Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Importance of Color in Interior Design

If you've ever dipped your toes into the world of interior design, you've probably quickly become overwhelmed by all the different concepts from decorative accessories to visual texture, incorporating balance and of course, let's not forget color. So why is color so important in interior design, especially when there are a number of elements that need to be incorporated into the mix?

Warm or Cool?

The color tones that you choose for your color palette will affect not only your interior design, but also your mood in the long run. With that in mind, don't forget that you can swap out colors relatively easily to create new looks if you decide that the current look isn't working for you.

That being said, there are two types of colors you can choose for your space: warm or cool. Cooler tones typically go one of three ways: they can be refreshing, they can be soothing or they can be stark, sterile and cold. In interior design, if you're looking to create a refreshing space you might choose a crisp and refreshing green or a refreshing gray. On the other hand, if you're looking to create a space that is more soothing, you may be more drawn to cool tones such as a soft blue. For stark color palettes, many people agree that too much white is the quickest way to this look.

This same concept also applies to warm color tones such as reds, yellows and oranges but also browns. These hues can stimulate and excite, but they can also comfort. For example, if you're looking for an energizing look for your interior design, you might choose a shade of yellow. If you're looking to create a more comfortable look, you might choose a warm shade of brown. Color affects our moods, making it extremely important for interior design.

Color is Everywhere

Of course, it goes without saying that color affects each and every single item that you choose for your space. This includes not only your paint, but also your flooring choices, your furniture, your wall art, your various knick knacks: vases, table lamps, wall clocks, even the books on your shelves!

It goes without saying that we are unaware of how much of an influence that color really has on us, not just in interior design, but also in our every day lives.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Kitchen Interior Design - Tips And Ideas

After your home has been constructed, interior design comes into play. The kitchen is one of the significant places in your house that requires interior designing. However, it is also among the most expensive zones to renovate and re-design. So when experts charge you high enough just for a piece of advice, why not attempt to remodel your kitchen by yourself?

Whether you employ an interior designer or you intend to do the job yourself, careful planning is always important in order to achieve the looks and the effect that you want for your kitchen. For do it yourselfers, you have to be knowledgeable enough of the tips and ideas as well as the mistakes that most homeowners have made in remodeling their kitchens.

Design Tips

1. If you have a small kitchen, make use of light colors like beige or off white. If you want to enliven or brighten up the place, you can accentuate it using bright colors. Remember that dark colors will make the kitchen appear smaller than its real size.

2. Avoid using dark colored tiles in the kitchen counters. Though royal blue or black look great, soap residue is very visible in these shades. And what's worse is that it becomes very difficult to clean when it hardened. So if you don't have a housekeeper or a helper that will clean and maintain the countertops everyday, better choose tiles with light colors.

3. The refrigerator, sink and cooking stove should be arranged well, forming a work triangle. The distance of these three stations should not be more than 26 feet. They need to be close enough for ease in food preparation.

4. You can adorn your kitchen with indoor plants, especially the small ones. Plants always bring a fresh feeling to the kitchen's interior design.

5. On holidays, transform the appearance of the kitchen by using themed slipcovers, window curtains and table cloth to spice up the room and make it fit for the occasion.

6. Be very sure that the kitchen has an adequate lighting. Insufficient lighting will make your kitchen look and feel gloomy and cramped. Besides the main lighting fixture in the middle of the kitchen, you can also put task lights under the hanging cabinets.

7. Get placemats, dishes, trivets, bowls and other cutlery that match the theme of your kitchen design.