design
Timeless Classics – Making Antique Furniture Work For Your Home Design
Interior design trends over the years have grown and developed. Though classic design will never go out of style, the modern and sleek look of contemporary interiors has largely dominated the industry. There is also the introduction of cross-cultural influences that widened the interior design field even more.
With the variety of styles to choose from, antique furniture sometimes looks and feels out of place in a home. Heirloom pieces, in particular, could be difficult to part with, especially if inherited from relatives and holds a particular sentimental value for the family. The dilemma is this: how do you make antique furniture a part of your overall look and design? Is there any way to make an heirloom piece blend in with your contemporary home? Before you decide to sell your antique piece or bury it in storage, consider some ways into making that one-of-a-kind and special piece a part of your home.
Some pieces do not hold any real monetary value at all, but more of a sentimental and memorable piece for the owner. If this is the case, consider giving it a refurbished look with a simple paint job to match the rest of your home’s color scheme. You could also strip down dated pieces to modernize its design. For pieces that hold an investment and historical value, you could use the design of the antique furniture and make it the centerpiece of the room. Ornate pieces can be balanced with and highlighted by keeping the rest of the room simple in order to draw attention the careful detail that went into the crafting of your antique furniture.
Another way is to use antique pieces in surprising ways. Pair an ornately carved chair with a simple wooden desk and use it in your office. Use a chandelier in your powder room to make for an interesting space for your guests. Breathe contemporary design into an old lamp with a quirky lampshade for a unique and eclectic addition to your living room. Use your grandmother’s antique china for everyday meals and make each day an elegant and special dining experience.
Aside from their value, the craftsmanship of antique furniture is without question, incomparable. Antique pieces are worthwhile investments and their seemingly unsuitable design can be creatively incorporated into your home’s design with a little creativity and imagination. Take care of your antique furniture and they will continue giving a distinct touch to your home for many years to come.…
Define Your Style – Home Design Ideas
Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” and when it comes to interior design this can often by the best route to take if you don’t trust your own design instincts. There is a danger however, that your house will blend into every other Magnolia drenched, carbon copy home that we see cloned on every street in Britain today. Why do we practice such safe design? Is it because we suffer from a lack of imagination, or are home owners up and down the land just not brave enough to experiment? Maybe in this difficult economic climate we cannot risk straying from that safe colour palette of cream and white?
I say, why create a ‘blank canvas’ (just in case you move home), for someone else to put his or her stamp on. Look for inspiration everywhere and don’t fear your own style. There are several ways in which you can experiment without breaking the bank and below are a few ideas and tips, which could inspire you to create your own unique groove. Firstly, do a little research. Websites such as housetohome have a fantastic gallery of pictures and suppliers that can inspire you and are less likely to be found in the house next door.
Create a mood board. Collect images, colour swabs and fabric samples in order to focus your ideas and inspire you. This way you will be able to see which colours and styles go together and it will also help you commit to only buying what you need. Steer clear of the plain and create simple elegance by choosing a simple colour palette but also experimenting with different textures of paint and fabrics. B&Q have a paint colour mixing service, which can match any of your favourite items.
Add a splash of colour by adding cushions and throws or curtains. Cushions, and more surprisingly curtains, are easy to make if you have a bit of time on your hands and you can get quality designer fabrics at greatly reduced prices online. Stores such as sell designer fabrics at £10 a meter instead of the recommended retail price of £30 to £100 a meter. If you don’t fancy making curtains yourself, Digby & Willoughby can get these made up for you. Alternatively breathe life into a favourite chair with new upholstery with Fabrics from Digby & Willoughby.
Accessorise with one or two unique pieces such as a beautiful free standing mirror or a piece of artwork. To save some pennies you could visit auction houses such as lotsroad or criterionauctions. I recently found a fantastic seascape oil painting in a charity shop and a beautiful art deco bedroom suite on so keep your eyes peeled. Love the traditional? Experiment with mixing the traditional with the new to avoid being old fashioned. Choose classic wallpapers with a funky twist from companies such as Cole & Sons and Zoffany to create a feature wall. Visit reclamation yards such as wellsreclaimation or sites such as …
How to Determine the Most Efficient Design For Your Home
Design efficiency is often overlooked and not discussed very often by buyers and builders alike. Over years of home design and building I have had to review countless house designs in order to economise the building to achieve a target budget. There are a few simple rules when going through this review which I have outlined below.
