Interior Lighting » Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating – Bringing a Flat Screen Into Your Home Design

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:39:00 +0000

The recent International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas further proved that flat screen TVs are all the rage. They are getting thinner and thinner and also are featuring more designer options such as color and attractive stands. Many designers who previously did everything in their power to hide them are now admitting defeat and realizing that tech toys are a source of pride for most consumers and that they want to display them front and center. While I admit I have hidden them in armoires and built-in cabinetry in the past, I am finding it is easier to work them into the design these days. The fact that they are so thin and can be hung on the wall is a huge plus. Also, many companies have caught on to the trend and there are many attractive storage options for the components.

I know it is tempting to purchase one at the spur of the moment when the price is right, but if you want your new tech toy to fit more seamlessly into your home keep a few things in mind:

Size: Bigger is not always better. You should purchase a TV that is going to work best in your home and that means taking the viewing distance into consideration. How far are you going to be sitting from the TV? CNET has some great advice to share on this topic. Location: Where is your cable hookup and are you prepared to move it to where you think the TV looks best? Is the light from the windows going to shine on the TV? Do you want to be able to see the TV from the Kitchen? Height: Whether you are hanging the TV on the wall or putting it in a cabinet or on a stand, the right viewing height is critical. You do not want to be craning your neck to see the TV. The middle of the TV should be in line with your eyes. For a 6′ person that is about 52″ above the floor. Consider everyone in the family and average it out. Components: That TV looks pretty slick all by itself, right? Well do not get used to it because you still need to hook up the cable box, TiVo, stereo, DVD player, speakers and computer. Where are they going to go?
Basically you can buy a stand, have someone build it in or have the components tucked away remotely in a closet. But remember, all these options are going to cost additional money. Stands are your least expensive option and there are some very nice ones out there.

Happy Viewing!

By: Lorrie Browne

Interior Decorating And Design Ideas For The Perfect Spring Tablescape

admin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:04:29 +0000

Spring is a wonderful time of the year. After a long, cold winter cooped up in the house, we all get the chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the rebirth of nature. What better time to change our home’s d

Who Are The Famous Interior Designers

admin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:28:45 +0000

Despite what you may think famous interior designers are not thin on the ground, and there are a great many of them gracing the halls of celebrity today. Another words, there are plenty of them who are making an excellent living at designing. We just haven’t heard of them and may never hear of them. They might not be as well known or as prolific as some artists and fashion designers are, but they do exist nevertheless. The reason for this almost unheard of fame can be solely attributed to the fact that interior design didn’t truly take off until the latter half of the 20th century.

In fact until the 20th century there weren’t necessarily any famous interior designers per se. Yes, there were famous interior designers for dissimilar era’s but fame as we infer it didn’t come until very newly when there was a flock of interest in all things DIY. And for those of us to don’t know what DIY is – it is short for Do It Yourself. And specifically refers to the TV Network. Hence, since interior decorating and some of its off shoots, can be reasoned to DIY that’s when the world really became aware of interior decorating. And it wasn’t until a few years after that that dissimilar interior designers started to make a name for themselves amongst the ecumenical public. Just like many things in our society it takes a while before it hits main stream. Things of this nature usually start with the rich and wealthy and then move on from there.

For the most part these famous interior designers gained their fame through the usual means of achieving fame, through the TV. They appeared in numerous Television home improvement programs, and they held numerous, televised DIY (Do It Yourself) programs and fundamentally got their face well recognized to the public. And that’s how famous interior designers of the last decade of the twentieth c achieved more than a meek fame.

There are of course more famous interior designers than the ones you see on TV. Others who might be television camera timid. And could very often be just as good as or even better at what they do than the more media savvy interior decorators. As I said earlier, there are sure to be a bundle in this category and we will never know about them. Ones who decorate the famous, such as George Clooney, Jerry Rice and the like.

Then there are the famous interior designers who have been about for what seems like forever and a day and who have made a family name for themselves through their relentless efforts. Yes, it isn’t all play, many times it is long hours to get to that place of fame.These interior decorators are much lauded in their world and are the pundits from whom the new generation of interior decorators learn their craft. Many of these “Old School” decorators if you will are now teaching their trade.

