Sunday, January 17, 2010

interior design color scheme help

"An interior design color scheme just for you..."

As you begin planning your own interior design color scheme, take the time to consider some important questions.

Color Scheme

Think about the colors that you enjoy most. What are they? What about the room that is to be decorated in your color scheme? How will it be used? Do you want it to be a place of rest and relaxation? Or will it be used more for entertainment and social interaction?

Some colors are more suited to these particular goals. Soft greens and blues, for example, tend to work well in promoting rest and would be good considerations for bedrooms. (If you haven't already done so, now would be a good time to check out my page on color psychology .)

On the other hand, more active, social spaces like dining rooms or living rooms might benefit from color on the warmer side of the color wheel. An interior design color scheme anchored in shades of red or yellow, for example, might be the ticket.

Whatever the case, there is no absolute rule about color and where particular colors must go in the home. Ultimately, it's best to go with what appeals to you instead of choosing acolor scheme just because it's what everybody else thinks is hot at the moment.

Another consideration to make as you plan your interior design color scheme is the type of lighting and the amount of it in the room. A color can take on a whole different dimension based on the surrounding light it reflects. This phenomenon applies in situations involving both natural and artificial light.

A room with abundant sunlight from windows facing south will convey a warmer glow on the wall color you choose than if that color is in a room with northern exposure. A room with windows facing north will reflect a bluer light off the wall color.

The type of artificial light you use will also play a role. Florescent lighting will cast a bluer (colder) light while a standard, tungsten style light will project a warmer glow on the color.

Before completely painting a room with a color that you think looks perfect on the sample card from the store, paint a sizable area on one of the walls of the room. Observe how the color looks at different times of the day and evening. You may decide it's not quite the right hue. If so, you can fine tune it by trying it again a shade or two lighter or darker. This process will help you get thecolor scheme you really want and save you time and money in the long run.

An interior design color scheme can be inspired by many different things. An intriguing painting can be a source of inspiration. A beautiful area rug, some favorite fabric, or even nature itself could also spark your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

A key to developing a good interior design color scheme from any source of inspiration is to pull out a single dominant color and then support it with one or two other colors from the scheme but in lesser amounts. Working to achieve the right ratios betweenthe colors within the scheme is important. It can often make or break the look.

While the possibilities for an interior design color scheme are practically endless, there are some common color scheme approaches which are derived directly from the dynamics of the color wheel . If you don't have a particular inspiration source at the moment, perhaps a look at these common color schemes will help get you started.

Analogous Color Scheme

Analogous

This type of interior design color scheme consists of hues that lie next to each other on the color wheel. It usually projects a very unified and cohesive look that is easy on the eyes.

Analogous color schemes work best if the colors are all from either the warm side or the cool side of the color wheel and not a mixture of both.

The contemporary loft pictured here has been styled in a warm analogous color scheme consisting primarily of yellows and shades of orange.

The well planned combination of patterns in the curtain fabric and area rug in addition to the texture of the couch upholstery provide interesting visual detail. This contributes greatly to the overall look.

Complementary Color Scheme

Complementary

If you want to bring some attention to your room consider using a complementary color scheme. The main palette consists of colors opposite each other on the color wheel.

This interior design color scheme creates heightened drama since colors opposite each other on the wheel accentuate each other.

The color scheme in this child's bedroom demonstrates the dramatic interplay that is evoked through the combinations of complementary colors - in this case, tints of red and green.

Smaller amounts of a neutral color, like the bright white in this room, help to enhance and balance the drama while also interjecting a slightly contemporary feel.

The coverlet on the bed ties the whole scheme together. In fact, the bedding fabric was itself probably the inspiration for thecolor scheme of the room.

Triad Color Scheme

Triad

This color scheme arrangement consists primarily of any three colors equally spaced around the color wheel.

The lovely living room pictured here is an example of a triadic color scheme based on the primary colors yellow, red and blue. The large, patterned area rug ties all of these colors together and creates a sense of unity in the scheme.

Texture is also playing a key role in this room. The rough stone of the fireplace juxtaposed with the refined fabrics and furniture inthe room creates added visual interest and depth in the scheme.

Never underestimate the importance of using different textures within your design scheme. It can be the element that takes your room from the level of "nice" to "beautifully sophisticated".

Monochromatic Color Scheme

Monochromatic

This approach uses only one color in various tints, shades or tones. Black and white may be introduced as well within this type ofcolor scheme.

A monochromatic color scheme can look very sophisticated and unified. The key to success with this scheme is creating variation in the color you choose. Without significant tonal variation of your chosen hue along with a good amount of texture, the overall result may look a bit flat.

Getting it right can have stunning results, though, and is worth the effort.

