Scientifically one can break interior design down into a few design principles. But be aware because these are not rules, rather see the principles as fundamental underpinnings for a feeling, flair or intuition to interior design.
Principle 1 : UNITY
When doing interior design it is necessary to think of the house as a totality; a series of spaces linked together by halls and stairways. It is therefore appropriate that a common style and theme runs throughout. This is not to say that all interior design elements should be the same but they should work together and complement each other to strengthen the whole composition. A way to create this theme or storyline is with the well considered use of color.
Principle 2 : FOCAL POINT
Interior design’s biggest enemy is boredom. A well-designed room always has, depending on the size of it, one or more focal points. A focal point must be dominant to draw attention and interesting enough to encourage the viewer to look further. A focal point thus must have a lasting impression but must also be an integral part of the decoration linked through scale, style, color or theme.
Principle 3: BALANCE
Balance can be described as the equal distribution of visual weight in a room.
The simplest, and most formal type of balance is symmetrical balance, where the same objects are repeated in the same positions on either side of a vertical axis, such as one would find in old fashioned state or gala rooms.
Asymmetrical balance is more appropriate in design today. Balance is achieved with some dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or eye attraction. Assymetrical balance is more casual and less contrived in feeling, but more difficult to achieve.
Principle 4 : PROPORTION
Proportion refers to the relative size measured against other elemens or against some mental norm or standard. This design principle is of extreme importance when decorating a room.
Principle 5: RHYTHM
In musical terms we would describe rhythmas the beat or pulse of the music. In interior design, rhythm is all about visual pattern repetition. Visual rhythm is based on movement. As in music, rhythm in design can also be staccato abrupt and dynamic or legato connecting and flowing.
Principle 6 : COLOR
Color is an element that tends to inspire emotion in people because color has an influence on the value of life above and beyond other considerations. Colors therefore have a definite impact on the atmosphere that you want to create when doing interior design.
Principle 7: DETAILS
Another important element of interior design where it is necessary to take infinite pains is details. Everything from the trimming on the lamp shade, the color of the piping on the scatter cushion, to the light switches and cupboard handles need attention. Unlike color people find details boring. As a result it gets neglected and skimmed over or generally left out.
As color expresses the whole spirit and life of a scheme; details are just as an important underpinning of interior design. Details should not be obvious but they should be right, enhancing the overall feel of a room.
These principles of interior design should guide you when you start either doing it yourself, or discussing your ideas with your interior designer.
Archive
Archive for October, 2009
Jewelry has almost always been popular and there are so many different varieties that it is almost impossible to say that all ideas and methods of creating jewelry have been created. There are so many different types of gemstones, whether precious or semi-precious, that give variety to the jewelry world. Celtic jewelry, and specifically Celtic rings with stones, has become very popular lately. There are so many different ways that colored stones can be used in jewelry and there are so many ways to incorporate these concepts into it they are almost innumerable. Here is some information you should know about colored stones and why they are becoming so popular and are in high demand now.
Celtic jewelry is becoming very popular these days. One of the most common forms of Celtic jewelry is what is known as a Celtic knot. Basically, this is a single line that twists and intertwines to make a pattern without ever breaking the sequence. Celtic knots are very popular and represent nature and the organic things that make up the earth. These are very important to many people. Celtic jewelry is also very closely tied with Irish culture and the ways of the ancient habitants of that region. Some of the most popular Celtic jewelry used the colored stone emerald. This green stone is very popular and is also heavily associated with the Irish culture as well as the color green. It is also supposed to be very lucky for many people. Emerald Celtic rings have become more popular lately, as have emerald Celtic cross pendants and other necklaces.
But emeralds are not the only stones that are being used in Celtic jewelry now. There are so many different color options that it is almost impossible to limit oneself to just emerald jewelry for Celtic culture. Some of the most popular colored gemstones are; sapphires – sapphires come in almost every color. They are normally associated with the color blue but can also be found in yellow, orange, red, green, and even pink colors. One reason sapphires are so popular is because they are a very hard stone and are not damaged as easily as some other stones. Rubies – rubies are also a very popular colored gemstone. The best rubies are almost a blood red color and lower quality ones can be even a light shade of pink. Rubies are often associated with love and passion. Aquamarine – aquamarine is a very light blue stone that is also commonly used in jewelry, and could even be used in Celtic jewelry, too. Other popular stones are topaz, garnet, pearls, turquoise, opal, amethyst, peridot, alexandrite and many more. Almost all of these stones can be used in nearly any type of jewelry, especially Celtic jewelry.
Tanzanite is one of the most popular stones and has only recently been discovered. It is a beautiful purple stone that can only be found in Tanzania and is very rare. It is popular because of the rarity and the color. There are not many other stones that have the same color saturation of purple as tanzanite.
Not matter what kind of jewelry you like you will be able to find it somewhere with a variety of colored stones available. There are also many ways to have jewelry custom made to your specifications that will allow it to be yours and only yours. Your jewelry can be completely unique and you can even decide to make your own designs. This is especially popular for people who have designed their own Celtic knots that they want to make part of their daily wardrobe.
If you’re hiring a professional to redo your kitchen or any other space in your home, be prepared to spend money over and above the cost of materials because you have to factor in the time he or she spent on your home. However, how much you should pay in interior design fees varies based on a number of factors.
The complexity of your project, the size of the space, the amount of time estimated for project completion, the area that you live in and the skill of the interior designer will determine fee structure and payment options.
