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Core underlying interior design styles and principles

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As with most industries there are core underlying values and methods that are adopted and used in order to become proficient in that field; building blocks from which to work. While the implementation will alter – the core understanding of these principles are generally the same.

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This is no different when it comes to interior design. The core objective of an interior designer is to make the most out of the space in question from each room to the house or building as a whole. Generally it is understood that there should be a theme that connects the house as a whole while making each room unique in its own way. There are certain styles that underlie and achieve this balance; symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial design. Well will discuss these three underlying styles to help you decide which suits you the best.

Interior Design Style #1 – Symmetrical

Symmetrical styling comes from the human form; the human form is perfectly symmetrical and hence in balance. With the interior being symmetrical such balance can also be achieved. An example of this would be to place identical objects on either side of a vertical axis. This is perhaps the more conventional form of creating balance within interior design.

Interior Design Style #2 – Asymmetrical

This style of interior design achieves balance in a much more challenging way. It is however, less rigid perhaps and allows for more flexibility as it reaches beyond the boundaries of requiring objects to be identical in order to achieve balance. Instead, objects that are different in their form can be used but with the same apparent weight and being equally compelling to the eye.

Interior Design Style #2 – Radial

As the name implies, this form of balance is achieved by elements of the design leading to the same focal point. A good example of this is the stair case. This style of achieving design balance is also challenging and more difficult to achieve when compared to symmetrical design. However, when used in the right way, in the right setting – it can produce stunning results.

Moving past the different balancing styles that interior designers can adopt, rhythm and focal points in the room are important. Each room should have one or two focal points to help to bring the theme and elements of the room together. Without a focal point, the elements that make up the room wouldn’t make sense. It wouldn’t grab the attention of the looker. A focal point helps to attract the eye and guide it further into the depths of the design of the room in question. The rhythm of the room is equally important. Each piece needs to be chosen with care and must become part of the overall rhythm expressed by the pieces collectively. This ‘rhythm’ is subtle, and can be challenging to get right. But when you look past the physical aspects of the pieces, and towards the energies they each give off and the feelings they evoke you are being guided towards feeling and understanding their rhythm.

These are some of the core underlying design styles and principles that interior designers work from in order to create a room that is in perfect harmony.

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Decorating a New Home

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Window Treatment

Moving into a new home can be rather an expensive and unnerving experience, but at the same time you can make it an exciting journey.  Usually, most rooms will remain the same as far as furniture and accessories are concerned, with a few exceptions, where rooms are of different sizes or shapes… The most important concern is the window treatment, as privacy is of paramount concern. Need a little inspiration, and ideas, well the answer is wooden blinds throughout the new house… Wooden blinds can be maintained without any problems and without removing them, by using a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.

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The blinds should be custom made for each room, with various changes of colour, to fit in with the décor the room… This of course, is again reliant on your budget and the size and number of windows in the home…The choice of wood would completely depend on the style and décor of each individual room.  .

A blind for each room

Start with the living room, as this is the most used room in the house, where family and visitors come together.  The windows in the living room are the largest, measuring from floor to ceiling and the idea would be great to layer these windows, combining wooden blinds with panels, in the colour of your choice. .This style will add a dramatic effect to the room without overwhelming you in its sheer height.

The tiles in the kitchen are light, so take your inspiration from them and use a light wood blind, to maintain the effect of lightness and brightness… The wood blinds will control the level of natural light shining in during the day. .The wooden blinds in the bathroom should also be made of an extremely light wood, such as oak, because a bathroom usually has white tiles, creating a more clinical appearance.

The main bedroom should have a colour theme and décor that makes it a special room, but at the same time a peaceful and comfortable area.  The ideas and decisions must be shared in the decorating as this room, as both partners will feel that the room belongs to them. .If the tones in the room are bold then go for a set of wooden blinds in a gentler colour which blends in with the rest of the décor. You can also introduce a few panels to produce a stylish effect…

An entertainment patio

Decorating an entertainment area can be exciting and imaginative. Because this room will be a hub of activity, using bold furniture and bright colours, offers the auras of a number of diverse individuals having fun together… To obtain the matching effect, use bright coloured wooden blinds of various tones.

Remember that wooden blinds do not have to look staid and uniform. By just using your imagination and collective suggestions from others, the wooden blinds can produce a great and contemporary look, to compliment whatever style is chosen….

