Interior Design Blog

Linking Architecture and Interior Design

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:22:35 GMT

Does there need to be a connection between your home's architecture and interior design scheme? Here are some tips to get you on the right track.

Get A Custom Interior Design Plan

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:04:43 GMT

Turn your room makeover dreams into a step-by-step action plan. Request your own custom interior design through our special offer!

A Classic Kitchen For Modern Living

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:47:37 GMT

The essence of classic style with all the conveniences of modern life, this stunning white kitchen projects a shimmering reflection onto a rich, dark floor. Warm, brown tones top the island and the range hood to provide a sophisticated contrast to the cool color temperature of the space. The show stopper? The details! Check out the fine craftsmanship of the recessed panel cabinetry and the classic beauty of the moldings. The black shaded wall sconces are just delightful! Photo Credit: Wood-Mode

The Best Interior Window Treatment

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:57:55 GMT

How do you select the best interior window treatment for your space? These tips will help.

Writing Nook

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:29:09 GMT

A secluded passage way becomes a stylish home office in this nearly monochromatic design scenario. Rich, brown tones are contrasted with black, antique pendants overhead that add a touch of drama and play a supporting role in the British Colonial atmosphere. Important as well are louvered shutters and doors which, while playing a functional role, imbue an important textural element to the arrangement. A leafy spray of green in the background of the space softens the hard surfaces. The color palette may be subtle and conservative, but the result are stunning! You are able to really focus on the details. Photo Credit: CSN Stores

An Inspired Color Scheme

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:30:56 GMT

Taking its cues from colorful artwork, this casual living space features a fantastic array of hues that blend harmoniously. A stone fireplace, exposed beams and horizontal ceiling boards provide a dramatic architectural environment for the u-shaped conversation area. Blue shutters located on either side of the double window add a key decorative element that makes this space extra special (take a moment and imagine the shutters absent). Artwork is a great jumping off point for a color scheme. I think this scheme is particularly effective because the colors are of a similar tonal value. It's beautiful! Photo Credit: Candler Lloyd Interiors

Earthy Sophistication

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:57:32 GMT

A color scheme need not be particularly bold to be dramatic. This lovely interior by David Michael Miller Associates illustrates why. Notice how the earthy color palette provides a calm backdrop for a smorgasbord of visual texture. From the rough brick, scrolling metal and textural upholstery to the smooth wood and adobe finishes, the rich juxtaposition of materials is an absolute treat to behold. I think the corner fireplace is an extra special element in this space. It is a focal point that invites you to come on in and relax in comfort and style.

Loft Interior Design

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:39:20 GMT

You love the openness of your new loft. Need a strategy to make it feel like home? Learn the secrets of loft interior design.

The Tailored Effect

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:01:00 GMT

One way to bring a crisp, tailored look to your space is through window treatments. Show off the architecture of your windows and enhance your design scheme with roman shades, for example. Mounted inside the window frame, a roman shade creates a clean, tailored look full of classic charm. This neutral design scheme is accented nicely with black. The black ribbon edging on the roman shades enhances this lovely, put-together look by mirroring the edge on the area rug and the sleek lines of the dining chairs. The shades are my favorite part of the scheme. Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

Dining Perfection

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:52:09 GMT

This luxurious little corner of the world caught my eye today. The combination of materials is delicious! I love the subtle use of color and texture in this masculine dining room scheme. The black and golden accent tones look so elegant together. And what's not to love about the sofa seating? The whole arrangement is in perfect balance! Photo Credit: coco+kelly on Flikr

Fresh Traditional Style

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:26:42 GMT

This mostly traditional living space has been enlivened through the skillful use of color and modern decorative touches. The curved-leg furniture, window shutters, decorative moldings and sliding pocket doors speak to the traditional underpinning of this home. By contrast, the white upholstery combined with a modern pillow design and an updated chandelier in the background add a contemporary touch that freshens the look. Now that's how you make a traditional space sing! Photo Credit: Tammy Manet on Flikr

Whimsical Cottage Bedroom

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:23:48 GMT

Stenciling is great way to add style and personality to a space. Patterns can range from quite formal to very whimsical, like the design seen here in this feminine, cottage style bedroom featured at Country Home. The stylized fern pattern stenciled on the aqua colored wall behind the bed provides an arresting focal point in this garden inspired design scheme. It occurred to me that with a little tweaking this look could easily be converted to an underwater theme with bubbles rising instead. The combination of the refined with the unrefined contributes greatly to the success of this look. For example, the crystal wall sconces provide a nice counterpoint to the coarse, wall boards. The overall effect of this design scheme is dramatic without being too 'cutsie'.

