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Showing posts with label interior design ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interior design ideas. Show all posts

How an Interior Designer Can Increase the Value of Your Property

Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

To increase saleability of a property it should correspond to the buyers expectations. An interior designer with experience for pre-sale refurbishment can achieve amazing results in the shortest time. The new bathroom and kitchen are leading the hit parade of the home improvements that would increase the value of the property... assuming it is done properly and preferably professionally.

Low quality DIY jobs completed without any knowledge of building regulations and current interior design trends would not increase the value of the property but can even decrease it. To avoid costly mistakes it pays off to commission a professional interior design specialist. Many property owners don't quite realise how much input of time and knowledge their project will take.

The skills of an interior designer are frequently used by the property developers. Although most experienced property developers would nearly instinctively know what type of interior finish would appeal to their market, they find that contracting an interior designer achieve better standards thus increasing the price of the property and consequently their profits. An interior designer would add a “wow factor” and a special home comfort touch to the interiors which would make them more marketable among style-conscious new buyers.

It is a common knowledge by now that attractive properties have higher rate of success with the prospective buyers. We get used to our interiors but very often the interior created would only appeal to the limited number of prospective buyers and therefore some changes are essential to achieve a sale. In the recent years such interior design service as home staging is growing up in popularity.

A professional interior designer would help to create a fresh appealing to the potential buyers look by de-cluttering the space, changing furniture layout and adding a few stylish accessories. There are many interior designers in London; look for their membership/affiliation to the professional bodies. So why not contract an interior designer and ... increase the value of your property?

A. A Misunderstood Profession: Interior Design
Define your career. If you are a doctor, you diagnose and treat peoples' ailments. If you are a hairdresser, you cut, colour, perm, and style hair. If you are a police officer, you uphold the law, investigate crimes, and in general protect the citizens of the district in which you work. If you have one of those careers, you are very lucky.

I am an interior designer -- I design interiors; but I can recommend a seamstress, carpet cleaning company, electrician... Then the dreaded question comes, "What do you mean you design interiors?"

Rather than trying to define interior design, I have taken to explaining the process of designing an interior. I analyze, ask questions, draw, review the budget, draw some more while asking more questions. Slowly, what started off as sketches develop into floor plans and other technical drawings. I help my clients make informed decisions regarding the use of space, materials, products, colour, lighting, layout, construction methods, other professionals... The drawings/plans then go to contractors and specialty contractors.

A contractor is selected, the contract signed and the work begins; I'll be there routinely while the work is in progress. Time schedules are reviewed frequently, problems that arise are handled in such a way that my clients may later know the solution but not the headache involved to understand and work out the problem. The work is wrapping up, only the finishing touches are left but I am already preparing a list of things that have to be finished, repaired or touched-up.

My clients call, happy with the finished space. Define my career. I am an interior designer. I am an analyst, an artist, an educator, an interrogator, a project manager, a site supervisor, a purchaser, a space planner, a specifier, a decorator, a technician, a draftsperson, a troubleshooter...

But can I help a client plan an outdoor project? Can I design a cabana or gazebo for a client's yard? Can I design custom furniture or lighting? Work with other professionals to provide technical drawings for things that do not fall into the scope of work of an interior designer? Work with clients and their real estate agent to help in the selection of the perfect home or commercial space to meet their needs? Handle the enlargement of a building? Work on new constructions as well as renovations? Can I help obtain renovation permits from the municipality? Design spaces for use by people with physical disabilities?...

B. Interior Design Jobs - Career Opportunities for Artistic People
I'd been chopping and changing my jobs and not following any career path specifically. This really got me thinking because all my life I have been interested in interior design jobs, but thought they were reserved for the elite few.

People are spending more time and money on improving their homes than ever before which means there are many more openings in interior design jobs than there have ever been. People are spending a lot of time in the home these days, and therefore it makes good sense that they want to make their living spaces as comfortable and as compatible with their ideas as possible.

There are so many contemporary and oldie-worldie styles to choose from though many prefer to come up with some unique designs of their own, with a little help from an interior designer of course. I genuinely have an artistic flair and have always been complemented on they way I've designed my living spaces, so I got to thinking, why not take a look into the world of interior design jobs? After all, I'm passionate about interior design so what could be better than making ones hobby into an occupation.

