also undergoing a new preference towards earthly, natural and warm brown tones from the vibrant and loud colors of the past. Blue and gray hues are preferred today over dull reds and dark blues of the past.

Innovative home interior decoration ideas, which cost less but at the same time giving the impression of an ornate design scheme are in vogue for new career professionals and newly married couples.

The new trend of Life-styling has given home interior decoration industry a boost. This has given rise to eclectic decorating styles which include High Tech and Shabby Chic replacing the good old Victorian or Early American.

Focus has changed to harmony and function compared to uniqueness and good looking. Rightly so, since uniqueness can never be 100% and neatness has always been good looking, which can be brought about by good functionality.

Home interior decoration has changed more drastically over the past 15 years or so than in its long history. Keeping track of new trends is almost as essential as for a computer professional keeping track of new software or hardware.

Antique Lamps and Interior Design

In the UK in 2008 a Bristol pensioner chained himself to a lamppost and went on hunger strike.  His protest was against the removal of Victorian lampposts from the city’s streets; illustrating that those passionate about quality design and heritage will do just about anything to protect it.

However, apart from, perhaps, Bristol City Council, there are people out there who appreciate the timeless quality and design of domestic scale antique and vintage lamps.  A visit to some antique shops, or specialist internet sites will show that antique lamps are available and still hugely popular as a design choice for many.  No need, thankfully, to go on hunger strike
to protect these examples of our heritage as the demand for them is continually
high.

 

Occasional Lighting and Permanent Comfort

Antique or vintage lamps are ideal for traditional / classic design schemes but can work equally well in even the most modern of interiors. An old, and stunningly effective, design trick is to place one or two display ‘antiques’ in sleek, stylish, modern rooms.This juxtaposition of old and new can be used in a number of ways.

It can create a high impact visual statement,add a quirky edge to a simple design or create intricate detail in an otherwise clean, clear design.  An antique lamp can be the perfect tool to create these effects, adding not only a bold statement but incorporating a functional element.No home should be without ‘occasional’ lighting and lamps provide a simple and flexible solution.

Wired for Light

In traditional / classic, or period interiors, vintage or antique lamps are an absolute
must!  Whether for a residential setting or a hotel, bar or restaurant the lamp will add a touch of luxury and authenticity.  You don’t have to go the whole way and use traditional paraffin or oil lamps – though apart from some fire regulations in commercial properties there’s nothing to stop you!  These days the majority of antique lamps are adapted for electrical use which reduces the risk as well as the smell.

For those using antique lamps in a period home, one important thing to check is the quality of the workmanship and design of the ‘converted’ lamp.  The majority of antique lamp bases will need some renovation, due to their
age.  Finding a supplier that can not only expertly and subtly wire the base but provide new shades where necessary is important.

Changing Times

While antique lamps suit just about any scheme, you may be looking to compliment a particular design period.  Vintage lamps from the 20th century can come in just about any design style you can imagine. From the ornate ‘fin-de-siecle’ style of the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, to the now retro-chic of the fifties, sixties and seventies;
just about any style of lamp can be sourced to add the finishing touch to your home.   Other popular styles include Tiffany lamps and these, like other vintage or antique lamps offer not only a decorative statement, but also are a great investment.

Design choices will always be very personal, but in many cases vintage or antique lamps are a good choice as they have this added feature – that they are likely to remain valuable and will most likely increase in value.  Many items of furniture can depreciate in value thanks to inevitable wear and tear. 
Design classics and antiques however should retain their value and hopefully grow.  The cost of such items can vary, but there is usually an affordable solution to suit any pocket
allowing you to create that perfect look for you.

 

 

Sourcing Antique Lamps

As with nearly everything, antique lamps can now be sourced on the internet, as well as direct from some antique shops and specialist stores. Specialists, whether online or not, are usually the best place to start your search.  Not only will they be knowledgeable – often passionate – about their products, but can offer advice on the types and styles of lamps.  A
specialist supplier is also best placed to find unusual or rare items – having a network of contacts that can help you source specific items or styles.  This can be invaluable to you if you have a specific style or theme that you are creating, as some designs are much rarer
than others.  With a good supplier you can find the right antique lamp, make a great investment and preserve a part of our heritage.

An antique lamp creates a comfortable homely lighting effect and can work well in
just about any setting.  Ideal for period properties including homes, hotels, bars and restaurants, they can work equally well as statement pieces in modern homes and offices.

Area Rugs to Complement the Home’s Interior Decoration

Interior decoration is all about making the home posh, stylish and fashionable. Area rugs can truly complement the totality of the home design. Nowadays, eclectic looks have become prevalent in home decors. That is why there are a lot of choices when it comes to these kinds of rugs. You might find these ideas handy for your own home.