Old World Kitchen

Sat, 22 May 2010 00:30:06 GMT

This kitchen featured by House Beautiful is a lovely example of old world charm. It conveys a patina of age that makes it feel quite inviting. The wooden beams overhead, the distressed finish on the cabinetry, the muted color scheme and the lantern lights are all nicely blended to create a sense of old world charm. Yet it's packed with modern conveniences. Glass fronted cabinets on either side of the range lighten the appearance of the upper zone and double as a beautiful display area for dishes. It's a 17th century look that is edited and enhanced for modern living. Bon appetit!

Decorate Your Home Like A Pro

Wed, 12 May 2010 02:24:53 GMT

What if you could complete a room makeover with the results of a professional designer? You can with your own custom interior design plan though Dwelement Home Design. Its a fun process where the results you want to achieve are brought together for you in your own illustrated design book that features complete instructions on the exact colors, furniture and accessories to complete your look. Imagine how you will feel when you tell your friends, I did this! To see an example and learn more about getting your own customized interior design plan with a special $20 discount available only through this website click the link below.

Country Pleasures

Wed, 12 May 2010 02:19:28 GMT

Here's a delightful, casual living room I discovered at Country Home. The first thing that caught my eye was the brilliant blue in the painting over the fireplace. It really pops against the white walls. Using white as a background color creates a clean backdrop for a color scheme that can be changed rather easily by swapping out furnishings. Notice how the furniture is very eclectic. It looks like it has been collected over time. Nothing is a matched set, yet it coordinates well by means of an earthy color palette. This 'mix and match' approach is a great way to enhance a casual, country atmosphere in a space. Texture is also an important element the brings life to this space - from the sisal area rug and wicker chair to the dried flowers and wide wall boards. It's a welcoming space that invites you to relax.

Online Interior Design School - Right for You?

Wed, 12 May 2010 01:54:43 GMT

Want to get an interior design degree without completely disrupting your current life situation? Learn how an online interior design school could be perfect for you.

A Welcoming Contemporary Kitchen

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:20:02 GMT

Many times people think of contemporary style as a bit cold and perhaps unwelcoming, but this beautiful kitchen featured by Architectural Digest would suggest otherwise. Its sleek lines and polished surfaces are balanced by soft fabrics and natural textures. The neutral white color scheme is enlivened by a pop of red flowers flanking the stove in harmonious balance. Drapes hung at the kitchen entrance soften the hard edges and invite you into a fresh space. So reach for the coffee and enjoy the morning sunshine!

Sophisticated Neutrals

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:32:25 GMT

A neutral color palette can be utilized to create a serene, soothing interior. I was attracted to this living room featured at Traditional Home for that reason. There is not a stitch of bold pattern to be seen, yet the subtle variation in fabrics as well as the mixing of different shapes keeps the space from looking at all dull. Ceiling to floor draperies soften the hard planes of the walls and create a layer of luxury upon the flat surface. A splash of orange in the accessories provides a pinch of spice while the dark, leather ottoman serves as an excellent anchoring element to this sophisticated arrangement.

Creative Wall Art

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:33:39 GMT

Wall art comes in many sizes, colors and forms. It's really something that is limited only by your imagination. Sometimes the best solutions are quite inexpensive, too. Check out this really neat idea from justinsomnia.org. The apartment owner used textured paper to create a simple yet effective display. The three panels of primary colors create a modern effect that pops against the white background of the space, infusing it with a fun sense of style.

Turning the TV Into Art

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:35:31 GMT

I always love it when I discover new twists on otherwise typical decor and design elements. Here is my latest inspiration piece - a TV easel from Restoration Hardware. What an 'artistic' alternative to the typical media cabinet! Often a television feels like an imposing or interrupting presence to the style of a space, but I think this solution helps to minimize that by creating the feeling of a gallery retreat. How fun!