In this dining room, the texture of tree leaves and dark, twisted branches creates just the right touch in relation to the straight lines of the contemporary surroundings. Though the monochromaticcolor scheme is simple in a way, the overall affect is striking and sophisticated.

Split Complementary

Split Complementary Color Scheme

This is a variation on the complementary color scheme in a slightly more sophisticated way.

It is composed primarily of one dominant color and the two hues that sit on either side of its complementary color directly acrossthe color wheel.

In this bedroom a dominant, red, bed frame is playing off the yellow-green walls and the blue-toned bedside lamp. All three colors are brought together in the bedding fabric to create a unifiedinterior design color scheme.

Perhaps by now you are getting a better sense of how to develop your own interior design color scheme. If you've carefully considered your personal taste, your objectives for the mood of the room, and have evaluated the lighting situation in the room, you are much better prepared to begin developing a color scheme that in the end will be satisfying.

Color Schemes - Be Happy with your homes color

Are you unhappy with your home's interior design? If so, you may be the victim of a bad color scheme. It's no secret that color can either make or break a design, but luckily, neither is finding out how to choose the perfect color palette for you.

When the color's right, it can:
• Enhance feelings of health and wellbeing
• Modify perceived temperature — make your space feel warmer or cooler
• Transform perceived space — make your space feel larger, or more cozy and intimate
• Illuminate dark areas
• Create mystery and romance in dull areas
• Energize static areas

But it has to be the right color for you. Color, and the psychology of color, is a big design trend says Barbara Jacobs, principal of Barbara Jacobs Color & Design. "But generalizations — green is relaxing, blue is soothing, red is energizing — only apply when certain hues are used," she says. "A sharp, electric green definitely would not be relaxing; a deep blue-green might feel cold instead of soothing. The wrong red used in an entire room might create the sensation of entrapment rather than energy."

Before planning color in your personal environment, make a mini-questionnaire and poll yourself and your family. Your answers are 50 percent of the project because your color choices depend on them for direction, Jacobs says. She gives her clients a very long questionnaire with hundreds of questions, but you can start with these 5. The answers will lead you to your new color scheme.

1. Where is the room?

2. How many windows are there and which direction do they face?

3. Is there landscaping outside that will have an effect on the colors in the room?

4. Who will use the room, and what will they do there? Is it private or community space?

5. Will it be a sociable and active place, or a peaceful place? How do I want it to feel?

Seasonal Color Concepts

Trend & Color Services

trend intelligence from foremost industry talent

Doneger Creative Services

Doneger Creative Services is the company's trend and color forecasting division, comprising a broad range of products and services devoted to the apparel, accessories, beauty and lifestyle markets.

We take pride in having a team of recognized industry talent. Our well-respected creative directors are the strength of DCS, forecasting, analyzing and editing fashion information with a discipline for translating the information with practical application to business.

Products are developed in continuum, addressing fashion trends as they evolve from concept to creation. Our creative intelligence is researched, reported and archived, physically and digitally, to create an effective resource for all stages of development.

DCS also provides the opportunity to purchase European fashion magazines and a number of complementary color and trend services through the Margit Publications division. For more information, visit www.mpnews.com.

Research: worldwide shifts in the marketplace, examined to determine macro trends in business, fashion and consumer lifestyle.

Analysis: identification of key style trends based on color, fabric, silhouette and design influence/mood.

Consultation: one-on-one meetings to discuss merchandising concepts, color and trends, key items and business opportunities specific to each client's business. Link to CD bios

Publications: seasonal color forecasts, trend analysis and beauty reports, as well as a continuously updated online resource for global runway and street coverage.

To learn more about our DCS offering, contact Ray Hewins at 212-560-3726 or rhewins@doneger.com.

Runway

The Runway Report provides timely online coverage of the ready-to-wear and haute couture collections from New York, London, Milan and Paris. This comprehensive library of images is searchable by classification, designer, city and season. Analysis identifying the most important concepts for womenswear and menswear is provided. See More.

Retail/Street Report

The Retail/Street Report presents online photographic coverage from cities in the US, Europe and Asia, tracking the latest looks on the streets and in stores and store windows. Core color messages, fabrics, prints and patterns, motifs, items and details are highlighted. The frequently updated image bank can be searched by city, season and classification. See More.

Color Concept

Color Concept provides clear, compelling color information eighteen months prior to a selling season. Organized by family and range, colors are accompanied by yarn swatches, inspirational storyboards, and text overviews that enhance each message and detail the origin of inspiration. Directional color combinations and merchandising strategies are also supplied. See More.