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Various types of Wooden Blinds

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Wooden blinds are one of the various types of window blinds available, and are also one of the most beautiful. They offer better insulation than traditional blinds. The size of the slats has to be determined when buying wood blinds. For French doors and smaller windows the slats are usually 3.5cm and 7 cm slats look good on windows of any size and shape. Blinds that have slats bigger than 7 cm provide maximum light and view space when open. Other options provided with wood blinds are cordless operation and motorization.

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Wood blinds are crafted from two different types of wood in most cases: bass wood and ramin wood… Bass wood is the most preferred, since it has more distinctive grains and is stronger and better for staining… Blinds can be constructed with a no-hole option that enables the blinds to make the room really dark.  Ramin is the less expensive alternative and generally uses a 7 cm cover at the top of the window to hide the metal head rails Selection of colours available is large, with one options being white wooden blinds.

Variety of blinds

There is a big variety of wood blinds, such as vertical blinds, woven wood blinds, faux wood blinds, wood mini blinds, and others… Theses blinds vary in shape, stains, colors, shades and can be created from different varieties of wood. It is a good idea to custom order your wooden blinds, which will give you the choice of other optional features. To mention a few examples, fabric tapes, cord tilt, motorization, light-blocking, UV control, and anti static control.

Wooden venetian blinds have thin, horizontal and adjustable slats that overlap when they are closed. Venetian blinds are popular because they effectively allow you to control the amount of light and air that enters the room, by simply pulling the adjusting cords.

Vertical wooden blinds have vertical slats, which are ideal for rooms where you need to be able to control the amount of light that enters the room…

Bamboo wooden blinds: have a unique colour and texture to them and the more unique the pattern and texture, the higher the price. They are the eco-friendly option, as bamboo plants, compared to forests, do not take long to grow. They operate with a roller and roll up cord, and are easy to maintain.

Advantages of Wooden Blinds

If you’re wondering why you should choose to install wooden blinds, well the benefits are numerous. Wooden window blinds are strong and can handle a lot of wear and tear and they are easy to dust, wipe down or vacuum. The treatment used to treat the wood enables the wooden blinds to handle moisture and harsh sunlight… They are visually appealing, adding style, to a room and blocking unwanted light from entering the room, and at the same time giving you privacy. Wooden blinds are the best alternative to curtains. The variation of styles available, make them an inviting accessory to the décor of any room…

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Reflect your style with wooden blinds

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The natural beauty of real wooden blinds

The natural look of wooden blinds adds style and character to any room, their timeless beauty and natural characteristics can now be seen in contemporary and traditional rooms throughout the world.

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Wooden blinds are the ideal accessories to compliment wooden floors and are available in the popular natural shades along with some real exciting new colours. There are about 20 different colours to choose from… Matching wooden pelmets are supplied with some blind, which compliments the wooden tone finish. Wooden blinds bring the harmony of a natural material into a man- made environment. Choose a wood or wood colour that is supportive to your furniture

Wooden venetian blinds give a warm and natural feel to any room and, equally at home in a modern or traditional setting,  For a perfect fit, it is wise to order wooden blinds made to measure, with a high quality smooth finish, making it easy to keep the wooden blinds clean. .
The high quality of the wood, used guarantees that the blind will not to warp or bend, and will provide years of trouble-free use

Home style

A home style refers to everything right from walls to doors, windows, decorations and almost anything that relates to your decor… Everyone knows that window decorating has a giant influence on the appearance of the home. Usually the window to the soul, tells a little about the people who live in the house.. You have two main options: curtains or wooden window blinds.
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Horizontal wood blinds are a great choice and a great way to work in some natural elements into your décor. By adding decorative cloth tapes, this will pull accent colours through the room, portraying a relaxed atmosphere.

Do not be blinded by blind design

Many wooden blinds have been designed to blend with your flooring, furniture, cabinetry and other existing wood finishes in your office or home… Blinds are extremely versatile and with the different designs and fabrics being used, to manufacture blinds, the choice, for any office is vast. If the workplace is receiving visitors, then professional looking desks, chairs, couch, shelves and cabinets, among others are options which would convey the theme and atmosphere.