Hourly Rates
Some interior designers prefer fees in the form of a fixed hourly rate. They prefer this method especially in the planning and sketching stages when they have to put in hours at the office drawing up plans and making revisions. Others like to carry on this method till the project is done as they can then be paid for over time they put in as well as fussy customers who are always changing their mind. For instance, a designer can rate $50 an hour as his interior design fees for redecorating your family room.
Flat Fee
Other designers prefer a lump sum amount for a project so in case they are done sooner than expected or even if it takes the longer, the client doesn’t have to watch the clock. For instance, a designer can charge $5,000 in interior design fees for redoing your kitchen. Clients have to remember that interior design fees cover the time and expert opinion of the designer and not the cost of the materials you choose to put in. You can be as modest or as extravagant with the appliances and light fixtures, flooring and faucets of your kitchen and hence that depends on your taste and budget. The designer is there to draw a plan and help you reach your goal with minim waste in time and effort.
Cost Plus
One of the most popular ways interior designers calculate fees is by this method. Here they add up the cost of the project and then add a percentage or flat fee for their time. So, for instance if your bedroom makeover cost $7,000 in furniture, paint and accessories, the designer can add 20 per cent as his charges and bring the total to $8,400.
If you’re on a budget, hiring an interior design student is one of the cheapest ways to go. They are eager to build a portfolio and are fresh in theory. You can save big bucks by enlisting their help; however it may be at the expense of years of experience. http://www.snslamps.com
Prague is one of the most beautiful however, more expensive cities to visit in Eastern Europe. Among the Czech Republic cities to visit, Prague is the most diverse city. Traveling here is easy, as no visas are required and you do not need those awful vaccinations. The best way to start your search of the city is on tour buses because Prague has four main sections and about ten different neighborhoods each catering to the different interests of tourists and locals.
Take a Prague tour bus and mark a map for places where you want to return. This will help you get a sense of direction regarding the key locations. The Charles Bridge is a pivotal point dividing Old Town, New Town, the Jewish Quarter and the Lesser Quarter. You will learn quickly that New Town has the modern malls and Old Town holds the history of Prague. The diversity of Prague allows for the preferences of people and there are places to go, things to see and things to do for everyone.
Prague is a great music center and if you are a music lover; plan your trip around the wonderful music festivals held in Prague each year, in the summer and fall. There are many historical sites, museums and art galleries to tour. Hotels, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs are modern and filled with tourists and locals. Whether you want a quiet romantic evening out or a night of dining, and dancing you can find a great place in Prague.
Although relatively young compared to other gemstones, alexandrite is not at a loss for history, myth and symbolism with which to surround itself. In the late 19th century, the Russian writer Nikolai Semyonovich Lesov wrote a novella, “Alexandrite: Mysterious Interpretation of a True Fact”, wherein alexandrite is defined as being ‘prophetic’. In his book “The Key to the Grand Mysteries”, the French Victorian author and magician Eliphas Levi referred to alexandrite as a mystical gem that clears and strengthens the blood vessels.
In a list of acceptable birthstones drawn up in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, the alexandrite was among those named. In 1952 the Jewelers Association, The Retail Jewelers Association, and the American Gemological Society approved a variation of this list. In it, alexandrite was designated as an alternative to pearl as a birthstone for June. Interestingly, in its native Russia, alexandrite is associated with August. In addition, alexandrite was deemed appropriate to celebrate a 55th wedding anniversary – as well as the 35th and 45th, which dates it would share with the emerald. Wednesday became alexandrite’s day in general, but especially so in the case of the extremely rare cats eye alexandrite.
Through the years it has been a common practice by jewelers associations whereby gemstones that are commonly available are added to “official” lists. It should be noted, however, that the term ‘common’ is rarely used in even the same vicinity as alexandrite.
It is traditionally accepted that alexandrite represents the rational world and the quality of mental clarity. However, the duality of its color just as traditionally represents the duality of characteristics associated with this special gem. Green is the color of revival, hope, prosperity, rest, peace, calm, and fertility. The red of alexandrite connotes energy, activity, self-expression, power, aggression and passion. It would seem that the combination that exists in alexandrite reflects the duality of human nature as exemplified by love and jealousy existing side-by-side or even in the very same place. The daytime color of alexandrite equates to luck and good fortune, while its nighttime appearance is more closely associated with love.
Many think that alexandrite speaks to a person’s ability to be aware of the interconnection of all things and the rejuvenation and realization of self. Certainly it is significant that the traits of alexandrite can be modified and interpreted, depending on how they apply to different eras and cultures – as well as individuals. Without a doubt, the eternally changing colors of alexandrite endow it with a universal appeal and attractiveness. With these imperial colors of another time, the tsarstone continues to fascinate and spur the creativity as well as the romance of today. The beauty and rarity of alexandrite will continue to inspire the imagination of future generations.
For a large selection of quality gemstone rings and jewelry and rich knowledgeable gemstone articles, visit the gemstone jewelry knowledge center at http://gemstone.applesofgold.com/ from Apples of Gold Jewelry.
Apples of Gold Jewelry has newly launched its section of gemstone jewelry articles with a deep insightful look at each major gemstone. Articles include sections on the sapphire, ruby, emerald gemstones, and articles on aquamarine jewelry, tanzanite rings, amethyst jewelry, pearl jewelry, topaz rings, onyx, garnet, pink sapphire, and period rings. Each major gemstone is covered with extensive and accurate research from Apples of Gold Jewelry’s expert staff writer.