Economise wasted space
This is the most simple step for someone with a high level of spatial awareness. A quick overview of a floor plan will highlight areas that are larger than required or excessive. Examples may be significant lengths of passageways, odd sized areas where rooms don’t connect or flow properly or simply oversized rooms. Last year a client came to me and showed me a house plan he had designed through a so called architect that had a master bedroom 8.5m x 3.0m and the client didn’t identify the room as being odd until I pointed it out. If you’re familiar with viewing architectural plans this process is quite simple, however for most home buyers it’s very difficult to visualise space just by looking at a scaled drawing. A simpler way that I recommend to buyers is to take a blank piece of paper and cut out scaled sized furniture that they have in their current home, then position it on the home design plans where they think it will go. This will then help them to assess proportions of room sizes in relation to their furniture.
Remove excess engineering costs
When designing and building two storey homes the main factor in price efficiency is with engineering costs. Large spans of open space on the ground floor could cause the engineer to increase the depth of the suspended slab from 172mm to 257mm, which adds significant costs. Keeping enough structural walls beneath the slab in key positions will remove the need for this cost and can still mean you have a fantastic open space.
Minimising suspended slab extensions is also critical, something that an experienced architect or house designer will do automatically, but often overlooked by novice designers. This poor design feature will make a house have a concrete slab where it is underutilised, and hidden in the roof space which just means it’s a very expensive ceiling.
Reducing the need for structural columns is also a factor. Since the supply and installation of a structural column can cost $400-$500 each you want to reduce the number used in a house design. Clever use of internal walls can easily save $3,000 – again a cost that will never be seen once the home is completed.
This step by step analysis was performed recently on a cheap two storey home design that highlights changes made to the elevation and style of the home saved significant building costs.…
Professional Home Design Made Easy
Have you ever browsed through a design magazine and wondered how the pros do it? You’re not alone-every homeowner wants a professionally designed home, the kind where the colors, patterns, spaces and lighting just work perfectly together. Well, the good news is that it’s not that hard to pull off, and you don’t even have to spend a fortune for it. The pros really go by just a few simple rules, and the rest is a matter of creativity.
The first thing you have to decide on is color: after all, it’s the first and last thing that people notice when they look at a home. For the most part, it’s a personal decision. You want a color that you can live with for a long time, but is also versatile enough to go with changing tastes and trends. If you’re not sure what to pick, you can play it safe by just using neutrals like black, white or beige, and then adding colorful pieces as you see fit.
Textures are the second most important element in home design. Sometimes a home may have the perfect color combination, but still appear flat because it lacks texture. Wherever there’s an expanse of space, think of ways to liven it up. Use textured paint or wall art to break up the monotony of a blank wall. If you have lots of bare floor, lay out a rug or runner for some variety. Just make sure not to overdo it, as it makes the room look messy.
Finally, you need to find a focal point-a point of interest that draws the viewer’s eye and directs it around the room. It can be a lighting fixture, a painting, or a window with a view. These days, many designers are using area rugs as focal points, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they bright and colorful, they also add a nice warm glow to any space. You can use one rug for a small room or two larger ones if you have a larger area. Look for a rug that fits your décor theme, and place it somewhere visible like the middle of a floor or the front of your fireplace.…
How To Design A 21st Century Kitchen
The demographic
The first thing an outstanding designer does when putting pen to paper on a home design is find out exactly who is going to live in that home–the exact demographic of the inhabitant. This is specially true about the kitchen which is often the most lived-in space in the house and around which many more activities occur any more nowadays than just cooking. Luckily, today’s demographic in the kitchen ‘mass market’ is easy to define–it is mostly ‘baby boomers’ aged 55-65, followed by ‘leading edge GenX’ers’ aged 45-55 years old. These two demographics between them make up the bulk of the folks looking to design a kitchen as opposed to simply taking what comes with a new house. People older than 65, the ‘seniors’, are no longer the dominant home owning demographic and don’t spend as much time in the kitchen while those younger than 45 are considered entry-level homeowners and are also not as numerous as the first two.