A little research has shown that to apply for the best interior design jobs I shall need to get educated in this field. Talent alone is not enough if you plan to work for others as many companies like to see some academic achievement along with an artistic aptitude. Despite the growing demand by home owners to have their interiors designed by a professional, there is still pretty stiff competition when applying for interior design jobs.

I've come to find out that there are interior design jobs within small specialist companies or large national groups. I have a deep respect and genuine interest in Feng Shui which is the Chinese art of correct placement. It's also hugely popular these days as folks are wanting to know more about the spiritual aspects to life. Feng Shui is said to increase income, improve relationships, and generally make your life better. There are many fascinating aspects to Feng Shui and they also make for great selling points when discussing interiors with potential clients.

Interior Design jobs are going to be my new focus.


How To Get Great Home Interior Design Ideas

Posted: Friday, December 25, 2009

If you like the idea of coming up with your own home Interior design, you are not alone. Lots of folks these days are planning out and then executing their own interior designs. But how do you come up with great home interior design ideas? Probably one of the easiest ways to get home decoration ideas is to simply watch television these days. There are several shows that are dedicated to the subject of completely redesigning an entire house room by room.

The biggest problem with watching these television shows is having something in front of you as documentation. Even though you may get some great home interior design ideas from these television shows, ask yourself whether or not they will fit well in your particular home. By taking extra precaution in the planning stages, you can ensure a more problem free application.

However, television is not the only source for home decoration information and ideas on Interior design. There are several great books on the subject that are able to help designers of almost any background and experience level. It usually has a very well thought out plan for implementing any kind of home interior design on its pages. There is no shortage of magazines that are devoted to home decoration and interior design.

Believe it or not, even many professional interior designers collect large quantities of magazine articles and pictures and store them in a way that will help them have a larger pool of ideas to draw from in the future. Not being a professional yourself, it may be a good idea to start your own scrapbook of home interior design articles and photos that you can separate according to a specific theme or room type. If you begin right away to assemble this archive of home interior design ideas, it won't take long for you to have a really sizable reference guide to help you come up with almost any idea that you could ever need.

So as you can see, gathering information and ideas from several different sources and compiling them all together in an easily researched form can be one of the best ways for you to get great home interior design ideas quickly and easily.

A. Interior Design Ideas Online
Your living room is the room in your home where most of the living takes place. It is where your family gathers to watch television, read, and generally unwind and relax after a busy day. You can find available interior decorating ideas in local stores or you can browse the net for it. You may also consult for feng shui expert to suggest for feng shui color design that would be best for your living room.

Yes, appropriate color selection, right furniture positioning really provide pleasant feeling when you stay at home.

Utilize your furniture arrangement to define functional areas. Strategically placed floor rugs, lamps and furniture can create zones in your home. You can also find affordable part pieces that combine functional storage with fashionable decorating lines. Tables with drawers and shelves add valuable, and a simple desk doubles for homework, household management, bill paying and filing, and other related tasks.

Select neutral colors and accent with colorful textured throws, rugs, and other decorative and artistic components. Keep the harmony of your room in perspective. You do not want to overwhelm a small room with large, bold pieces, nor do you want to place smaller, neutral pieces in a large room where they will get lost.

If you are working with used furniture, try distracting from worn upholstery or a faded finish by using colorful toss pillows or table runners. Bright color curtains can distract from a faded carpet and breathe new life into an old room.

Whatever interior decorating idea you may have, whether you consult a feng shui expert or do the interior design tasks on your own, do it with what is pleasing and relaxing for your heart.

B. Office Interior Design Ideas For Your Home Office
With the internet becoming more and more prevalent in today's society, it comes as no surprise that many people now have the ability to work form home. You are one of those people, and have allotted a room in your house as your office space. However, the room is rather bare at the moment, and you want to liven up your work space.

The first thing that you need to think about is the primary use of your home office. For example, will it be the kind of place that you have clients come in to visit? If you are going to have clients in it, you will, of course, need to choose a design that is professional. Ideally, leather is the most professional look for this area.

If you answered fish tanks, then you have the right answer! Why are there fish tanks in so many offices? The answer is that it is relaxing to watch the fish, and it is also a stylish addition.

Thus, you should consider having a fish tank as well. The most important section of any home office is the workstation itself. You will need a desk that can comfortably accommodate your PC as well as files and other important supplies. You can find office workstations at your local furniture store.