Before you start, some factors to be considered first. You should know that there are a lot of varieties of area rugs out in the market these days. It’s best that you determine the role of the rug you wish to place. Take note whether it should be the focal point, define the grouping of the furniture or enhance the color scheme, texture and warmth of the room.

Oriental area rugs are fine choices to accent the interior design. You can choose dhurrie, kilim or antique Persian of the finest qualities. If you have a room styled in English country themes, you can also go for Victorian area rugs with flowery hooks. For a room in French country fashion, Aubusson is a good example. A plain sisal goes for simplicity as well. For a room in Old World design, an Aubusson or Oriental area rug will do.

If you’re a big fan of minimalism, you would want to keep the area rugs spare and plain. Alternatives include a solid-color chenille or solid-color sisal over a floor with a hard surface. For rooms influenced by the advancing technology of the modern world, a man-made rug will suit just fine. Sisal carpets or those with flat commercial style or shaggy style also work well.

For rooms fashioned in American country, garden and cottage themes, use a rag rug or a hooked rug. Floor cloths with painted canvas design are also quite effective. You can even go for trompe l’oeil, floral or another textile with the same motif in the room.

For your rooms styled with the arts and crafts, you might want to incorporate a William Morris or a Mission styled rug. To add a bit of an ethnic flavor to the decorations, you can select a wild and striking faux leopard, tiger or zebra rug. Other options are flat or coir-woven sisal and dhurries. Coir or sisal area rugs are effective for rooms with Latin themes. A recommended suggestion is a striped hand-woven geometric rug or a nubby one.

The main thing to consider is the overall ambience of the entire room or part of the house when selecting the appropriate area rugs. Whether it’s a formal, casual, natural, fun or a luxurious room, there is always a rug to go with a particular theme. If you’ve plans to place a rug in your office, it’s best that you go for a fairly flat, thin rug to make it easy to roll around with your wheeled office chairs.

You can always take a trip to your local mall in search of the perfect area rugs for your home. You can also go online for a more broader search.

Insights into Interior Design: Designing in Style. Part II: Traditional – Jacobean and Victorian

Interior design has always been impacted by fashion trends – both historically and in the modern day. In this article series, “Designing in Style,” I explore the meaning of style for interior designers.

I draw on my experience working alongside many of London’s best-known interior design teams. This second article in my series introduces traditional/period design, with a focus on the Jacobean and Victorian styles.

Traditional design uses materials that reflect the wealth and opulence of historic times. London Interior Designers will often take the best of the features that were available back then and skilfully combine them with elements that are available today. Traditional/period interior design projects tend to focus on elegance, with a look and feel that is comfortable, rich and sumptuous, although sometimes also a little fragile.

The Jacobean theme is popular in London mansions and other residences that have a real sense of history. The Jacobean style focuses on heavy wooden features, with dark-stained oak often used to create panels for walls and floorboards. Oak is also often used for the furniture, and the overall interior design feel is that of robustness, with pleasantly-proportioned pieces to fill the available space. Tapestries are also an important part of the Jacobean look. However, many interior designers recognise that tapestries can be impractical nowadays, and one approach often used by London’s best-known consultancies is to recreate the tapestry appearance on modern upholstered furniture or curtains.

One caveat with Jacobean interior designs is that the style does need plenty of natural light, because otherwise the darker wood stains can seem uninspired. This can be problematic in smaller London residences, but is generally not an issue with more luxurious mansions that often feature huge south-facing windows and substantial grounds.

The Victorian interior design style, by contrast, is considered a more staid approach. Interior designers often focus on small rounded tables, often covered entirely in cloth, and fat, heavily-buttoned chesterfield settees. So much of London became urbanised in Victorian times that the style also came to include nature as a theme for textiles, serving as a counterpoint to accelerating industrialisation. Consequently, Victorian interior design schemes often feature floral elements and birds on both walls and furnishings.

In the next article in my “Designing in Style” interior design series, I will focus on a third and final period style that is particularly important for London residences – the Georgian style.

News And Views From A London Interior Design Company – Victorian Revivals

The Victorian era covers the period 1837-1901. During this time, Queen Victoria ruled England from her throne in London’s celebrated Buckingham Palace. She was not known as an interior designer herself, but during her reign there was a revival of all sorts of design ideas from the past. Interior design companies of the time brought together an impressive collection of styles to create what came to be known as the Victorian aesthetic. These interior design companies borrowed ideas from Goth, Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassic contexts. The Victorian style was the first to really bring the work of interior design companies into the mainstream. No longer just the domain of wealthy Londoners, the reach of the profession began to stretch throughout the empire – allowing even people with more modest incomes to get the elaborate interior decorations that they really craved.

