Alex Olson is a professional journalist and a talanted interior designer. She wrote highly popular articles about interior design, in which she shares her ideas on how to make your house better and cosier.
It is said that a change is as good as a holiday and you wouldn't go away on vacation without planning so when it comes to changing the look of your room or the entire interior of your home, it is imperative that you get some interior design ideas before starting.
How much planning is of course going to depend on the extent of the changes you have in mind. Are they going to be structural and see you knocking out walls, kitchen or bathroom renovations? Or more like a spruce up with a change of color for the walls, new window dressings and perhaps new floor coverings and furniture. Planning is important as is getting new ideas.
Naturally, if the changes you have in mind are structural, consulting a builder, kitchen or bathroom renovator is imperative. Apart from the building aspect you would have to think about things such as space to move in the kitchen, distance from stove top to work bench, cupboard space, bench space and ventilation, type of surface on bench tops and cupboard finishes. In the bathroom, where the pipes are, types of glass for shower screens and how easily can it be cleaned, tile colors and surfaces.
For other more cosmetic changes, scouring through home magazines may give you plenty of ideas. A browse through furniture stores and display homes also offer limitless ideas. Talking to curtain and blind manufactures as well as floor covering manufacturers will help clarify any questions you may have. Sometimes just changing the color of cushions, ornaments or floor rugs can give you a different look.
When thinking about floor coverings there are several things to weigh up such as does anyone in the house have allergies, do you have indoor pets. Carpet can often trap pet hair and other household dust and even when vacuumed regularly, can affect allergy sufferers yet give and warm feel. Tiled floors are easily to sweep or vacuum but can become very slippery, wooden floors are very much the same but both can look great with mats which can be rolled up and aired outside.
Window coverings can also change the look of a room. Think about how much natural light you want in the room, how much privacy you need from the coverings. Will the sun fade or damage the coverings? Finding the right window covering to suit you purpose whilst blending in with the colorings and theme of the room.
Painting or wall papering the walls will change the look instantly. Plan what the room is going to be used for. Your choice of paint finish should depend on several factors: Do you have young children? Is it a high use area? color is also a factor remembering that light colors will always make the room look bigger and brighter.
Unless you are very adventurous, think about how that colored wall you want is going to look with your expensive lounge. Are you going to tire of that color quickly? How hard is it going to be to match window coverings, furniture etc. Buying new furniture is the same, think about color matching and also the fabric, will it be serviceable for my needs.
Interior design ideas endless and can be ever changing with new ideas and trends.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Popular Decor Designs
- Bedroom Interior Decorating Design Tips
- Décor Design Tips for Autumn and Winter
- Mixing Old And Contemporary Decorating Designs
- Mexico Home Furnishings & Decorations Design
- Traditional Decor/ Designing a Home in the Modern Classic Style
- Bedroom Decorating Designs
- Interior Decorating Design Tip: Contemporary Or Rustic
Combining Home And Garden Decor
By: Floyd P. Dietz | 23/12/2009A house does not become a home until you make it your own. If you want your house to truly feel like your home then you should fill it with little touches that make it personal to you. When you combine home and garden décor you can truly make your home feel like it belongs to you. Extend the ideas that you love inside your home to your garden. While some home and garden décor ideas may seem very trendy they may not fit you or the vision you have for your home.
Stunning Beauty of Onyx Tiles
By: LehmanJoseph | 23/12/2009Highly expensive due to their royal feel, Onyx tiles transmit light and improve the appearance of the room. They are natural beautiful gemstones which come in a lot of different colours, textures, patterns, styles and designs. They have a great appeal on the house where they are used and they truly deserve to be called the pride of the owner.
Designer Radiators: Use Them as a Feature for your Designer House
By: Michiel Van Kets | 23/12/2009Central heating is essential in a cold climate, and a traditional British winter is no exception. Coming in to a lovely warm house from the icy wind outside makes the family home a warm and safe environment. Central heating isn’t only about warmth however, designer radiators are a classy and chic way to heat up your home and change it from something ordinary into a house of luxury.
