The design of the interior space is just as vital as the design of the structure or its façade. Some owners move from one house to another. With renting or buying an existing house, the homeowners no longer have control of what the structure looks like. On the other hand, homeowners buy furnishings and accessories piece by piece. The combination of these pieces and how they are arranged in the home expresses their personality and character. For designers in particular, a deep understanding of the different decorating styles allows them to think of how to translate their client’s character into the space that they are currently living in. In addition, the designed or redesigned space must also be reflective of the homeowner's personal needs.
American Society of Interior Design
Decorating Styles
Contemporary
- Contemporary Design and Bathtubs: House Beautiful Online has a webpage dedicated to contemporary design and choosing the right bathtubs for the bathroom.
- The Basic Features of a Contemporary Space: Contemporary design uses a combination of simple furniture with clean lines, stainless steel accessories and a neutral color scheme. A few dashes of bold color are all that is needed in the space. The webpage deals with the definition of contemporary design and what makes it distinct from other styles.
- Redesigning the Family Home Interior: Style at Home Magazine is featuring a designer’s way of redesigning a family’s entire home for a more contemporary look.
- Redesigning an Existing Space: The website features an example of an interior of a traditional home built during the 1970s which is redesigned to embody a more contemporary look.
- Designing for the Family: An Arts and Crafts home is redesigned for a more contemporary look with consideration to the existing client’s needs. The client wanted a space which would still appear formal and sophisticated while still considering that there are active boys living in the same space.
Traditional
- Traditional Home Decorating: Discovery Channel’s TLC has devoted a part of their website to explaining what a traditional style is and what makes it distinct from other styles. The website also goes into detail on what design elements to look for when identifying or designing a space using this style.
- How to Redefine a Traditional Space: The term traditional is commonly associated with being old and outdated. Rental Decorating has devoted a part of their website to clearing up misconceptions regarding the style and how to rejuvenate existing traditional spaces using some of the tips listed.
Modern
- Defining Modern interior Design: The Interior Design Pro website goes into the basics of a modern interior. It defines what the style is, where it originated from and common materials and finishes associated with the style.
- A Colorful Modern Style Interior: Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to create a modern interior and still introduce color. The website from Elle Décor features some suggestions and theories when it comes to using color in a modern interior.
- Recreating the Traditional Home: The Traditional Home Magazine features interiors designed using the traditional style. This particular article lists the top ten tips from designers on how to recreate the traditional style in the home space.
- Making It Modern: A home with antique furniture from France and England is redesigned for a more modern look. This article by Veranda Magazine includes images of the redesigned space to help readers see that antique furniture can be used and integrated into a modern home.
- The Process of Redoing a Home on a Limited Budget: Dwell Magazine features two designers and the design process of redesigning a home for a more modern look using a limited budget.
Country
- Elements which Define American Country Style: The online version of the Country Living magazine defines what the American country style is.
- Classic Country Style: The Better Homes and Gardens’ website features a list of images and tips to give readers an idea of what makes a classic country space.
- Decorating Ideas: The online version of the CountryHome Magazine features ideas and images on how to recreate the country style feel to a space.
- European Country Style: HomeLife has dedicated part of their website to illustrating what the European country style interior looks like.
- Country Style Décor: A part of DiyFixIt’s website features a list of simple elements which homeowners and designers can do to recreate the country style feel to a space or an entire home.
Eclectic
- Definition of an Eclectic Style: Designer Speak gets into the real meaning of an eclectic style and the different elements which make up the style. The information also includes popular combinations of styles to create customized eclectic looks.
- Understanding the Eclectic Style: Cruzine magazine has devoted a part of their website to explain and illustrate what defines the eclectic style and why it is has become a popular style to use in interior design.
- Balancing Different Styles: An eclectic style is a combination of different styles. Designers need to take care on what elements to mix to avoid creating a cluttered look. This video from HGTV shows how to redesign a space in order to bring out the different styles used so that each element can be appreciated better.
