What colors do I paint the interior of my house, and where do I use accent colors?

Wall color is a extremely important aspect of interior design. Flooring always dictates the main color scheme, and one color is not the answer. Start by selecting a main color and then vary up and down the color chart to provide different shades of the same base tone. Do not be afraid to experiment with paint. Try a small spot at first, if you hate it, just paint over it! Many homes have architectural features that are not accented, since the homes are usually delivered in a single color. Try using darker tones I on your color palate to accent these areas. Not only will the darker colors add drama and depth, the color will accent these architectural features. If an architectural feature has more than one “bump out”, use several tones in that one area.

When selecting colors for your home, decide on the overall feel you want your home to have. If you want a very dramatic home, a very subdued home, are you going with a particular design style? All these questions factor into a color scheme. An easy start is to select a patterned fabric in the “color ways” you prefer. The term “color ways” refers to the distinct color palate of any particular element. A color way can also be taken from an important art piece or accessory .

My house feels cold, how do I warm it up to make it feel like a home?

A house becomes a home when warmth is added. Adding warmth is fairly simple. Colors on the walls, plants and trees, whether they are real or artificial, clustering accessory items, area rugs if necessary, and adding photos all add to the comfort level of warmth. Create intimate seating areas in larger rooms, pull the furnishings away form the walls to better fit the areas, and hang your art at eye viewing level. All these tips help create an intimacy for your home and thereby creating warmth.

Do I need a sectional sofa, a sofa and love seat, or 2 sofas?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The amount of seating , how you use the seating, and room size, will determine the answer to this question. While watching TV , many people like to “stretch” out on their sofas, so generally I would recommend a sectional sofa, as large a configuration as possible. Measure your space and check the schematics for the sectional you would like to purchase. Select a durable, heavy weight fabric, and you should be good to go. Sectionals are generally not as formal as single sofas but there practical application is far superior, if the room allows. If room is a little tight, again take the room measurements, check the upholstery schematics and purchase the largest sofas, or sofa love seat combination available for the space.. Many times manufactures have different size sofas available in the style you prefer, so make sure to ask. Single sofas have a far easier transfer application when moving to a new residence, where as sectionals are usually purchased for a particular arrangement.

The infamous “I have this one spot in my house that I just do not know what to do with” question.

As soon as someone finds out my profession, that statement immediately comes out of their mouth. It truly seems everyone has a similar “spot” somewhere in their home. This particular “spot” seems to play no important role in their everyday life, but seems to bother them more than the neighbors ugly lawn ornament. Since the “spot ” has no apparent use, then then treat it accordingly. Find a whimsical item that is fun and scaled to the area. Many times when shopping, you will see an accent piece and question “I love that piece, but where would I use it?”. The “spot” is usually perfect for this piece. The easiest way to treat the “spot” though, is simply to fill it with a small scaled plant or tree.

The home office vs. the guest room, which is best?

The answer to this question is which one will get more use on an everyday basis. Unless you live in a resort town and friends and family are looking for cheap accommodations, I usually vote for the home office. Organization is extremely important when finances are involved, and it is great having all the paperwork, filing, account information, and invoices (a nice way of saying “bills”), in one organized area. Family photos, sports memorabilia, and childhood mementos can all be proudly displayed in the office, and away from prying eyes. If occasional sleeping accommodations are necessary, consider purchasing a sleeper chair or sofa, this way you will have the best of both worlds. If your home office is to be used occasionally by guests, make sure your desk drawers have locks.

Should I choose leather or fabrics?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Lets weigh the differences. Fabrics are generally more comfortable on an every day basis. First, there is a far larger selection in colors and patterns with fabrics compared to leather. Fabrics also helps with the “echo” in the home since fabrics will absorb the sounds. Leather, on the other hand, is far more durable. Generally, leather is only in solid color, unless embossed, which embossed leather is very expensive. Light cleaning is relatively easy with leather, but make no mistake, leather will stain. Leather being a natural product will eventually dry out if not properly cared for. Leather also does not “breathe” as well as fabrics so it is not as comfortable year round, especially in very hot or humid climates. The best of both worlds is the trendy leather/fabric combination’s. If the sofas are floating in the room, a leather back with a fabric seat does work well, since people have a tendency to “lean” against the backs of sofas. If durability is an issue, the reverse is recommended.

Hardwood floors are the latest trend in many modern homes today. Rather than looking ancient, these type of flooring fits perfectly with many modern furniture and fixtures.