Designer Radiators: Use Them as a Feature for your Designer House
By: Michiel Van Kets | 23/12/2009Central heating is essential in a cold climate, and a traditional British winter is no exception. Coming in to a lovely warm house from the icy wind outside makes the family home a warm and safe environment. Central heating isn’t only about warmth however, designer radiators are a classy and chic way to heat up your home and change it from something ordinary into a house of luxury.
Designer Radiators: Use Them as a Feature for your Designer House
By: Michiel Van Kets | 23/12/2009Central heating is essential in a cold climate, and a traditional British winter is no exception. Coming in to a lovely warm house from the icy wind outside makes the family home a warm and safe environment. Central heating isn’t only about warmth however, designer radiators are a classy and chic way to heat up your home and change it from something ordinary into a house of luxury.
Designer Radiators: Use Them as a Feature for your Designer House
By: Alan Wilson | 23/12/2009Central heating is essential in a cold climate, and a traditional British winter is no exception. Coming in to a lovely warm house from the icy wind outside makes the family home a warm and safe environment. Central heating isn’t only about warmth however, designer radiators are a classy and chic way to heat up your home and change it from something ordinary into a house of luxury.
How To Engage Your Children Into Making Christmas Home Decor With You
By: Kenneth D. Tafolla | 23/12/2009Creating fabulous Christmas home decor can be a good activity for the whole family. If you have some kids at home, ask them to help you make some Christmas home decor. Old kids can be a lot of help in this area. On the other hand, small kids may not be able to help you much in this area but since Christmas is the time for kids, you should never exclude the little ones when it comes to making Christmas home decors.
The Addition of an Indoor Wall Fountains is a Great Way to Perk Up Your Dull, Lifeless Decor
By: Stacey Boothe Snelling | 23/12/2009You can easily alter any of your dull, boring rooms by adding a gorgeous new indoor wall fountain to your home or even your office. With the rising popularity of water features in the market today, many households, office spaces, clinics, spas, restaurants, hospitals, and many other types of establishments are already using wall fountains as part of their décor. Wall fountains can help to transform virtually any place into a stylish, yet peaceful, relaxing area for you and your visitors.
Use The Right Yoga Equipment To Get The Best Result
By: Alex Olson | 06/12/2007 | Sports & FitnessThe article contains basic information about Yoga, its benefits and equipment one can use while practicing it.
Three Basic Options Of Breast Cancer Treatment
By: Alex Olson | 06/12/2007 | HealthBreast cancer is a common condition that many individuals suffer from. While this condition has been known to cause devastation to health, there is hope available. Here, you will learn about three basic options of breast cancer treatment.
Healing Power Of Meditation
By: Alex Olson | 05/12/2007 | HealthThis article will discuss the many benefits that meditation has to offer. Although many believe it to be only a religious practice, meditation has also shown to be beneficial to health, stress levels, and overall wellbeing. It is an easy practice to learn, and can show benefits even to those who are just beginners.
The Most Typical Signs And Symptoms Of Asthma
By: Alex Olson | 04/12/2007 | HealthIn this article we discuss a chronic disease that affects many adults and children daily. We will discuss the danger of the disease as well as the typical signs and symptoms of asthma. With the proper treatment from a physician, you are able to live a normal life.
Get The Most Out Of Your Pilates Workout With Proper Equipment
By: Alex Olson | 28/11/2007 | Sports & FitnessIn the article you'll find the explanation of what pilates is and the description of the necessary equipment.
Interested In Body Cleansing Programs? Learn About Detox Diet
By: Alex Olson | 28/11/2007 | HealthIf you are looking for a way to truly cleanse your body and rid it of toxins, loose weight and really feel better, healthier, then you need to read this article about the Detox Diet. What it is, how and why it works, and the benefits it has to offer you. This is not a diet but the key to healthy living.
Dermatology-Recommended Anti-Aging Skin Treatment
By: Alex Olson | 28/11/2007 | WellnessThis article discusses the effects and causes of premature aging of the skin, as well as some common anti-aging practices and treatments that can be adopted to maintain young-looking skin.