- Mixing Styles: A 1920s home is redesigned to incorporate contemporary elements, creating an eclectic style between history and modern sophistication.
- Mixing Old and New: Rustic and contemporary styles are considered polar opposites. This home featured in Atlanta Homes Magazine shows that both styles can be fused together to make a consistent yet relaxing feel.
Design Ideas & Room Makeovers
Floor Plans
- Floor Plans for Universal Homes: The Center for Universal Design features a list of publications that include floor plans.
- Gliffy Floorplan Software: A free downloadable computer program which makes it easier for consumers and designers to create professional looking floor plans.
- A-Frame House Plans and Blueprints: B4ubuild.org features a searchable database of floor plans. Users may select floor plans based on the size of the house, the number of floors, bedrooms, bathrooms and other settings.
- Home Plans: A searchable website with floor plans to fit client’s specifications on type, style, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
- How to Use Color in a Home: Freshome Magazine’s website has a list of tips and techniques on how to use color to change the look of the space. Color can affect emotions, make the room appear smaller or large or simply setting the tone or ambience.
- Tips on Arranging Furniture: An article on HGTV’s website sets a few pointers on how to arrange furniture to maximize the benefits of the pieces and the functionality of the space. The position and direction furniture pieces can affect how it looks and how the occupants will be able to move and interact in that space.
- Design Trends: This webpage from Builder lists a few key tips on how to make the design of the living space look and feel more current.
- Ideas for Small Apartment Spaces: In certain areas, an apartment is the most practical area to own or rent. However, these types of spaces can be small, limiting the amount of creativity. Apartment Therapy has put together a list of 100 suggestions on what to do in these small spaces.
Kitchen
- Dream Kitchen Designs of 2010: The website includes a list of suggestions and images on how to design the kitchen using some of the most current trends in kitchen design in 2010.
- Real Life Kitchen Designs: Virginia Tech’s Department of Apparel, Housing and Resources Management opened the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design. The Center was opened in collaboration with kitchen makers, exhibiting several types and designs of kitchens using different styles and created for different types of clients.
- Choosing Furnishings for a Luxurious Feel: LuxeMag features a list of tips on how to select and design for the kitchen to make it appear more lavish.
- Designing for Kitchen Storage: Homeowners can never have too much storage when it comes to the kitchen. The only problem is how to incorporate as much storage in the space without making it look smaller or cluttered. Period Living Magazine website features a comprehensive guide into how to go about designing storage for the kitchen.
- 5 Essential Elements of a Country Kitchen: Country style kitchens evoke a warm cozy feeling, creating a friendly and welcoming place to cook and even gather. KitchenCabinet has dedicated a part of their website to enumerate the five key factors which help identify the space as using the country style.
Bathroom
- Bathroom Design Inspirations: ChicTip has included an idea album devoted specifically to existing bathroom designs. The series of 70 images will encourage homeowners and designers to think of how to design or redesign the bathroom in their home.
- Universal Design: The website developed by the University of Iowa has included a comprehensive guide to use when considering buying a new home or redesigning an existing one. It includes minimum measurements of various aspects in the bathroom such as the height and width of the door, sink, toilet seat and lighting levels.
- Factors to Consider When Designing for Child’s Bathroom: Because of their size, a child is more prone to accidents when using a regular sized bathroom. As parents may not always be around to keep an eye on the child, designing a separate kid’s bathroom may be appropriate. The article deals with the differences between a regular adult and a child’s bathroom and how to design specifically for the child’s needs.
- Bathroom Lighting: The website deals with solutions and alternatives to providing the right amount of illumination in the bathroom.
Living Room
- Guide to a Modern Living Room: Includes a comprehensive article on what to do and consider when designing for the living room and the elements needed to evoke a modern feel to the space.
