Home Interior Design

Branding Your Business: Interior Decor

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:27:00 +0000

As a small business owner you must protect your brand. Everything you say, do or send affects your brand image. Then, there are the unspoken things that contribute to your brand image. Your interior furnishings can make or break your brand too. My five tips will help you strengthen your brand by taking an honest look at your interior décor.

My five tips for branding your business with your interior décor.

1. Review – I challenge you to visit several businesses that you respect and want to emulate. Next return to your business and look at it with a fresh set of eyes. What is your impression? Is it dirty, dusty or cluttered? Are the furnishings tired and worn? Does the layout flow and provide the best use of space and employee mission accomplishment?

2. Eliminate – make three piles – toss, donate or keep. Your goal is to eliminate the clutter, toss out the nonworking items and trash, and donate things that are work but you do not need or have not used in a very long time. Toss all magazines in the reception area that are torn, wrinkled or contain food and coffee splatters.

3. Replace – replace the items that are worn and tired looking. This includes draperies, chairs, coffee tables, coffee station, magazine rack and office equipment. This may require you to prepare a budget so you can replace the larger ticket items without breaking the bank.

4. Clean – when was the last time you had your carpets professionally steam cleaned? What about the drapes and upholstery? Do you clean your baseboards and dust your ceiling fans weekly? Do not forget to dust off your display merchandise. Notice the items you don’t think others notice like the copy machine, printer, receptionist desk and your coffee station. I bet they make you say “gross”.

5. Refresh – when was the last time you changed your merchandise display? When was the last time you updated the accessories and furnishings in your business? In this category I would also say apply a fresh coat of paint to your interior; paint is a very inexpensive decorating option.

When your business interior looks old and tired your customers and clients will immediately believe that your business skills, products and services are old and outdated too. They will not want to pay a premium price for your premium services or products. Your interior décor must represent your business brand in the most favorable manner. Do not scrimp on your interior image.

Branding is a necessary step in growing your business.

Interior Design Tips – Refreshing the Old Furniture

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:26:49 +0000

If you have got enough of your old, damaged commode and wish to bring some brand new, individual design ideas into your interior, you do not have to buy new furniture. Refresh the old one! Here is one of inspiring ideas, how to change the old commode into new, sophisticated and interesting item.

Materials
stick exactly a waterproof veneer (in some natural wood color) to the sides and doors of the commode. Additionally to the drawers stick the cork stripes with some cut out motive (floral, abstract, folk or modern, minimalistic one). Unless you do not feel like cutting out complicated shapes, do not worry. You do not have to do it by yourself. Just use the ready-made templates (they are available in the interior stores, you can buy it online, too). If none of them seems to be interesting enough, compose couple of templates to create an unique effect. Use your imagination! Just remember that the motive should be similar to the style and shapes that dominate in your premises. Consider it carefully before starting the work.

The best for sticking cork is polymer adhesive. Remember to calculate exactly, where to place the graphic motives. They need to work together with chinks, handles and corners. If the commode is large and wide, it is good to repeat this motive (for instance, place one element on the right top corner, an the second one – bottom left corner).

Revenue the interior – useful tips
Refreshing motive that you have already used in one furniture item can be repeated and implemented also on other furniture items, for instance: on the side of bookcase or small table. But avoid placing it on all of the items in the interior (cupboards, cases, bar etc). The effect can be overwhelming. Instead of new interior character you gain damaged, useless furniture. Before you start, it is good to make a small research. Use the Internet (interior design and furniture designers sites etc.) and check out in design magazines – it is always inspiring!

If you do not like the idea of cork and wooden design, you can work with other materials, like: teak, cardboard, glass, plastic (there are templates in many different shapes and colors available), furniture textile or decorative sponge in many different colors, textures, diversified thickness. You can choose one of many different materials, styles and ideas. Good luck.

Tips When Choosing Your Home Interior Design Style

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:10:20 +0000

Some of the most popular exteriors in America are Modern, Art Deco, Victorian and Colonial Revival. Logically, many of these home owners would choose to complement the home interior design by using unified elements. If the exterior is an Arts and Craft bungalow, for instance, you may want neutral tone walls, stained glass lights and mission oak furniture. However, if you have a Cape Cod, then a country theme might be more appropriate for your interior. You can gain insight and custom designs from a trained professional to help you make the best choices.

Art Deco first gained popularity in the 1920s. While the glitz, glamour and gaudiness diminished following the Great Depression, there is still a soft spot in the American heart for the lost innocence of this classic time period. In the twenties and thirties, the professional interior designer saw Art Deco as both elegant and ultra-modern. Combining aspects of airplane design and Futurism with Old World mosaic patterns and Cubism, the end result was something very interesting that spoke to the aristocracy who wanted nothing bland or boring.