Color Workshop

Color direction for each season is presented using dyed-to-specification color standards in key groupings, accompanied by inspirational collages as well as suggested color combinations and applications for specific areas of business. Colors are delivered in yarn poms. Each forecast is supplemented by a color overview that outlines end uses and fabric applications as well as providing general fabric direction for the season. See More.

Design Concept

Design Concept presents in-depth analysis of emerging stories and forecasts the major themes, lifestyle trends, fabrications and print directions on the horizon. Through conceptual imagery and trend collages, the book provides an important starting point in the creative thinking process for the upcoming seasons. Text overviews further develop the overall mood and give specific direction on key merchandising issues, items, silhouettes and details. See More.

Design Workshop

Design Workshop explores the essential elements of the design process to present a comprehensive foundation for the season. Working in tandem with DCS seasonal color palettes, this publication identifies key silhouettes, fabrics, prints and themes, as well as the important trends in shoes and accessories. Detailed illustrations, runway highlights and mood images provide a creative point of view and a basis for design inspiration. See More.

Beauty Mark

Beauty Mark translates global influences and trends from the fashion runways into directional beauty themes from a commercial, mainstream and directional perspective. Themes include cultural influences, predictive color palettes and original illustrations and are summed up with visual examples of the total look for both contemporary and junior customers. Each chapter pinpoints specific color combinations, demonstrates application techniques, reviews hair and body trends, and offers packaging and formulation suggestions. See More.

Fabric Report

The Fabric Report contains a comprehensive presentation of fabric direction, trim samples and prints from the major international yarn, textile and trim fairs. Yarns and fabrics are presented by theme with related fashion images and updated silhouette illustrations and flats. The book provides swatches and photographic coverage of fabrics, prints, yarns and trims from the leading mills, as well as detailed information for each swatch, including mill, content, width and price. Also included is the Textile Mill Directory, a complete index of 200 yarn and fabric mills and their contact information. See More.