Activities in and around the kitchen
A baby boomer’s kitchen is very likely to have a large flat screen TV as part of it that is easily visible from several activity areas surrounding it. The kitchen is no longer a ‘room’ but a space around which a lot of family activity revolves. This activity could be video games, watching the news, searching for data and even doing homework with access to outdoor grilling and a deck just a step or two away. The common factor is that it all revolves around the kitchen. This often manifests in a ‘living room’ or ‘family room’ area complete with sitting or lounging furniture joined to the kitchen with an informal ‘dining’ area, both divided and united by a cabinetwork peninsula, perhaps with a sink and cooktop on one side and an open area on the other with tall stools for the kids to do their homework on or simply help make dinner.
Baby boomers are no longer willing to risk a back injury by bending down to open an oven door and will likely have wall ovens installed at a carefully measured height. Similarly, the efficiency-demanding boomer will insist on having the pantry close at hand at most 3 or 4 steps away, not in another room and certainly not behind another door. This can manifest as another ‘area’ adjacent to the cooking areas, perhaps with a dividing wall of overhead cabinets and counter spaces open to both areas.
The GenX’er is even more tech savvy and may have several appliances hooked up to the internet with sensors and alarms to remind and warn of upcoming events, like a “cake is ready” message flashing on TV screens all over the house. She may switch on the oven with her phone on her way back from work and set the temperature for baked fish when she is 10 minutes away. Her priority is “get it done quick” and therefore all appliances will likely be electric with a few being dual fuel, all …
Creative Up-Cycle Ideas For Home Design
Upcycling is trendy, green and economical, but all too often, upcycled projects look – well, upcycled. We’ve all seen those oh-so-crafty projects that use old CDs to make artwork on the walls, or repurpose old sweaters into sofa cushions. While some of them look great in any apartment living room, the typical “saved from the trash” decorating project really does look like it was saved from the trash. It doesn’t have to be that way!
It is possible to turn trash into treasure that really looks like treasure. It takes attention to detail and a careful eye for professional finishing of your project. These tips will help you create beautiful furniture and design accents for your home from throwaways that you find in your own garage or at a local yard sale.
Start with quality materials. The best way to end up with a high quality upcycled accent is to start with a well-crafted piece that needs cleaning, repair and updating. Keep your eyes peeled for items at yard sales and on the side of the road that fit your design scheme, and that are basically sound.
Use the right tools. Good tools can make the difference between a frustrating, time-consuming project that looks slapped together and a fun, easy-to-finish new piece of furniture or decor for your home. The tools are dependent on the type of project, of course. A decent sewing machine is a must for sewing projects, for instance, and an electric drill with a full set of bits will make woodworking projects so much easier.
Start with a plan. Before you lay a finger on your project, decide exactly how to tackle it. Have a clear idea of what you want your finished piece to look like. Examine your starting piece to figure out what needs to be done to make it look the way you want it to look, then follow through on your plan step by step.
Clean and repair first. Any redesign or upgrade needs to start with a clean, sturdy base. Sand away any rust from metal pieces, and clean all surfaces of your piece. If joints are loose or rickety, tighten them up. Repair any parts that need repairing. Don’t let your eagerness to dig in overcome your good sense. This is a vital first step that will ensure a quality result.
Pay close attention to finish and detail work. The difference between a “craft project” and a striking piece of home decor is in the detail and finish work. Finish all seams on sewn work. Countersink screws on wood pieces. Clean up any corners and edges. Install the right hardware. Do whatever it takes to give your finished piece that finished look.