- Considerations When Designing the Living Room (PDF): The website features a comprehensive guide on what to consider when designing or redesigning the living room such as the activities performed in the area, the existing furniture as well as the movement or human traffic of the people passing through this area.
- How to Make Small Spaces Appear Bigger: The University of Illinois’ College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Services has included a detailed guide on what to do with small spaces to make them appear larger.
- A Guide to Selecting the Right Luminaires for the Living Room: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center has provided a guide on the different types of light and the effects of each type on the space.
Bedrooms
- How to Plan for the Perfect Bedroom: Channel4 has included a comprehensive list of things to consider when designing or redesigning a room. Some of these considerations include the existing layout, creating a floor plan and incorporating storage space.
- Bedroom Lighting: The Lightsearch website features a light guide to help designers select the appropriate types of light and lighting fixtures to illuminate a space and create the right atmosphere and mood.
- Recreate the Hotel Feel in the Bedroom: Ideal Home features a short list of five simple suggestions to help homeowners and designers recreate the ambience of a hotel stay.
- Designing a Blue Bedroom: A blue bedroom is normally preferred by men but some also choose the color for its calming effects. The Home Decoration Magazine is offering a few suggestions on how to design a blue bedroom using different styles.
Kid's Rooms
- A Makeover for the Kid’s Bedroom: A kid’s bedroom is often one of the last things considered when doing a makeover but it is a vital space for the child. The article deals with how parents and designers should tackle redesigning the bedroom, keeping in mind the needs of the child as well as their preferences.
- How to Design Rooms for Kids: Whether it is for bedrooms, playrooms, waiting room or other types, it is important to consider the child's preferences to make sure that they will enjoy spending time in redesigned space. The following are a few resources from the Sheffield School which can help designers in designing for kids.
- What to Expect When Designing a Kid’s Room: More and more parents are giving their young toddlers the power to choose and decide how their room should look. The World Interior Designers Network has published an article to help designers make the most out of their experience with their tiny bosses.
Specialty Rooms
- Home Office Ideas: HousetoHome has included 25 unique and interesting ways to spice up the look and feel of the home office. Styles have varied for each image, including a combination of traditional, modern, contemporary, country and eclectic.
- Home Office Design Basics: Some individuals work at home for a variety of reasons. This article goes into detail of how to design a home office, what elements and equipment are needed and why it is important.
- Elements to be Considered When Designing a Home Office: The design of a home office can affect the level of comfort the worker feels while within the space, making them more or less productive. DoItYourself features a list of elements to consider when making the plans for the home office.
- Home Office Planning Guide: InHouse Design Studio has included a detailed page and PDF file on how to design a home office. In it includes considerations for the needed size, limitations, any hardware needed as well as any issues that need to be considered. A checklist is also included which enumerates some of the basic equipment that is often found in a home office.
- Decorating the Home Office: The website features a video which talks about the factors which go into the design of the home office. This includes the different types of flooring, colors, storage options and basic equipment to make the work space more comfortable to work in.
- Home Theatre Lighting: The article discusses how to combine accent and lighting techniques for the home theatre or entertainment room.
- 7 Factors to Consider When Designing the Laundry Room: People spend a lot of time in the laundry room although when it comes to its design, the laundry room does not receive a lot of attention. Handy American has included a checklist of things to do to make the space appear more inviting yet still remain functional.
- Designing a Craft Room: For people who are into crafts and have a little extra space in the home, designing a craft room may be considered. The website gets into detail on how to design the craft room including how to allocate spaces for activities, lighting options and storage considerations.
- How to Decorate a Small Guest Room: In some cases, space for the bedroom is limited. The challenge is how to make it inviting without making it appear smaller than it really is. The website includes a video and article which shows audiences how to go around designing for a limited amount of space.
- Designing a Study Room: The SG Living Pod website has devoted a page on how to design the study room. Much like the home office, it must be both functional yet homey, to encourage study. In some cases, the study room can also double as the home office.
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