www.doneger.com

Seasonal color concepts from See My Design

http://www.seemydesign.com/

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Using Color	Annual flowers can provide landscaped areas with more seasonal variety and colorful accents than most other plants. The key to success with annuals is to plant only the area that can be adequately cared for. Remember, color can have more impact on the landscape than any other design element. However, nothing has a more negative impact than a poorly maintained color area.
Soil Preparation	Soil preparation is perhaps the most important aspect in maintaining seasonal color areas. This begins with the addition of large quantities of organic matter to obtain optimum aeration, drainage and water holding characteristics. Generally speaking, beds should consist of at least 50% organic matter for best results. In addition, bed areas should be raised to a minimum of 4-6 inches to avoid "drowning" during wet, rainy weather. Since organic matter can be difficult to re-wet after excessive drying, a wetting agent can be used to achieve uniform water distribution throughout the soil. A soil analysis can be useful in determining the overall chemical characteristics of the medium. Most annuals and perennials prefer a pH in the range of 5.5-6.5 for optimum growth. This may require the addition of dolomitic lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. You county extension office can provide additional details on how to collect and submit a soil sample for analysis.
Adding Fertilizer	Fertilizer should also be incorporated into new beds. Select one where the ratio of N-P-K is 1:1:1 or 1:2:1 and apply according to label directions. Normal rate of application on new beds is generally 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet. On established beds, a soil test is recommended; normally, 1 pound per 100 square feet would be sufficient. Spade, rototill or otherwise mix well until uniform and level off.
Pre-Plant Weed Control	To reduce weeding maintenance rototill one of the commercially available soil sterilants, such as Roundup, into the soil about three weeks before planting. Then just before or immediately after planting, apply a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for ornamental use, such as Treflan, and leave it undisturbed on the surface. (Refer to the chart on plant sensitivity to various pre-emergent herbicides.) Other methods of weed prevention include the use of a physical barrier such as a film of black plastic which may be covered with a thin layer of decorative mulch. Be sure to punch numerous holes into the plastic with a garden rake to ensure adequate water penetration. Other weed barrier materials may also be used.
When to Plant	Wait...don't try to jump the gun on planting! Most spring annuals can't be planted until after the danger of killing frost has passed; refer to the chart on hardiness for more details. Many warm season plants, such as periwinkles and caladiums, can not tolerate cool soil temperature. Delay planting until the medium reaches 70 degrees. Discard any plants that may have reseeded themselves from last season. They'll be less vigorous and may not resemble their hybrid parents. If it's not possible for you to plant right away, keep plants in a lightly shaded spot and be sure to water them as needed. If possible, it is best to plant on a cloudy or over cast day or late in the day to reduce transplanting shock.
Handling Transplants	Just prior to planting, water the plants in their containers. Plants in peat pots should be soaked in a bucket for 10-15 minutes to ensure thorough wetting. Ideally, the garden bed should be moist, too. If the soil is dry, be certain to water the plants thoroughly, immediately after planting. When planting time has come, mark the beds based on specified planting distance. Pack material is generally placed on 4-8 inch centers. Jumbo packs and 4-inch materials are most frequently planted on 12-14 inch centers. The spacing selected will be determined by species, plant size, time of year and cost. Lift plants from cell packs or pots carefully, keeping the root ball intact. If the container is pliable, gently squeeze or push up the bottom of the container; otherwise turn it upside down to let the plant fall into your hand. If the plant does not slide out easily, tap the bottom of the container with a trowel. Moist plants are easier to remove from a container without disturbing the root ball. If roots are extremely compacted, loosen them gently before planting. Occasionally you will find plants in a tray without individual cells. If this is the case, separate the plants gently by hand or with a knife. Do this just prior to planting so the roots don't dry out. For plants in individual peat pots, either peel most of the pot away or be sure the top of the pot is below soil level after planting.
Planting	When planting, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, set the plant in place at the same level at which it was growing, and carefully firm soil around the roots. New plants will need to be watered well after planting and frequently thereafter until they are established and new growth has started. An application of soluble fertilizer, high in phosphorus, should be made after planting. A fertilizer such as 20-10-20 mixed at the rate of 0.5 pounds per 100 gallons of water will cover 400 square feet. Do not apply fertilizer to dry soil.
Mulching	Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch is optional-but it does add a decorative "finished" look as it reduces weeds and conserves soil moisture for better growth. The best mulches are organic, such as bark chips, pine needles, shredded leaves, peat moss or hulls. The following year, mix in the mulch to enrich the soil before planting. Additional mulch can be added each spring, improving soil structure as years pass. Apply additional high nitrogen fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet when adding fresh mulch. This will compensate for the nitrogen used during decomposition of the mulch. You can mechanize planting thousands of annuals along driveways and walks with a large scale "plant dibbler". Have appropriate size dibbles (about the size and shape of an inverted styrofoam coffee cup) welded to an empty turf roller or the wheel of a hand-operated cultivator.
Mass Plantings	Mark spacing intervals on a large piece of paper; wrap it around the roller and transfer the interval markings to the roller as a guide for the welder. For interchangeable spacing requirements, weld the dibbles to cylindrical sleeves that slip around the roller- a different sleeve for each spacing need. To speed up the hand planting process, position the "planters" on a very slow moving tractor-towed platform as has been developed for similar requirements in commercial agriculture.
Fertilizing	Most annuals do not require high levels of fertilizer, but will do much better if adequate nutrients are available. Application of a 1:2:1 ratio fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is recommended. A rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet is sufficient. As an alternative, you may use a soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20 mixed at a rate of 1 pound per 100 gallons and applied every three to six weeks. Too much fertilizer can cause a build-up of soluble salts in the media which can damage plant roots. Check soluble salt levels regularly to make sure you are not overfertilizing. Your county extension agent or grower can tell you how.
Watering	Deep, infrequent watering is generally better than frequent, light watering, since the former encourages deep root growth. Don't allow plants to remain for extended periods in puddles of standing water. This situation encourages root diseases and overwatering symptoms such as yellow leaves. Water annuals about as often as turf. Refer to the individual plant descriptions to see which plants like more or less moisture than average. When annuals need less water than the surrounding turf, using raised flower beds will improve drainage and reduce the chance of overwatering. Foliage should be kept dry if at all possible during watering. Soaker hoses work best. However, if you must use overhead sprinklers, water disease-prone annuals (zinnias, calendula, grandiflora petunias and stock in particular) as early as possible in the day so the foliage will dry off before night, lessening the chance of disease. Professionals have been very innovative in creating "mechanized" watering equipment. Water tank trucks can be adapted from used vehicles available from fire departments or from fuel oil distributors. (Be sure to thoroughly clean the interior of fuel tanks before use.)
Manicuring	Many annuals, chiefly begonias, impatiens, coleus, alyssum, ageratum, lobelia, vinca, salvia and others, require little additional care. Their flowers fall cleanly from the plant after fading and do not need to be manually removed. Others, such as marigolds, geraniums, zinnias, calendula and dahlias will need to have faded flowers removed. This is known as "deadheading" and not only keeps plants attractive but also discourages disease and keeps plants from going to seed so the plants will produce more flowers and look tidier. Deadheading can be done with pruning shears or sometimes with the fingers. A few annuals, primarily petunias, snapdragons and pansies, may need to be pinched back after planting or after the first flush of bloom to keep them compact and freely flowering. As new hybrids are created, this is becoming less of a maintenance requirement. Annuals are generally trouble free under proper cultural conditions. However, there are some common pests to be on the lookout for.
Diseases	Plant disease-prone species (zinnias, calendula, grandiflora petunias and stock) where air circulation is good, and keep the foliage dry. When this can't be done, fungicide treatment may be necessary.
Insects	The most common are aphids, white fly or spider mites which are easily controlled by various pesticides. Mites and white fly are less of a problem when plants are frequently watered. High temperatures increase insect populations necessitating more frequent pesticide treatment. Use extreme caution with pesticides. Be sure to READ THE LABEL before use. Slugs and Snails- These pests can feast on young bedding plants, especially marigolds, petunias and salvia. Place slug bait near new plantings in late afternoon and replenish as needed. Take care to prevent children or wild or domestic animals from eating bait.
Weeds	Weeds may appear, even though you used mulch and pre-emergent herbicide. Be sure to remove weeds as soon as possible so they do not compete for water and nutrients. Remove them carefully especially when the annuals are young, so as not to disturb their roots.
Color Rotation	In most of Texas and the southwest, color areas can be changed out 2-3 times per year. Spring planted annuals are usually set out from late February through the first of June. A second planting of heat tolerant annuals, such as verbena, periwinkle or portulaca, is frequently used from June through the hot summer months. Fall planted annuals, like pansies and dianthus, are generally set out when temperatures begin to cool off in late September-October. Managing color change outs is an important part of keeping plant materials looking their best.
Recommended Varieties	Selecting a well adapted variety is the most critical element for success with seasonal color in the landscape. There are literally hundreds of varieties available but few will thrive in our stressful environment. Be sure to consult your county extension office for current recommendations.