Creativity is great. Having an eye that can see a gorgeous planter in a paint-dripped old wooden ladder is a gift. When you couple that funky, creative side with meticulous crafting and attention to detail, you can truly lift a “home made” piece into the realm of “hand crafted …
Custom Homes – Storage Space Can Make Or Break a New Home Design Or Home Addition
Where are we going to put everything? That’s a common question when looking at buying a new home that doesn’t have adequate storage or space. People love their stuff but hate clutter. It’s a problem that is best solved at the design stage.
As the population ages and home sizes trend smaller, storage space becomes infinitely more important when designing a new home or home addition. Even if you don’t see the need personally, it’s best to keep your home’s resale value in mind.
People love to save! And over time, people’s stuff accumulates and they grow more attached. They won’t buy a home without the storage space they need.
Give a Clear Message to Your Designer or Architect
Over the years of working with people as they get their new home or home addition concept out of their minds and onto paper, I’ve learned that it’s often difficult to convey their real needs to an architect. Their desire for space and tidiness gets trumped by the “glitter” of more visible and tangible aspects of a home’s design.
You must get specific about what you want. Don’t leave storage space up to the designer without making it very clear what you want and why. Then let your designer use her creativity to bring it about.
Specific Storage Considerations
I hope you’re convinced about the value of creating ample storage! Here are several ways to solve storage problems in your home’s design.
CLOSETS:
Both the size and number of closets are critical. Walk in closets where possible are best. Hallway closets are always desirable. Consider interior closet designs as well that really maximize the storage and use capabilities of the closets.
KITCHEN PANTRY:
The size isn’t as important as the value of having one. But the smaller the pantry, the greater the need for excellent design of the space. Separate rooms are desirable but cabinet pantries can also work.
LAUNDRY ROOM:
The laundry is not often considered as storage space but usually ends up as a storage room! For this reason, designing the laundry with storage in mind is wise.
GARAGE:
Cars, boats, RVs, and other recreational vehicles can really clutter up your property without providing for their storage. Great design can make these “toys” almost disappear. Also, with forethought, you can design in extra storage for other items at the same time.
ATTIC & BASEMENT:
Many newer homes and certain markets do not have basements and attics. If you’re designing a new home or addition, look for ways to utilize these as they can be very valuable for storage. And be sure to design in easy access to them.
Convenience and Resale Value
Keeping storage space high on your priority list will keep a great home design from going sour on you. If left to an afterthought, it’ll become all you think about later on. Don’t let that happen to you!…
Having a Hoot With Interior Design and Owls
Are you looking to introduce a new theme into your interior design or home decor? Choosing something new is all down to a matter of taste and opinion but if you just want to be trendy and current, there are plenty of pointers available in the home sections of high street shops and stores. If you like the idea of having an “owl” theme in your home, then you are in luck, because (at the time of writing) owls are incredibly popular, not just for home items but for clothes, toys and many other things as well.
We are talking about the home, so what you can do to introduce the wonderful owl to your decor? Here are just a few quick ideas.
Hallway – For most homes, the hallway is the entrance to the house and the first place to make an impression when entering. How about an owl inspired mirror directly facing your front door? It will certainly make an impression on your guests when they enter and it will make a statement that you are right up to date with your home design. An owl shaped clock could also be really cool in the hall. It’s often a place people look for the time as they head out the door and it will add further to your growing theme.
Bedroom – The bed is always the quickest and easiest way to introduce something new to your room. You could treat yourself to a brand new duvet cover that has a cute owl print on it. A tastefully chosen owl picture or painting can make a feature of a bedroom wall whilst complimenting your bed. If you are lucky enough to have fitted sliding wardrobes in your room, then some owl themed transfers on the doors will again make a feature.
Living Room/Dining Room – There are endless ways in which your owls can be implemented into these rooms, whether it’s cushions/covers, curtains, tablecloths, rugs, ornaments and pictures. It’s just a case of deciding what you like without completely going owl overboard!
Bathroom – Once again, you will be spoiled for choice when trying to bring owls into the bathroom with some lovely pieces available. There are trinket holders, toiletry jars, toothbrush holders or even a trendy shower curtain!
Not only will you have the theme you want but also have a bright and trendy look throughout your owl inspired home.…
What Is A Design Build Contractor?
