Home Improvement: Interior Design and Decorating Article Category

Inspiring Architecture

Like any art form it is easy to understand how architecture has evolved, what styles are currently popular and what the most attractive attributes of a building are - high ceilings, big open spaces, lots of natural light etc. What is difficult to understand is how on Earth architects are able to visualise something that is so different from the space they are currently looking at and yet it happens all the time.
Interior Design Ideas: Windows Style Benefits

There are many different interior design ideas for windows and most of them seem like they are purely for decorative purposes. But there are many benefits that window treatments and styles can offer for your home as well. When it comes to interior design ideas, windows are one of the main pieces that can have a variety of different treatment styles which enhance the look and feel of any room. They can make or break the room decor and create a space that people love to spend in or absolutely don't.
Contemporary Home Accessories - A New Trend

Home is where the heart is, they say. A well-furnished home with modern comforts and amenities is a dream for many. Home decor is an important part of a well furnished home, to which a lot of importance is being attributed nowadays.
Floral Duvet Covers - Bringing a Bright Ambiance in the Bedroom

Floral duvet covers are among the most sought after covers by homeowners. This is due to the bright ambiance that floral patterns bring to the bedroom. The wide range of designs also makes decorating a room a very enjoyable activity.
Consider the Tips to Take Care of Porcelain Tiles!

Today, there are many people who usually get very confused about choosing the durable flooring material for their home. You may find easy availability of different kinds of flooring options to suit the pattern and style of houses. One of them is porcelain tiles which are well-known for their amazing durability and because of this quality these tiles are mostly preferred by a number of people, these days.
Choose Popular and Trendy Travertine Floor Tiles!

These days, market is full of a number of flooring materials but you are looking for that kind of flooring option which suits more to your home. One must choose only travertine floor tiles which are considered as the most popular type of limestone tile. If it is installed in your home then it would definitely add elegance to your house.
How to Make Proper Use of Travertine Tiles?

There is no doubt that travertine tile is best option which can be installed in your home easily. The main thing to consider the most is that you must make a good use of

Elements of Interior Design

Whether you are working with existing furnishings and fabrics or "starting from scratch" with an empty room, you should always use the elements and principles of design as a guide in choosing everything. The elements are your tools or raw materials, much like paints are the basics to a painter. The elements of design include space, line, form, color, and texture. The principles of design relate to how you use these elements and are balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and scale, and harmony and unity.

Element #1: Space

Space defines the boundaries and sets the limits on the functional and decorative things you can do. Usually you will not determine the space; instead, you will be faced with the challenge of using the existing space effectively.

Element #2: Line

The lines in a room are second only to color in importance when it comes to setting the overall mood or feeling of a room. The lines of window fashions should support the dominant line of the room. In most situations, the dominant line is straight (vertical, horizontal or diagonal) rather than curved. Your choice of emphasizing the direction of lines will determine the mood you want to create.

o Vertical lines add height and dignity, creating a more formal atmosphere. Vertical lines also balance the horizontal lines found in most furniture.

o Horizontal lines tend to create a restful, informal feeling. They work well in casual rooms or as relief to the strong verticals of formal rooms.

o Diagonal lines attract attention and lead the eye. They can be disturbing unless supported by verticals or opposing diagonals.

o Curved lines add a softening effect and keep the room from becoming too stiff. Use curved lines with some restraint to keep the room from becoming too soft and overly feminine.

Element #3: Form

Lines that join together produce the form, or shape, of an object, which in turn impacts the overall feeling of a room. Straight lines create rectangles, square and triangles. Curved lines form circles and ovals. The rectangle is the most popular form and is often the dominant shape in a room. Triangles provide stability and curved shapes soften the contours of objects.

Element #4: Color

More than any other element, color can make a room beautiful. Color can set the mood. It can make a room warmer or cooler, larger or smaller. It can hide unsightly features or call attention to the center of interest. Even with the simplest furnishings, the proper use of color can transform a room.

Element #5: Texture

Texture is playing an increasingly important role in home decorating. Visual texture is a material's apparent smoothness or roughness. To maintain and enhance a casual feeling, use fabrics that are more heavily textured, nubby or rough visual texture. Smooth, shiny surfaces such as silk, moiré, chintz and silk-like looks support a more formal feeling in a room. Using several levels of complementary textures adds variety and maintains interest. However, it is a good idea to avoid dramatic contrasts in texture.