Plant	Height Inches	Spread Inches	Exposure	Comments
Fall planted, spring flowering annuals*
Calendula	10-24	10-24	Sun	Tender in north Texas, attractive cut flowers
Flowering Kale	12	12	Sun	Ornamental foliage, very hardy, edible
Flowering Cabbage	12	12	Sun	Ornamental foliage, very hardy, edible
Nasturtium	12	24	Sun	Do not over fertilize, needs good drainage
Pansy	10	15	Sun	Hardy, wide color range
Dianthus	10	12	Sun	Single carnation, bright colors, hardy
Larkspur	6-30	6-24	Sun	Good for masses of color
California Poppy	12	10	Sun	Attractive cut flowers, can be direct seeded
Iceland Poppy	12	10	Sun	Attractive cut flowers, can be direct seeded
Snapdragon	6-36	2-24	Sun	Many varieties and colors
Sweet Peas	vine	vine	Sun	Fragrant, good cut flowers
Stock	15-30	12-24	Sun	Spike flowers
Torenia	12	12	Sun	Limited adaptability
Viola	10	12	Sun	Excellent small flowered annual

Plant	Height Inches	Spread Inches	Exposure	Comments
Spring planted, summer flowering annuals
Alyssum	4-8	12-24	Sun	Fragrant, withstands frost
Amaranthus	48	30	Sun	Brilliant foliage
Bachelor Button	12-24	12-24	Sun	Attractive cut or dried flowers
Begonia	6-15	8-15	Shade	Attractive foliage and flowers
Caladium	12-18	15-18	Shade	Bright foliage, plant from tubers
Cockscomb	12-36	10-30	Sun	Crested and plume types available
Coleus	8-24	12-24	Shade	Colorful foliage
Copper Plant	36	30	Sun	Brilliant copper colored foliage
Geranium	12-24	12-24	Shade	Needs shade during summer months
Impatiens	6-24	10-24	Shade	Brightly colored flowers, many varieties
Lantana	12-48	30-48	Sun	Trailing and upright forms, many colors
Marigold	6-36	10-36	Sun	Spider mites a problem, holds up in heat
Periwinkle	12-24	12-24	Sun	Excellent heat tolerant selection
Petunia	8-12	12-24	Sun	Many varieties, will hold up against frost
Portulaca	12	12-18	Sun	Excellent heat tolerance
Salvia	8-18	8-18	Shade	Needs shade during summer months
Verbena	6-12	12-24	Sun	Excellent heat tolerant selection
Zinnia	6-36	6-36	Sun	Many colors, heat resistant

*This list represents the most commonly used annuals.