So as you look for the names of famous interior designers you need to understand and accept that you won’t be able to find all of them just because you look through interior magazines. Sometimes these famous interior designers like to keep their celebrity under raps. Working behind the scenes, so to speak, and enjoying life without all the paparazzi.

Famous interior designers aren’t host, but there are a sizable number of them, and they all have gifts of talent and one thing in common. They have a good eye for design and decorating and they can put together a room to make the very best out of all its features. Ok, so that was two things they all have in common! Just remember, you could one day walk right past a famous interior designer and not even know it

By: Bowe Packer

Interior Design Ideas – 5 Tips For Decorating Your Wall on a Budget

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:24:01 +0000

That empty wall has been staring you in the face for months since you moved in to your new home. You’re longing to decorate it but just don’t want to fork out the thousands of dollars to buy expensive art pieces? Fret not. This article suggests some very inexpensive ways you can decorate your wall without burning a hole in your pocket.

1. Use own photographs

If you don’t feel like coughing out the money to buy an actual art piece you can use what you already have. Grab some old photographs from your family album, put it in a nice frame, and then hang it on the wall. If you still have the negatives of the photos, be creative and re-develop them into black and white pictures. Black and white art sometimes helps to draw attention in a room full of color. If you have a flair for photography, grab your camera and go on a shooting spree. You’ll never know the sort of exciting stuff caught on film that could be great d

Contemporary Lighting for A Fresh, Trendy Look

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:39:41 +0000

During the post war era, the use of sleek, clean lines in interior decorating became very popular. Then and today, contemporary interiors have certain characteristics that really identifies the style which include clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art, neutral elements and bold color.

While some may find the contemporary style stark and uninviting, others are soothed by its non-busy atmosphere and are drawn to the sleek lines, unique shapes and bold color associated with the contemporary style.

To create a truly breathtaking contemporary room, you do not need a great deal of furniture, art or accessories. What you do need, though, is proper lighting.

Choosing the proper lighting is perhaps one of the most important facets of decorating your home and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The technology associated with contemporary lighting today has made it easier than ever before to accomplish grand things in your home with just the flick of the switch. With the right light, you can make an average room look spectacular, disguise flaws and emphasize assets. Lighting can enhance color schemes and make odd rooms seem intimate and cozy.
When choosing lighting for a contemporary space you should choose pieces that are unusual with clean lines. Contemporary lighting fixtures which feature bold color or metallic accents might be your best bet. Recessed or track lighting is also very popular in contemporary homes.

Never underestimate the importance of accent lighting. Accent lighting is important in all home décor styles, but it is more important in contemporary ones because it helps to highlight interesting pieces of art, sculpture or architecture which are the main focal points of the contemporary style.

Accent lighting is pretty self explanatory. This is the lighting that is used as a decorative accent to highlight your décor’s best features such as artwork, collectibles or architecture. This type of lighting can be creatively planned with a combination of lighting products including floor-based uplights, sconces or spotlights.

While accent lighting is not very practical for doing certain tasks, it can add dramatic effect and interest to your home’s most intimate spaces like the living room and bedroom. Accent lighting can also help to create a stunning and memorable entryway.

All different types of accent lighting can be purchased to harmonize with the contemporary lighting style. From floor-based uplights, to cylinder wall-mounted lights, to sconces, there is a wide variety of contemporary accent lighting to choose from.

Task lighting is also very important to consider when decorating in the Contemporary style. Task lighting consists of mainly floor lamps and table lamps, and is the most seen of all lighting fixtures. Be sure to choose lighting that reflects your contemporary space and adds a dramatic effect to your décor.
For general lighting, recessed lighting is the most popular type of lighting fixtures in Contemporary homes. This lighting will illuminate your whole space but not detract from the sleek lines of your décor.

No matter what lighting fixtures you choose, remember to look for unique pieces with sleek lines. If you do so, you will be sure to create a contemporary space for the whole family to love and enjoy.

By: Pamela Tice