Before you choose your interiors, you have to be clear about the kind of decor your are looking at. You need to then establish your theme, decide on the materials you are comfortable with, work out the budget. Once these issues have been well thought about, the next step would be to choose the material. Right material has to be used in the right places. Like using Italian marble in a high traffic area is a no-no, as it tends to wear easily.
There are many materials that are cheap and yet can produce the same effects, if chosen and used appropriately. For example, wood is generally categorized as an expensive decor, but there are different types of wood. Less expensive varieties, adequate treatment and seaoning, can be liberally used to create a wooden interior. Generally, focus on functional and aesthetic value that suits your budget.
FURNITURE:
Furniture can either be picked off the market or customized to suit individual taste. After deciding whether it is going to be traditional, ornate or minimalist, the design should one that is timeless. This would prevent the need for changes when a particular design is not in vogue. It is best go for a design that is quiet, unobtrusive and blends with your personality. Furniture that blends with your personality helps you to relax and unwind.
The way the furniture is to be placed in a room too play an important role, as this tends to generate positive energy. The placement of furniture, the paintings, colour scheme adopted, all work towards de-stressing you, as they yield positive energy. However, you are never completely done with furnishing or decorating your home. As you travel and make new connections, you want to add or make changes and this can be endless.
LIGHTING:
Lighting forms an important part of the interiors. The windows and other opening should be positioned to let in abundant natural light. At the same time, harsh sunlight can make a room or two unusable. The accent should be on soft yet sufficient light. Again, in the case of artificial lighting, the lighting effects take precedence over the light fittings. Beautiful crystal chandeliers and lamps make no sense if the output is not effective. The emphasis should be on illumination rather than on brightness. Thus, lighting should be structure to meet specific requirements of specific spaces, like a spot light, lighting up a picture, a floor lampnext to an armchair aiding in reading, table lamp on a study table, a bedside lamp and so on.
LIVING ROOM:
The living room can be split into the formal and family room. The formal room should have comfortable seating arrangement where the upholstery is easy to maintain with aesthetic appeal. It could be leather, fabric or wood or a creative mix and match lot of odd pieces. However, it should generally not be personalized and should wear an element of formality without getting too ornate. The colours used should be mild and sideboards are a good idea to keep things while entertaining. A television set is a definite no, though.
FAMILY ROOM:
This is the place where you should be able to put you feet up, relax, watch a movie, talk to a close friend, and spend quality family time. Hence, the emphasis should be on comfort and casualness. Here is the opportunity to experiment with furniture that could be floor cushions on mats, couch, or beanbags. A bar on the side, a small library in the corner with a small study desk, one wall exclusively devoted for family portraits and memories of your travel along with a few antiques could complete the picture.
DINING:
Before deciding the size of the dining table, it has to be ensured that there is ample moving space around the table when placed. The tabletop can also be converted in to a cutlery store where hidden drawers can be built in. A sideboard next to the table for storing crockery is a good idea. Seating could be organized around the table and allocating a separate space for a buffet counter is again a good idea.
BEDROOM:
The master bedroom can be divided into the sleeping area, dressing lounge, study and toilet. The bed should be placed in such a way that it is away from the door. The lounge and study should have separate ligting so as not to disturb the partner. Ample moving space around the bed is a must. A corner for a treadmill, yoga or aerobics would also tie in very nicely. Additional storage space can be created under the bed for storing linen or other articles.
The guest bedroom is best done up with two separate beds and a wardrobe. A luggage rack would be very useful and prevent clutter when guests come over.
USEFUL TIPS FOR INTERIOR DECORATION:
A good mix between traditional and contemporary look.
Avoid an overkill of antiques. It should be specific to a location designed to make a statement.
Detailing should be kept minimal.
Dont go overboard with colours, flooring and furniture.
The principle is to be minimalist.
Avoid cluttering.