Plant	Betasan	Dacthal	Devrinol	Eptam	Furloe Chlore IPC	Surflan	Treflan
Flowering Annuals Tolerant to Herbicides

Ageratum		x	x	x	x		x
Amaranthus				x
Alyssum
Aster	x	x	x	x	x		x
Balsam				x			x
Begonia				x	x	x	x
Calendula	x						x
Candytuft	x	x
Coleus		x			x
Cosmos		x					x
Dahlia	x	x	x	x	x		x
Dianthus				x	x		x
Dusty Miller						x	x
Forget-Me-Not		x		x			x
Gaillardia		x				x	x
Gazania	x					x	x
Geranium		x	x		x	x
Impatiens					x		x
Lantana		x				x
Lobelia						x	x
Marigold	x	x		x	x	x	x
Nicotiana						x	x
Pansy	x			x	x
Periwinkle							x
Petunia		x	x	x	x		x
Phlox							x
Portulaca							x
Primrose	x
Rudbeckia							x
Salvia				x	x		x
Scabiosa							x
Snapdragon		x		x	x		x
Stock	x						x
Strawflower		x
Verbena		x					x
Zinnia		x	x	x	x	x	x

The Princeton Review - Interior Design Schooling

Major: Interior Design

Information | High School Preparation | Schools Offering the Major
Sample Undergraduate Curriculum | Fun Facts | Graduate Programs & Careers

Basic Information

Look around. Every contained space has some kind of an Interior Design: homes, offices, hospitals, stores, offices, hotels, resorts, theaters, restaurants, and everything else with four walls. Some of it is tasteful and some of it hideous, but it is Interior Design nonetheless.

As a college major, Interior Design is heavily pre-professional and very hands-on (expect a lot of projects that simulate on-the-job situations). It falls into the broader category of design. If you decide to major in Interior Design, you'll study light, color, form, space, furnishings, and pretty much all other aspects of built environments. You'll study the basics of three-dimensional design, space planning, and perspective. You'll also study color theory, different kinds of materials and patterns, and computer-aided design, which is all the rage these days.

Once you get into the major a bit, you'll probably have the choice of specializing in residential design or commercial design.

Home Staging in Portland, Oregon

Home Staging & Staging a House - What is Home Staging

Dressing a House for Success - STAGING A HOME

By Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide

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Home Staging is More Than Decorating

Home staging is about illusions. It's how David Copperfield would sell a house. It's beyond decorating and cleaning. It's about perfecting the art of creating moods. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving and, best of all, it makes home buyers want to buy it.

Contrary to what you might think, it's about more than preparing the house for sale. Staging is what you do after you've cleaned, decluttered, painted, made minor repairs; it's all about dressing the house for sale.

It's about adding the small details: the lipstick, mascara and, for simplicity, a stunning, single strand of Tahitian pearls.

What is a Professional Home Stager?

Professional stagers are highly skilled artists. They can take a blank canvas and paint a sensuous portrait without ever lifting a paint brush. Stagers possess the skills of a top-level designer and they create dramatic scenery that appeals to all five senses. Here are some of their secrets:

Arrange sparse pieces of furniture in an appealing grouping known as a vignette
Showcase a generous usage of soft fabrics such as silk, lambswool, satin
Display unusual knickknacks in units of 1, 3 or 5
Drape window coverings with simple lines
Add unique elements to shelving, bookcases and fireplace mantels, which draw attention to predetermined areas

What Accessories Does a Stager Use?

Stagers bring in a vast array of items to spruce up the house. Here is a small sampling of items professional stagers often use to dress each room. How they are utilized is limited only by the creativity and vision of the stager.

Mirrors
Plants
Silk Flowers
Floor & Table Lamps,
Area and Throw Rugs
Small Love Seats
Ottomans
Afghans
Pillows
Inflatable Queen-Size Beds
Baskets
Plastic Tables & Chairs

Professional Staging Tricks & Tips

An artist for 35 years, Dawna Johnson, is an Accredited Staging Professional Master (ASP) and owner of Sacramento Staging Solutions. She says the idea behind staging is to allow rooms to show themselves. "If your home is vacant, it's soulless," Dawna warns. "Without staging, it will probably remain on the market for many months." She calls the kitchen the "heart of the home," and offers this practical advice for making that space sparkle:

Apply orange oil to cabinets that appear dry, which will renew their original luster
Put out large bowls of fruit such as polished apples, bright oranges, luscious grapes
Arrange colorful and fun cookbooks on the counters

Dawna believes in bringing the outdoors inside through the use of greenery and plants; in creating clean, crisp spaces and arranging furniture with plenty of room to walk around. She says bathrooms are essential to dress well. "Bathrooms should look open, airy and delightful," says Dawna. One of her favorite tricks is to add baskets filled with spa treatments such as:

Towels, tied with ribbons
Scented soaps
Creamy lotions
Moisturizing & Facial jars

The back yard needs staging, too. For patios and decks, Dawna brings in plants and potted flowers, and adds additional color by setting the picnic table with bright, plastic dinner plates.