Create a welcome area at reception, as this is the first glance a new client has of your office… This means that reception desks need to be kept uncluttered, and should have an excellent design to create the best impression possible. A small aquarium, a plant or two and a comfortable yet stylish couch and chair .ensures a restful welcome area… This area should have large windows dressed with a combination of wooden blinds and fabric panels. The wooden blinds should match the colour tones of all the other wood furniture and décor. To add the final touch to a welcome area that speaks volumes, ensure that the panels are made from the same or matching fabrics covering the couch and chairs…

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Know your purpose before buying Wooden Blinds

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The ultimate choice depends on the taste, needs and also the budget of each, thus, wooden blinds, wood weave blinds or bamboo blinds can be chosen accordingly…

Window coverings have become part of modern day interiors of commercial and residential buildings. Their major purpose is to let only a desired amount of sunlight and winds enter the rooms to make the living more comfortable for work and living. Wood window blinds are one of the varieties of the coverings available in the market. While these are elegant coverings with own attraction and advantages, you should make a knowledgeable purchasing to get maximum benefits.

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As is clear from the term, wood is the material used for making these wooden blinds… Popularity of these blinds has increased because of the varieties of woods, such as, ash, oak, cherry and, bass, plus many others used to make them. You can choose these coverings as per your requirement of the interior and quality of the material. For instance, if strength of the coverings is the prime concern, then tight grained woods should be your preference.

Purpose blinds to serve

While shopping for wood window blinds, first find out the exact purpose that these are going to serve. You should consult with an expert to find out about the climatic conditions in your locality and how to choose a suitable blind. You may be contemplating putting these coverings in larger rooms like bedroom, kitchen, and study. In that case, horizontal blinds can serve the purpose of complete privacy and blocking out sunlight to the extent you want.

Slats of wood window blinds should also be carefully studied for the amount of light and air you want to control from entering in the rooms. Slats with a larger width may completely block the light for more privacy and cooling of the room. Usually width size of slates goes upwards from 25mm. Depending on your requirement; you can purchase these blinds in different operating systems, as these coverings are available in both manual and motorized ways of operating them. .

Shape of windows
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Vertical and horizontal blinds are the common shapes in rectangular or square frames. But if you are thinking of putting the coverings on arches, circles and other shapes of windows, then you should have the coverings custom made…  Using the internet to view various websites advertising blinds and viewing the photos available, will be a great help in your decision making. Ordering online is a huge advantage, as prices are also available and can be compared more easily and delivery options and dates can be arranged on site.

Do not make the purchase in haste. A little disadvantage is the high cost of these coverings as the wood is usually expensive.  Know that since wood absorbs humidity easily, these coverings are usually suitable to the relatively drier places.  Bathroom and kitchen window wooden blinds should be moisture protected with Dura-coat, due to continuous humidity in these areas…

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Wooden Blinds – Lounge Decor

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Decorating your home lounge

You can create a lounge in any area in your house. Lounges are less formal than a living room but still can be elegant. These rooms are a place to hang out, entertain and relax. Put a lounge in an enclosed patio or any unused space or spare room in the house. Lounges can be modern spaces and have a fair amount of windows, but should be inviting and adaptable. To control the amount of light entering the windows, wooden blinds should be installed to achieve this objective…

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Home Lounge Furniture

Lounge furniture is often low to the ground. Look for sectional seating, so you can have a few friends in to enjoy entertainment… Lounge furniture should be comfortable .and. bean bags serve as casual seating for extra company or teenagers.

This room can serve many functions, but the focus should be on fun and relaxation. Place a pool table in the room for a sports theme. A poker table can be a place for friends to gather. Purchase a poker table that has a removable wood top, so it may also serve as an eating area. Focus your lounge on listening to music, watching television and movies and entertainment in general. Decide whether you want the room to also serve as a play area, or if it will be more of an adult-friendly space. Lounges can have retro elements or a chic feel. Accessorize your room with your favourite objects which you can’t find a place for, in the rest of the house, such as trophies or musical instruments.

Decorating a business lounge

The most important factor when deciding on a design idea for a lounge is the clientele. The artistic of the design can either attract or deter the desired type of crowd that the lounge is after. Consider the location of the lounge and make sure that the area has a lot of windows, for both ventilation and light. Fitting wooden blinds to the windows will help to control the amount of light entering the room as well, as adding to the décor. Create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation while maintaining professionalism in the office lounge. Start off by choosing two or three colors and stay with neutral and cool colors, including shades of gray, white, tan, green and blue. Blue is calming yet serious and powerful according to color theory.