Borrowing from austere stainless steel but also exotic zebra skin and saturated modern colors, Art Deco interior design trends offer the homeowner a museum-type vibe with an array of conversation pieces. Curved mirrors, Tiffany lamps, lacquered furniture, velvet drapes, silk lamp shades, small furniture, thick carpeting and symmetrical geometric shape patterns can all add a hint of Deco to a room. “It’s about glamour and getting a glimpse of those bygone days where TV was less important and it was about cocktail hour and company,” furniture designer Barclay Butera tells HGTV.

The Arts and Crafts home interior design style took America and Great Britain by storm from 1850 through to 1920. Following the advent of mass production and rampant industrialism, artists like John Ruskin and William Morris called for a return to rustic craftsmanship. Simplicity meets high quality with clean, elegant furniture that is as practical as it is beautiful. William Morris said in 1882, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

Other influential Arts and Crafts designers include Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, Henry Greene and Elbert Hubbard. Durable, dark-stained “mission style” oak furniture, stained glass, painted tiles, floral fabrics, Mica shade lighting, neutral tone walls and deep green or sapphire blue accent colors are all part of Arts and Crafts custom designs.

In addition to the aforementioned styles, you may notice interior design services featuring “Feng Shui.” Feng Shui home interior design is based on the principle that the arrangement of objects, the choice of color and the manipulation of space can help you feel better and achieve your goals. Often Feng Shui involves clearing out clutter, adding plants and rearranging furniture to maximize space. No matter which custom designs you choose, feeling at peace and completely comfortable in your own space is the end goal.

Marshall Reddick Real Estate Network: How to Avoid Being Scammed in the Real Estate Industry

admin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:27:58 +0000

Marshall Reddick of Marshall Reddick Real Estate Network knows all too well that the real estate industry is proliferated with con artists and scams. You do not only lose your hard earned money but you walk away empty handed too.

Marshall Reddick warns of investors that promise risk-free profitability because nothing is ever risk free. They would often try to puzzle you with their senseless explanation. You should not be afraid to seek clarifications and if you are not contented with their answer, simply walk away. A good rule of thumb here is, if it’s too good to be true then it probably is.

Con artists would usually fabricate the valuation of a property to make it seem as if you are indeed getting a bargain on the property. It is important to seek a professional independent appraiser to consult so you’ll know the real deal.

Marshall Reddick provides some advice how to protect yourself from scams and con artists.

1. Everything should be in writing

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from any transaction is to have everything in writing. Try to have everything the seller guarantees to be documented, signed and witness. In case you find you were deceived, you can present this as evidence and you can remedy the situation.

2. Ask questions

It is important to keep asking questions until you are satisfied with their answer. A good real estate broker will strive to answer your questions and won’t try to give you the runaround.

3. Professional advise

It won’t hurt to have any information provided by the real estate broker certified by an independent professional for your own peace of mind. This will protect you from overpaying for a particular property among others.

4. Verify seller’s reputation

If possible, try to verify the qualifications of everyone involved in the transaction since scam and con artists would normally fabricate impressive training and experience to win your confidence.

5. Learn about common investment scams in real estate

You also need to do your homework and read up on what is the current trend in real estate scams. You can turn to the Internet for information or you can check with the IRS. It is helpful to know what the different scam approaches are to guard yourself against them.

Real estate investment is actually a good source of income but it can be a horrible experience if you got yourself in a deal with a scammer. Marshall Reddick hopes that every novice investor would remember these advices and succeed.

Home Interior Design: Little Things Mean A Lot

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:46:23 +0000

It can be overwhelming to consider doing your own home remodel. If the idea of interior design has you pacing nervously, you should know there are many little things you can do that will make a huge impact on the appearance of a room. While you may want to purchase all new furniture, floor coverings and window treatments, this is not always a viable option. Here are a few of the little things you can do that will make a big statement.

Cornice Board:
A cornice board is a three-sided box like structure that attaches above the window and is a handy way to cover the curtain hardware. These are also a great way to add a little colour variety to the room if you decide to go with a neutral coloured window shade. Another great thing about cornice boards is the fact that they can be as simple or elaborate, as you would like. They can be padded and upholstered, wall papered or stencilled. They can be arched, boxy, scalloped or triangle shaped on the bottom edge. When you are looking for a simple interior design tip to dress up a room or bring two rooms together a central themed cornice board could be the answer.

Medallions:
Ceiling medallions have been seen throughout history, details of their earliest usage is sketchy but they became very popular in Italy and France, as is evidenced by design elements seen today. In ancient times, these were very heavy constructions made of metal or plaster and an artisan might spend months or even years painting the designs.