How Much Does it Cost?

Prices vary depending on where you live and the local demand for professional home staging. Coastal areas and large metropolitan cities where home staging has been prevalent for years command higher prices. Some real estate agents help sellers Stage^® the home themselves. Most listing agents agree, however, that vacant homes show better with staging and will encourage sellers to hire a professional stager. Fees range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on square footage and the number of rooms staged.

Watch Weintraub's Video about Home Staging.

Elizabeth Weintraub's Home Selling Tips

Elizabeth Weintraub's Marketing Advice

Advice from Elizabeth Weintraub That You Won't Find Anywhere Else on the Web

Elizabeth Weintraub
Home Buying / Selling Guide

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Interior Design Explained

Design of interior spaces, closely related to architecture and sometimes including interior decoration. The designer's goal is to produce a coordinated and harmonious whole in which the architecture, site, function, and visual aspects of the interior are unified, pleasing to mind and body, and appropriate to the activities to be pursued there. Design criteria include harmony of color, texture, lighting, scale, and proportion. Furnishings must be in proportion to the space they occupy and to the needs and lifestyles of the residents. The design of such nonresidential spaces as offices, hospitals, stores, and schools places clear organization of functions ahead of purely aesthetic concerns.

For more information on interior design, visit Britannica.com.

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.

The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals.^[1]

The work of an interior designer draws upon many disciplines including environmental psychology, architecture, product design, and traditional decoration (aesthetics and cosmetics). They plan the spaces of almost every type of building including: hotels, corporate spaces, schools, hospitals, private residences, shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, and airport terminals. Today, interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes. Some interior designers are architects as well.

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Specializations

In jurisdictions where the profession is regulated by the government, designers must meet broad qualifications and show competency in the entire scope of the profession, not only in a specialty. Designers may elect to obtain specialist accreditation offered by private organizations. In the United States, interior designers who also possess environmental expertise in design solutions for sustainable construction can receive accreditation in this area by taking the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) examination.

The specialty areas that involve interior designers are limited only by the imagination and are continually growing and changing. With the increase in the aging population, an increased focus has been placed on developing solutions to improve the living environment of the elderly population, which takes into account health and accessibility issues that can affect the design. Awareness of the ability of interior spaces to create positive changes in people's lives is increasing, so interior design is also becoming relevant to this type of advocacy.

Disciplines

Not to be confused with interior decoration, interior design, which evolved from interior decoration, involves a multitude of technical, analytical, creative skills, and understandings of architectural elements. There is a wide range of disciplines within the career of interior design. Domestically the profession of interior design encompasses those designers who may specialize in residential or commercial interior design. Within residential design one can specialize in kitchen and bathroom design, universal design, design for the aged, multifamily housing amongst others. Other interior designers may dwell in the commercial or contract realm of interior space design. In addition to the above commercial interior designers may specialize in furniture design, healthcare design, hospitality design, retail design, workspace design, sustainability, and if they are a registered architect they can focus on the interior architecture of a space. It is the intent of the professional interior designer to improve the psychological and/or physiological well being of their clients. The professional interior designer achieves this by understanding their clients needs, seeking appropriate solutions, respect their clients social, physical and psychological needs and applying them in a safe and ecologically sensitive manner that promotes the health, safety and welfare of the clients. Interior decoration deals with the home renovations that can be easily and quickly changed, and at lower budgets such as changing kitchen cabinets, selecting wall paper, selecting furniture and usually does not deal with structural building codes. An interior decorator does not need a degree, but has a certificate in interior decorating, while an interior designer would have a four year degree in interior design. The word "decorator" in the phrase "interior decorator" is not an accurate one, since the decorator also changes style and quality of life with a home renovation, so the phrase should be: interior decorator/stylist.

Working conditions

There are a wide range of working conditions and employment opportunities within interior design. Large corporations often hire interior designers as employees on regular working hours. Designers for smaller firms usually work on a contract or per-job basis. Self-employed designers, which make up 26% of interior designers,^[2] usually work the most hours. Interior designers often work under stress to meet deadlines, stay on budget, and meet clients' needs. In some cases, licensed professionals review the work and sign it before submitting the design for approval by clients or construction permitting. The need for licensed review and signature varies by locality and relevant legislation, and scope of work. Their work tends to involve a great deal of traveling to visit different locations, studios, or client's homes and offices. Usually this work is done under the supervision of a design professional such as an Architect. With the aid of recent technology, the process of contacting clients and communicating design alternatives has become easier and requires less travel. Some argue that virtual makeovers have revolutionized interior design from a customer perspective, making the design process more interactive and exciting, in a relatively technological but labor-intensive environment.^[3]