It was the Victorian era that ushered in the age of mirrors and beautifully ornamented mahogany, oakwood and metal furniture. Many of London’s best interior design companies during that time were asked to focus on design that was sturdy in appearance but high in comfort. Brass lamps were very fashionable, and homeowners craved the latest in etched glass window blinds. Dark colors were everywhere, and interior design companies would often respond to requests for rich royal reds and heavy greens.

London’s most famous interior design companies in the Victorian era tended to focus on living rooms and front parlours. These needed to be very formal, with opulent fabric-ensconced sofas (see my article on the Chesterfield for more) and chaise longues with ridgebacked recliners. Luxurious velvets, silks and tapestry-style textiles featured intricate beadwork and knotted cords with tufted heads.

Victorian interior design companies often fielded requests for pretty and frilly lace curtains to serve as windowblinds. The Victorians prized modesty and, especially in London, it was necessary to cover windows completely to make sure that people on the streets outside could never look in.

Formal dining rooms in the Victorian era featured oversized dining tables and upright chairs. Interior design companies of those decades would often receive requests from clients who had huge collections of artwork, books or ornaments. Upper-class London gentlemen would crave fabulous display shelving in rich mahogany to show off their treasured possessions. Bedrooms would be replete with dense, ornamented beds in subdued varnished wood, together with weighty chests of drawers. For London ladies, powder rooms and cloakrooms were essential as the Victorians loved to spend time beautifying their appearances.

Victorian House Style: An Architectural and Interior Design Sourcebook

Victorian House Style: An Architectural and Interior Design Sourcebook

A guide to aspects of Victorian design which considers major architectural elements and concentrates on the smaller details of interior decoration. It provides an understanding of the artistic influences on Victorian style and also a pictorial social history of domestic life in the last century.

List Price: $ 39.95

Price:

Vacation Homes: Interior Design For A Relaxing Stay

There is nothing like a week long retreat at a refreshing vacation house. It rejuvenates the senses and relaxes the mind, creating the perfect getaway from all the troubles of city life. However, vacation houses need to have the right style and feel in order to do its magic.

In general, a vacation house needs to have an atmosphere that is easy to the senses. It should not be overwhelming, containing too many unnecessary details. On the contrary, the notes and accents should be light and crisp to mimic the carefree nature of a getaway. Here are some vacation home decor ideas if you so wish to design your own vacation home.

Dominant Material: Glass & Wood
Concrete and marble are too intimidating for a vacation house. To achieve a more relaxed mood, wood is the perfect material to use. But if the house is concrete and marble, you can create a mix of the two by adding wooden dividers and wooden furniture.

As for glass, it will mimic a really spacious look. Try avoiding glass windows with wrought iron patterns. You can also try adding glass vases and ceramic vases.

Color Scheme: Neutral
To go along with the “retreat” mentality, opt for neutral color schemes. You do not have to deprive yourself of rich color palette but, you should avoid the bright ones. Fuchsia for example, is a better choice over pink.

For wooden vacation houses, anything around the color scheme of brown, ginger, and gold varnish will be perfect. When looking for a wall décor such as paintings, look for those that feature that neutral color. A painting of an autumn scene is a good example.

Design Feature: Minimal
With the very essence of a retreat being the notion to relax, carry this tune when designing — try to avoid a lot of detail. Victorian home decors for example are laden with too much design. Of course, Victorian style is captivatingly beautiful but it should be avoided in vacation houses.

So when buying home items such as mirrors, statues, fountains, table decorations and others, look for those that feature minimal design. This is because a lot of detail will always catch the eyes and will distract your focus from relaxing.

Area Setting: Spacious
A cramped room is stressing. The effect is actually more psychological with the mind being more at ease in places that are clear of clutter. So avoid cramping your vacation house with too many items to help ease your mind when vacationing.

More than anything else, you should focus on space. And this is not just about floor space. Having a spacious ceiling area will also create a relaxing effect. If you have a high set ceiling, it would be ideal. If not, avoid adding too many ceiling lights, chandeliers, and others.

With everything set in place and with just the right details, your vacation house will be perfect for a relaxing stay. In fact, you might just want to stay for good!

Scottish Interior, Georgian &Victorian Decor A Visual Anthology of the Domestic Room in Scotland Culled Principally from the Collections of the – 1993 publication

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