It is true that they look luxurious and elegant that will accentuate the beauty of your home's interior. But you have to take extra care in maintaining its quality look. Simply cleaning them with common household tools and methods might ruin it rather than maintaining its quality. Here are some tips to get your started.

Use Hardwood-Friendly Cleaning Agents

One tip is to avoid concentrated solutions in cleaning your hardwood floor. These chemicals can destroy the physical appearance of your hardwood by making them look worn and dull. In order to maintain the quality, use only prescribed pH solutions for it.

It's advisable to wipe them dry after you apply these cleaning agents. When applied on your flooring, they can give it the necessary shine that the hardwood is famous of. But if you leave them there long enough, they will easy corrode into the material and cause irreversible damage.

Use Soft Materials Only

It is very important to use soft materials when cleaning your hardwood floor to avoid scratches and abrasions. Avoid using straw brooms but use soft-bristled ones instead. You may also want to use vacuum cleaners first before sweeping the floor to remove the heavy dirt and grime, and leaving the rest to be swept off. Use soft-bristled attachments on your vacuum cleaner too, just in case!

When using cleaning agents, it's advisable to use damp mops with soft heads or sponges. If you are using cloths, go for cotton instead of other materials. You might want to shake of excess solid particles as an extra precaution. You should mop your floor daily to keep it shiny and beautiful. Note, however, that wet mops can cause damage instead of cleaning them. Only slightly dampen your mops to avoid unnecessary moisture.

Never Leave Stain

Like marble, liquid stains are one of the enemies of your hardwood floor. Spillage of acidic substances like vinegar, alcohol, and wine can greatly damage your floor, far worse than water stains. If left unchecked, it can cause spots and splotches that will be almost impossible to remove. Make sure that you mop them up quickly before they do any damage.

Hardwood floors are expensive and can greatly increase the value of your home; but they can be very sensitive to external causes that can be a threat to its overall quality. Following these tips above can greatly reduce the risk of such problems ever occurring on your precious floor.

When it comes to redecorating, sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thousands of paint colors, fabric options, flooring materials, and other selections you need to make. Why not take the hassle out of your next remodeling project by working with an interior design consultant? They’ll help you refine your aesthetic vision, provide information about different materials, and all around make your redecorating experience hassle-free!

Coherent, Attractive Interior Design

Perhaps the most important role of an interior designer is helping you create an attractive, unified vision for your decorating project. Whether it’s an entire house or a single room, your space will look best if it has some overall coherency. That’s not to say that it has to be matchy matchy, but too many different looks, colors, and clashing fabrics can create a jarring, chaotic appearance. An interior design consultant will help you define the look you’re aiming for so you can achieve the best look for your space, essentially using their expertise to bring your vision to life.

Material Selection

After you’ve created the overarching ideas for your space, the next step is to select materials. Your interior designer will also be invaluable in this stage, helping you take the guesswork out of decorating with their professional experience and expertise. They’ll be able to knowledgeably recommend materials based on durability, performance, and appropriateness, facilitating a simple, stress-free redecorating experience. You won’t have to spend hours researching materials, which is great for today’s busy lifestyles. Choosing a color scheme, fabrics, window treatments, and flooring materials is a breeze with the assistance of an interior design consultant.

And, if you choose to work with an interior design professional affiliated with a paint store or home improvement outlet you can even eliminate the hassle of dealing with a middleman; you’ll be able to purchase products directly from your interior designer for easy, one-stop home decorating.

Interior Design for the Outdoors

Don’t forget, interior designers aren’t just for indoors anymore. One of the hottest trends in decorating today is creating an outdoor room by turning your porch, patio, or deck into a comfortable living space. If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into an open-air lounge or dining room, an interior designer can really help! From assisting you with selection of appropriate outdoor fabrics to suggestions on durable furnishings, a design professional is practically a must for designing an outdoor living space.

Commercial Interior Design Services

Interior design services can also be great for commercial properties. Whether it’s a restaurant, apartment building, or doctor’s office, when you’re remodeling the look of your commercial space, why not use an interior designer. They’ll be able to handle all of the mundane details of decorating, leaving you free to run your company! From helping you create a coherent look to the nitty-gritty of selecting upholstery fabrics, design consultants can help you achieve an attractive, professional look with little to no hassle.

Embark on your next decorating project with the help of an interior design consultant. They’ll take the hassle out of redoing your decor and help you get the look you’ve been dreaming of!