Today, medallions are much easier to obtain and install. They are made of all types of materials including plaster, iron, wood and even marble. Of course, marble medallions are quite expensive and should only be installed by a qualified professional. The point is, with a simple ceiling medallion you can change the entire focal point of a room and add an element of class to your décor.

Accent Wall:
A few gallons of paint placed accurately can change the whole feeling of a room. Choose an accent wall, which you will paint a different colour from the rest of the room. The key to doing this well is to choose the right wall and the right colour. The perfect wall will be one with a focal point, look at it like applying make-up, you want to accentuate the best feature. A wall that contains a fireplace, unusually shaped walls or those behind the headboard of the bed are good options. As for colour, choices choose based on whether you want to relax or be active in the area, cool colours equal rest and relaxation while warm colours promote energy and activity.

Final Thoughts:
There are many ways you can give a room or even your entire house a makeover, without breaking the bank. Along with the ideas above, there are dozens of options in window treatments as well. Plantation shutters, vertical blinds, Roman shades or made to measure window shutters and more are available. You can change the look altogether or simply accentuate your current style, all while controlling the amount of sunlight entering the rooms which is particularly helpful in the summer.

French Influence in Antique Furniture Design

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:23:06 +0000

French design is one of the most popular elements in the world of antique furniture. By the mid-1960s, these characteristics had traveled to North America, influencing the French Canadian furniture scene. There, the earliest furniture makers were skilled in carpentry but were not considered cabinetmakers, producing some of the finest pieces of furniture in history.

Many furniture styles followed the examples set by the original French pieces of the Louis periods. Although Louis XV is considered one of the worst kings in the history of France, his reign changed the world of furniture design. Some of the most intricately detailed furniture resulted from this time frame and many pieces are quite valuable.

Louis XV furniture features graceful, curvaceous lines. It represents a very free style that is romantic and sensual, almost feminine. With extensive hand-carved detailing and hand-painted craftsmanship, Louis XV pieces are quite different from Louis XIV styles.

Although Louis XIV designs influenced subsequent woodworkers as well, its style was not quite as classical in nature. It relied on straight lines and angles, producing bulkier furniture. These pieces were also machine painted and cut. The Louis designs also became known for patterns, such as diamonds, flowers and vines.

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor of France and shortly thereafter, the furniture began to reflect the magnitude of his ego. Large, showy pieces were produced, with the design changing significantly from that of Louis XIV and XV. Furniture created during this time became known as the Empire style. Empire pieces do not contain any carvings but, instead, feature wood veneers and metal accents. A popular addition to Empire furniture was the use of metal decorations – often inspired by Egyptian history – called ormolus.

As time progressed, many woodworkers returned to the time-honoured Louis styles. French Canadian designers were no exception. As the 19th Century approached, the most common woods used in French Canadian furniture construction were pine, birch and butternut. Although maple trees were plentiful, the wood was too hard to be used in regular furniture and was better-suited to tool handles and firewood. Designs and styles soon changed with the times and other types of wood were introduced with richer qualities, such as mahogany and cherry.

Before glue and nails became main components of furniture building, wooden pins were used. Each piece was constructed with the assistance of a joiner, a woodworker whose skill level sat somewhere between a carpenter and cabinetmaker, and a turner, who offered advice on the construction method and type of wood.

Bathroom Renovation – Designer Furniture

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:10:15 +0000

Are you finding designer furniture for your new bathroom? If yes then keep on reading this article. Bathroom furniture is available in various colors, designs and finishes. There are many websites which offer bathroom furniture and modern accessories. Never opt for an unauthenticated website. The online store should be old, reputed and authenticated. Always buy from tried and tested sources. Never compromise with the quality of the bathroom items.

Bathroom furniture and accessories should be long lasting. It is a good idea to go through the warranty of the item you are planning. Many reputed companies offer a life tie warranty. Nowadays people are spending lot of money for enhancing the style and beauty of their bathroom. Bathroom furniture not only enhances the beauty but also increases the functionality of a washroom.

It is a good idea to discuss all your expectations with a bathroom expert before you buy something new for your washroom. A professional can help you a lot in designing your dream bathroom. The most common items which should be installed in the bathroom are tub, sinks, cabinets and hutches. Bathroom items are made up of different types of materials. The most common materials which are used by the companies to manufacture the fixtures are wood, porcelain, glass and stone. A washroom needs special care from a home owner as it reflects the lifestyle of a family. Every one can design his dream washroom by following simple tips and techniques. Unique accessories can completely change the look of your bathroom.

