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Classic home decorating with empire furniture
Choosing up the home decorating plan or idea that better fits in
with Empire furniture can be a little bit difficult. There are
some very good books of designs to base your decor idea. You can
then get from them interesting complements and...
What does it take to be an Interior Designer?
When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for you, it helps to know what that really means. Interior Design is not simply the profession that "makes rooms and places pretty"; it takes a little bit more than that. You need to know how to...
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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. * Vertical lines add
height and dignity, creating a more formal atmosphere. Vertical
lines also balance the horizontal lines found in most furniture.
* 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. * Diagonal lines attract attention
and lead the eye. They can be disturbing unless supported by
verticals or opposing diagonals. * 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,
moire, 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.
Kathy Iven, Columbus, OH kathy@fabricfarms.com Kathy Iven is the
owner of Fabric Farms Interiors, located in Hilliard, OH. Fabric
Farms Interiors specializes in home decor fabrics and trims.
They also offer custom drapery, bedding and upholstery services.
The company was founded in 1971 and is the largest home decor
fabric store in Central Ohio. To learn more, visit
www.fabricfarms.com All rights reserved.
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