Because this is a high traffic area, purchase dark-colored furniture that’s sturdy yet of an acceptable quality, as quality of your furnishings is a reflection on the company… Furnish the lounge with plenty of comfortable seating to accommodate the number of people who will occupy the room at any given time. Provide a large table in the lounge where guests or employees can eat or sit down to work on a laptop. Bring in a couple of medium size real house plants to decorate and liven up the lounge. Place them at a distance from your seating in consideration for the people with allergies.

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Making Your Own Cushions & Pillows

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Crafting your own cushions & pillows is a great way of expressing your creativity and adding a personal touch to your home. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family members. Cushions & pillows can be used in almost every room of the home. They can be used for seating, décor and miniature scented cushions are great for keeping wardrobes smelling fresh. You could even experiment with making herbal sleep pillows which you place under your pillow at night and it promotes a good night’s rest.

When making cushions to sleep on, it is very important that you make them dense enough to provide ample support during the night. I think it is a better idea to buy the pillow itself and make the pillow covers.

How To Make Cushions & Pillows

The first thing you should decide is what type of pillow you would like to make. This will help you know which materials to use to stuff the pillow with. If you are making a scatter or seating cushion, then you could uses layers or pieces of foam to stuff it. If you are making a scented pillow, then you could use some aromatherapy oils and herbs to stuff it. If you are making a sleep pillow, then you could stuff it with certain herbs and salts.

The next thing you should take into consideration is what size you would like the cushion to be. This will assist you in working out exactly how much material you will need to buy. You can now decide on the colour, type and pattern of the fabric you would like to use. Have a look around different fabric shops and ask the shop assistant for a swatch of any fabrics you like. You can then compare all of these and decide which one you like best. You can then go ahead and buy the necessary amount of this fabric. Another option would be to buy plain fabric and paint the design of your choice on it using fabric paint.

Next, you would cut the fabric to size and sew three of the four sides of the pillow closed. Now is the perfect time to add any beads, sequins or any other types of embellishments to your cushion. Once you have finished adding some embellishments, you can stuff the pillow to your desired density and sew the fourth side closed.

What I like to do after this step is add some tassels to the corners of some scatter cushions or sew a little frill around it. Also, if I am giving the scented pillows as a gift to someone, then I usually stack two on top of each other and tie it with a matching ribbon. A lot of the time it is the finishing touches that make all the difference. Remember that you should only give someone a scatter cushion as a gift if you are familiar with the décor in their home. If not, you could end up giving them a design that does not fit in in any of their rooms.

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Linens, Cushions & Pillows In The Dining Room

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Cushions & pillows can serve both a functional and decorative purpose in the dining room. The dining room is one of the most important rooms in the home. It is where families come together to eat and where homeowners entertain many of their guests. This is why the décor in the dining room is so important.

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Choosing A Theme For The Space

Before you even begin to choose things like cushions and pillows for your dining room, you should decide on a theme for the space. It is a good idea to look at the rooms and colour schemes around the dining room for inspiration. This will help you to choose a theme that fits in with the décor of the rest of your home.

Once you have decided on the look and colour scheme you would like, you need to have a look at your furniture. It is completely up to you whether you would like to buy new furniture or simply update the furniture you have. I think that the key pieces of furniture in a dining room should be the table, chairs, a serving table and a cabinet that can store all your favourite crockery, cutlery and table accessories. These furniture pieces will form the core of the room. Linens, cushions and pillows can then be added to establish a theme.

The really great thing about this is that should you wish to change or redecorate your dining room again, you can simply replace the linens, cushions and pillows. It is a very cost effective way of decorating a space.

Cushions & pillows can be placed on wooden dining room chairs to make them more comfortable. You could also buy these pillows with little ties on each corner which make it possible to secure them in place. You could also find a dressmaker to make these for you or even make them yourself. This way, the cushions and pillows will be exactly the right size for your chairs and you have a huge variety of materials to pick from.

If you do choose to make them yourself, I would recommend making a cushion with a separate removable cover. That way, when you feel you’d like to redecorate, you can simply remove the cover and slip on a new one as opposed to making a whole new cushion.

Linens such as table cloths and napkins also play a huge role in establishing a theme in the room. By buying some fabric paint and material, you can make themed linens for just about every occasion. You can experiment with different colours, patterns, fabrics, paints and beads to find a style that best suits you.