Designer Furniture

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:25:30 +0000

Designer furniture is many things to many people, but nowadays with so many “knock-off” or “reproductions or “replicas”, you really need to do your homework to make sure that you have not been mislead. If you don’t do a bit of research you will find that you have a piece of designer furniture that you are disappointed with.

Why? Because it does not look exactly like the original. You will come to hate that piece, because you know that it is a cheap imitation of what the designer intended. Don’t get me wrong, there are many reproductions that are as good, and in some cases better than the originals (we sell reproductions as well). The problem is not necessarily in the materials used, it is mainly in the design.

Many have been fashioned to be similar, but not the same as the original designer furniture piece. If you just want something that is functional and looks okay, this is fine, if buying a reproduction. But, if you really want a design piece that you can be proud of, then you need to check the specifications of the piece.

How do you find out about the specifications of designer furniture originals? With the internet it is, very easy. Some of the places include Knoll, Fritz Hansen, Herman Miller and Cassina.

You could also check out life furniture for insights on how to best tell the difference of the real designer furniture classics. Some of these websites will give you all the specifications you need. Others will be able to point you to Resellers of their products who will give you that information.

Once you have that information you will be informed as to whether you should purchase an original licensed version or a reproduction version. A little bit of research before hand can save a lot of heartache when buying designer furniture.

Designer Furniture – Real Quality Does Not Come Cheap

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:19:59 +0000

Any weekend where you are dragged off to go shopping with your partner to a home improvement or do it yourself store is always going to be a bad one. These stores offer many things that are very good and interesting but so much of the produce within them is the same as you can buy anywhere else. If you are not careful you can end up getting carried away and buying some furniture from one of these stores for a fair some of money and end up turning your home into something not too dissimilar from the pages in an interior design magazine. The thing to remember with interior design magazines is that they are designed to give you ideas for how to lay out your home, not for you to completely replicate.

There is no getting away from it but the furniture that you can buy in the home improvement and the do it yourself store are good enough to serve a purpose, very little more. If you need to buy furniture and you are seriously considering buying from one of these stores you should do a little equation in your head, price of piece of furniture divided by number of years that you will get good use out of it. Then do the same equation with a piece of furniture that has been made by a craftsman and see how the results stack up.

Designer furniture is better, that much is obvious, but why is it better and how does it stack up that spending what can amount to three times the amount of money for a piece of furniture be good sense. Furniture designers or cabinet makers manufacture pieces of furniture for homes and for people who understand the value of quality. These pieces are made to exact measurements and worked by hand to ensure that every door, drawer and panel fit precisely and snugly together. This is the only way that a piece of furniture will survive the test of time.

The materials that are used are also of a higher quality than those used in the mass produced furniture industry. All pieces are made of a solid piece of timber that is machined and cut to length to guarantee the same quality runs through the unit. Each piece will be hand finished with abrasive paper and a plane to get rid of any rough surfaces and finally either a coat of wood preserver, lacquer or varnish will be applied to hold the natural beauty of the wood for ever as well as protecting the piece of designer furniture from the atmosphere.

A piece of designer furniture is something to be proud of, it is something that can be admired and enjoyed, unlike the cheaper mass produced pieces which purely serve a purpose within the home. With all of these factors put together you can begin to see where the difference comes in and why you pay more for the designer piece. The craftsman who makes the designer furniture will have worked in his trade all of his life, the lad who works the machine that makes the mass produced furniture started when he left school. That is why you pay more for designer furniture and that is why the extra money that you pay is worth every cent.

Designer Furniture – How To Decorate A Bathroom?

admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:29:56 +0000

If a person is designing a new bathroom then it is a good idea to start with modern accessories and designer furniture. Designer furniture can give an ornamental look to your bathroom.

Before buying anything new for the bathroom you should know all the requirements of your family members. It is a good idea to discuss the budget with family members. A properly planned budget can help you in saving lot of money. It is a good idea to hire a professional who can help you in every aspect of bathroom renovation project.

Modern bathroom furniture is available on many online stores. You should look for wholesale stores. Wholesale stores offer high quality but cheap furniture.Nowadays many companies are launching online accessory stores. Online stores offer big discounts on bulk orders.

You can start with some basic frills such as towel rails, glass shelves, soap dishes and bathroom baskets. One of the common furniture used in the bathroom is cabinet. Always look for a high quality cabinet. A cabinet increases the beauty as well as functionality of your bathroom. Never forget that like all other rooms bathroom is also an important room and needs special care from us.

There are many more things which can enhance the beauty of a washroom. You can install some designer mirrors in the washroom. The main function of the mirror is to reflect natural and artificial light. Mirrors make the washroom look bigger.

While designing a bathroom it is very important t o select proper furniture and accessories.