For more information on office interior design ideas, be sure to check out various business magazines. In those magazines are often pictures, and those pictures can give you ideas. Also, be sure to search the internet, since there are many different websites that offer ideas.


Interior Design Education and Careers for the Artist of the Inside

Posted: Monday, October 26, 2009

Interior design careers require not only a sense of design, but also technical aptitude and sophisticated communication skills. A bachelor’s degree and passing mandated government exams is just the beginning of this highly competitive – but rewarding and inspirational career.

Designing your life with a career in interior design can give you the lifetime reward of living with a job you love. Interior design careers are for the creative individual who also has the ability to manage the creativity logically and enjoys working with materials. An interior designer works for their client. The client will issue their requests, demands and specifications for the interior design.

The interior designer will then take those specifications and create a design, using creativity and talent to create a design, and educational background and on-the-job experience to make the design a reality. Textiles and materials, form and function, safety and security are all areas of study that the interior designer has to master. Your Interior Design major will begin with the fundamentals. Safety courses will include fire regulations, building codes, ADA regulations, and space constraints.

Most states require an interior designer to be insured. Once you complete your education, complete the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. Section One is “the Principles and Practices of Design (Building and Barrier Free Codes included), Section Two is “Contract Development and Administration,” and Section Three is “Schematics and Design Development.”

An interior designer can work in general interiors in residential or commercial buildings, or they can specialize, working for just restaurants, hotels, skyscrapers, or any other specialty that they’ve found their talent for. An interior designer might work for a large corporation, a small design firm, or out of their own home. The interior designer’s education, license, portfolio and work experience will determine reputation and career.

Interior design takes a great deal of creativity, skill and knowledge. Years of education and training take place before your interior design career becomes a reality – but once it does, your life will be designed for success.

A. 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. Many interior designers have added this service to their repertoire. Alternate terms for professional interior designers 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? 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.
What to ask at the first meeting:
• 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.
• Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what was the budget range.
• What activities will take place in the space?
• How long do you plan to occupy the space?
• What is the approximate square footage to be designed?

B. Take Advantage of Quality Gold Coast Interior Design Services
Red Door Interiors is a personally run company specializing in all aspects of interior design and decorating (refer to our Services page for a list of services) in the residential as well as the commercial areas of interior design. Red Door Interiors has been offering Interior Design services in the Gold Coast Area of Australia.

Any one or all of the following services are offered by Red Door Interiors:
Design and Planning: Making the most of your space by planning your interiors and solving your design problems.
We design bathrooms, kitchens, plan office layouts and design custom cabinetry for bars, libraries, studies, reception counters and anything that needs to be custom made.

We supply plans and drawings.
Design Concept: Forming the overall concept for the whole project, this is presented in a visual form that shows fabrics, furniture, colours and finishes.
Interior Decorating Consultation: we can provide you with decorating advice on a once off or hourly basis if you need some guidance or expert assistance in the choice of colours, finishes or selection and placement of furniture. Elements included in this service are the specification of wall finishes – paint, paneling, wallpaper- floor coverings – tiles, carpet, stone, timber - light fittings and bathroom tiles and fittings.

Quoting, supply and installation of furnishings: creating a budget by obtaining prices and quotes on the items required for the interior and then managing the ordering and installation process.
  • Soft furnishings: bed covers, bed heads, cushions, bed valances.
  • Furniture: dining tables, chairs, occasional chairs, entertainment units, coffee tables.
  • Accessories: artwork, mirrors, rugs, lamps, plants, decorative objects

Colour consultancy: by selecting the best paint colours to suit your architecture, your lifestyle and your outlook we can create or change your image. A full colour consultation will result in a colour board and specification list.
Furniture packages and styling: complete turnkey packages to suit various budgets can be supplied for the investment unit or presale presentation.
Corporate Design: Good interior planning and interior design of your office space can instantly upgrade your professional image and has been shown to improve staff morale and increase productivity.

Red Door Interiors has been offering Gold Coast Interior Design Services for 25 years and has vast experience in planning office layouts and decorating corporate interiors. We handle all aspects from planning and layouts, designing receptions and boardrooms, colour schemes to suit or change your image, selecting office furniture, and supplying blinds, artwork and accessories.


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