Always try to make the colour scheme or theme of your cushions & pillows match that of your table cloth and napkins. This is a great way to express your creativity and really give your space that personal touch. Handmade and custom- made pieces are also great conversation pieces.

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Linens, Cushions & Pillows In The Bedroom

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The linens, cushions & pillows you choose for your bedroom drastically influence the feel of the space. You can completely change the style of your bedroom simply by buying new linens, cushions & pillows. Many people are under the impression that all the material in the bedroom should be identically patterned. This is completely untrue. Your cushions, pillows and linens do not have to be made of the same material or even be the same colour. They should all just contribute to the same overall theme.

Different Types Of Linens

Your offers a really great opportunity to showcase some wonderful linens. I would recommend that you have these custom made. This way, you will get the exact material and effect you desire without having to settle for what is available. This is a lot easier and less expensive than you think.

First, think about your bedroom space and what type of theme you are trying to create. This will then help you to decide exactly what pattern or colour the material you choose should be. Make a few notes about what you would like and visit a couple of material stores with these. Have a look around and so not be afraid to ask for help. If you do come across a certain fabric that you like, ask the shop assistant for a swatch of it.

You would the need to find a dressmaker. She will be able to come up with a pattern for your idea and let you know just how much fabric you would need. It would also be a good idea to talk to her about the different materials you like and show her the swatches. Due to her experience, she would be able to advise you with regards to which material would work best for your idea. All that’s left to do would be to buy the material and deliver it to your dressmaker.

Choosing Cushions & Pillows

Once you have bought or have had your curtains, bedspread and throws made, you would need to accessorize the bedroom with a few cushions & pillows. These should be both functional and decorative. The pillows on which you would sleep should be covered with a breathable material. Many people prefer these pillow covers to be made of the same material as the bedspread.
You should then look at how many scatter cushions you would like in the space. You can really have fun with these. Try to get lots of different and interesting designs that suit the theme of the space. Scatter cushions can be used to add a bit of character to a bed, a daybed, a chair or a couch in the bedroom.

By replacing the linens, cushions & pillows in your bedroom you can completely change the feel of the space. It is a very cost effective way of redecorating and because of this, you can afford to do it every month or as each season changes. Having linens, cushions & pillows custom made is a great way of adding your personal taste to the space.

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Genuine Wooden Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds

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How Are They Similar

A question often asked by many people over the years is, ““how alike are genuine wooden blinds and faux wood blinds”?  Firstly, both types have the same purpose, to effectively control outside light.  Both share some common components such as, the head-rail, which is the metal part at the top of the blind and mechanisms inside are normally the same. The cords that raise and lower, tilt controls that rotate the slats and cord locks that lock the blind in place, when raised, are typically the same. Both genuine wood and faux wood blinds will operate the same.

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The most significant difference between the two is the price. The cost savings on faux wooden blinds are considerable compared to real wood. , Perhaps, one would choose the faux wood blinds as they are about 40% less than the wood blinds,

Don’t overlook some facts

The weight of the blind is something important to consider, as this point plays a great part when one draws the blind up. This is often overlooked but can become an issue especially on larger windows .as wooden blinds are much lighter than the heavier faux wood. On a whole the average person would not have a problem raising or lowering a wood blind, but faux wood on the other hand would be more difficult… Two hands would be required to raise the faux blind after the half way position, maybe on most occasions this would not be a problem. However, elderly people and people with medical conditions would have difficulty. To eliminate this problem, a great idea would be to hang two blinds side by side on a large window; this will also create a complete different effect to the window. ..

Moisture resistance and durability are important considerations as well. When it comes to moisture, faux woods are superior to genuine woods, as they are less porous so water beads up on the surface therefore avoiding warping and cracking…Because they are durable and more pliable and will stand up better to children and pets, faux wood blinds are a good

Mix genuine and faux blinds

Don’t be afraid to mix them up as well. If you want wood blinds but are concerned about hanging them in your bathroom or laundry room, then use faux woods in these high moisture areas and genuine wood in other rooms. Mixing genuine wood blinds with faux blinds will also add to the excitement of the décor and blend in with other furnishings and wood grains.  Of course, which type you choose would also depend on your budget and, bearing in mind that faux wooden blinds are more reasonably priced. Wood blinds offer a larger colour selection to fit your decor and they are lighter in weight for easier lifting… No matter whether you choose genuine wood or faux wood blinds, the overall effect will still be a great looking blind.

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