The traditional method for home remodeling included two major but separate steps. These steps are design and construction. Both of these items are very important aspects when it comes to choosing the right remodeling contractors. Exactly as it sounds, the design aspect involves the work done by an architect or other design remodeling professional that can often be found from a variety of specialized remodeling companies. The construction aspect involves the building services that are required in order to execute the plans created in the design stage fully.
In recent years, the use of a design build contractor from a remodeling company has become a very common means of getting home renovation work completed. There are many pros and some cons to using this method over the traditional method. The most obvious benefit is that only one contract is created for all the services provided by a remodeling contractor and design team. It is an efficient means of getting quality construction and design services from a remodeling company without having to shop around tediously. A lot of time can be spent trying to choose both the most qualified contractor and architect.
Another benefit of using a design build contractor is that the same home remodeler is present from start to finish. This means someone will be in charge of the house remodeling endeavor who can adequately keep all aspects of the budget, design, and engineering requirements in mind. The period for the overall home remodeling process is reduced because there is no latency period between design and execution. Money is also saved on both ends of the spectrum because estimates that are more accurate can be provided and overall costs are reduced as everything can be planned out from beginning to end.
More and more remodeling companies are beginning to employee design build contractors in order to bring in more work. The design build firm may not necessarily have a qualified remodeler to fulfill both the design and construction roles. It is common to find a certified designer or architect on staff along with a reputable remodeling contractor. The key to the entire design/build concept is that only one contract is present. As long as the contract provided to the homeowner includes all the services of both aspects of the process, it will fall into this category. Because the services are coming from a single source, there is also an easily identified target of accountability.
There is no denying that surprises can quickly appear during any major home remodeling project. The use of a design build contractor will help to reduce the likelihood of any unpleasant events. The risks to the project owners are also reduced by using a single remodeling company for both the design and construction stages.
The major flaw with using these types of qualified contractors is that there may be a slight conflict of interests. The remodeling contractor can decide on major design issues in relation to overall time restraints, profits, and costs. The process allows …
Design Your Land With These Landscaping Tips
Landscaping is a critical skill that one needs for a more aesthetically pleasing home. While many people want their houses to look better than others on their block, sometimes they just aren’t sure how to make that happen. You can use this article to help you with that. Continue reading for great landscaping advice.
Before you take on your next landscaping idea, think about sketching out just how you envision the final product. A sketch can give you an idea of what you’ll need and let you visualize the new project. Remember, it’s much simpler to alter a drawing than completed landscaping.
Knowing which plants thrive in your climate, as well as which come back year after year and which have to be replanted annually is an important part of your planning. Keeping seasonal changes in mind is also important. All of these factors combine to determine whether your landscaping efforts will be a success or a failure.
Are you considering selling your home anytime soon? Landscaping can help to draw in potential buyers, and the return on investment can be as much as 200%! You should fix up your front lawn initially, so that your home will be appealing to buyers as they pull up to your curb. You can also develop your backyard as an outdoor living area that extends the function of your home.
Pick out products that are made well and avoid cheap ones. If you always gravitate toward the bargain bin or 50 percent off plants, you might be setting yourself up for a lot of work and trouble. Shop at specialty stores to find the best equipment and advice from qualified professionals. This is worth the extra expense, because the products you purchase will be of a higher quality and you will receive proper advice.
A lot of people never consider purchasing landscape supplies online. Of course, online shopping is very convenient and allows access to landscaping plants that are hard to find or even rare in your local retailers.
Before heading to your local garden store for plants and materials, take down exact measurements for your entire work area. By having correct measurement it will be easier to determine the amount of plants you need. Making the effort up front to note these details can save you money and time in the long run.
Before you develop your landscape plan, be sure to make note of any existing structures in your yard. Know where all pipes and other hardware are located so that you can landscape around them. Before digging, contact the county or city to ascertain that you don’t cause any damage to underground lines.
Do not focus too much on trying to keep costs to a minimum. Remember that if you want good, quality supplies, a little extra money spent may help your project to look good and last much longer. If you just started landscaping consider going to a specialty store. Even though it costs more, they will have what …