Earnings

Interior design earnings vary based on employer, number of years with experience, and the reputation of the individual. For residential projects, self-employed interior designers usually earn a per-minute fee plus a percentage of the total cost of furniture, lighting, artwork, and other design elements. For commercial projects, they may charge per-hour fees, or a flat fee for the whole project. The median annual earning for wage and salary interior designers, in the year 2006, was $42,260. The middle 50% earned between $31,830 and $57,230. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,760.^[4]

While median earnings are an important indicator of average salaries, it is essential to look at additional key factors in a discussion about revenue generated from design services. Location, demographic of client base and scope of work all affect the potential earnings of a designer. With regard to location, central metropolitan areas where costs of living expenses and median earnings are generally greater, so is the potential for higher earnings for the interior designers and decorators in these locations. Indeed, urban areas attract a greater population of potential clients thereby creating a greater demand for design services. Additionally, as the average square footage of homes and offices has increased over time, the scope of work performed translates directly to higher earnings. Scope refers to the overall size and detail of a project - materials, furnishings, paint, fabrics and architectural embellishments utilized are all examples of scope. As stated above, earnings for interior designers and decorators may include a margin charged to the client as a percentage of the total cost of certain furniture and fixtures used in the scope of work. Hence, as scope increases, so do earnings.

Interior Styles

Contemporary style design at Expo Design MAP (2007)

A style, or theme, is a consistent idea used throughout a room to create a feeling of completeness. Styles are not to be confused with design concepts, or the higher-level party, which involve a deeper understanding of the architectural context, the socio-cultural and the programmatic requirements of the client These themes often follow period styles. Examples of this are Louis XV, Louis XVI, Victorian, Islamic, Feng Shui, International, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist, English Georgian, Gothic, Indian Mughal, Art Deco, and many more. The evolution of interior decoration themes has now grown to include themes not necessarily consistent with a specific period style allowing the mixing of pieces from different periods. Each element should contribute to form, function, or both and maintain a consistent standard of quality and combine to create the desired design. A designer develops a home architucture and interior design for a customer that has a style and theme that the prospective owner likes and mentally connects to. For the last 10 years, decorators, designers, architects and homeowners have been re-discovering the unique furniture that was developed post-war of the 1950s and the 1960s from new material that were developed for military applications. Some of the trendsetters include Charles and Ray Eames, Knoll and Herman Miller. Themes in home design are usually not overused, but serves as a guideline for designing.

On television

Interior decoration has become a popular television subject. In the United Kingdom (UK), popular interior decorating programs include 60 Minute Makeover (ITV), Changing Rooms (BBC) and Selling Houses (Channel 4). Famous interior designers whose work is featured in these programs include Linda Barker and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. In the United States, the TLC Network airs a popular program called Trading Spaces, a show with a format similar to the UK program Changing Rooms. In addition, both Home & Garden Television (HGTV) and the Discovery Home networks also televise many programs about interior design and decorating, featuring the works of a variety of interior designers, decorators and home improvement experts in a myriad of projects. Fictional interior decorators include the Sugarbaker sisters on Designing Women and Grace Adler on Will & Grace. There is also another show called "Home MADE". There are two teams and two houses and whoever has the designed and made the worst room, according to the judges, is eliminated. Another show on the Style Network, hosted by Niecy Nash, is Clean House where they re-do messy homes into themed rooms that the clients would like. Other shows include Design on a Dime and Designed to Sell and The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price.

Interior decorators

Other early interior decorators:

Many of the most famous designers and decorators during the 20th Century had no formal training. Sister Parish, Mark Hampton, Robert Denning and Vincent Fourcade, Stephen Chase, Mario Buatta, John Saladino, Kerry Joyce, Kelly Wearstler, Stéphane Boudin, Georges Geffroy, Emilio Terry, Carlos de Beistegui, Nina Petronzio, Lorenzo Mongiardino, Billy Baldwin, David Nightingale Hicks, Barbara Barry, Jeanine Naviaux and many others were trend-setting innovators in the worlds of design and decoration.

External links

Notes

^ http://www.ncidq.org/ Retrieved September 1, 2009.
^ "Employment." Occupational Outlook Handbook: 2008-09 Edition, US Department of Labor
^ Industrial Design Industry Report, IBIS World, July 17 2008
^ "Earnings", Occupational Outlook Handbook: 2008-09 Edition, US Department of Labor

References

Ball, Victoria K.; Opportunities In Interior Design and Decorating Careers. USA: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
Farr, Michael; Top 100 Careers for College Students. 7th ed. Indianapolis: JIST Works, 2007.
US Census Bureau, Industrial Design NAICS Definition

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