Tricks of the Trade

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:22:45 GMT

When you are designing and furnishing a small space, there are techniques you can use to trick the eye into thinking it is larger than it really is. Take this small bathroom featured in Architectural Digest, for example. It is windowless. Yet the designer has created the illusion of greater space. One way this was done was through the use of mirrors. The reflections create the sense of more space beyond. A low-contrast color scheme from floor to ceiling also makes the elements visually recede a bit. The materials chosen for furnishings look light and airy within the space as well. All together, the elements work to enhance reality in a lovely way.

How an Online Kitchen Design Tool Can Help You!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:15:07 GMT

Discover how online kitchen design tools give you invaluable insight into your project before you even spend a dime.

Special Offer: Your Own Custom Interior Design Plan

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:16:33 GMT

I'm happy to share some exciting news! Interior-Design-Tutor.net has partnered with Diane Kolak of Dwelement Home Design to provide an exclusive offer to visitors of this site. Now you can get a customized interior design plan for that room that's desperately in need of a makeover. You know the one. You have a sense of how you would like it to look and function but just aren't quite sure how to pull it off. Diane will create a road map to achieve exactly the kind of space you have in mind. She'll even provide you with an artistic conception of how it will look before you ever lift a paint brush. The process is fun and easy! And there are no expensive interior designer contracts to sign. Click the link below to learn more.

Neutral Color Advantages

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:42:48 GMT

Choosing a neutral background for your space provides a wonderful stage to feature a vibrant color scheme. A neutral background doesn't necessarily mean plain white. Light gray or tan tones combined with cream or white can create create an interesting combination that is visually more subtle than straight-up white. The other great thing about using a neutral color palette as the base for your overall color scheme is the ease with which you can change the look. When it all gets tiring, swap out decor elements for an alternate punch of color and a whole new look. This photo featured on Crate & Barrel is a nice example of a color scheme with a neutral background. The subdued wall color allows the vibrant bedspread to take center stage. I love how the dark wood of the furniture contrasts with the walls, and how the arrangement of tiny mirrors over the bed provides a fun diversion from the predictable.

Home Office: Design on the Wireless Side

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:39:36 GMT

Wireless technology is expanding our options for home office design. Desks no longer need to be next to wall outlets for the sake of power or internet connections. A case in point is this home office. A sawhorse desk by Ballard Design takes center stage in this stylish space. The sleek lines of the table are contrasted by a patterned fabric on desk chairs that aren't quite what you would expect to see in a typical home office. A standard cork noteboard is elevated to art status with a chic, black frame. My point? Your home work space can be free flowing, stylish and unpredictable. A laptop computer and wireless internet connection give you greater latitude with design.

Wild Style

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:08:24 GMT

Carpet runners and area rugs are a great element for layering a space and creating interesting pattern across an otherwise solid, floor expanse. Carpets help to soften and warm a space, making it feel more inviting. As a general rule, floral and oriental patterns coordinate well with a traditional interior while geometric patterns and color blocked designs lend a more contemporary feel. This entry hall features Stanton Carpet runners in a delightfully wild print that spices up the traditional, architectural elements without detracting from them. Whats also nice is the carpets are made of eco-friendly wool.

Living Room

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:32:24 GMT

Hi! I am 14, and I want to become an interior designer. This is a sketch I did of my dream living

The Color of 2010

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:07:56 GMT

Ready to give your space a fresh look for this new year? Consider adding turquoise to your color palette. Color authority, Pantone, has declared turquoise the color of 2010 for it's soothing effects and flattering qualities. Worried that painting a room this color might be a bit too much? Instead of applying it across large surfaces of your space, consider using it as an accent color within a more neutral environment for a degree of sophistication. Pantone notes, "Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens." How's that for versatility? Turquoise it is. To read Pantone's entire press release click here.

Adjusting the Color Temperature

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:12:23 GMT

To keep your space from feeling too warm or too cool in appearance, practice your balancing skills. The good news is its not as complicated as, say, performing a high wire act. Its simply a balance of color temperature. If your room has a primarily warm color scheme, include some accents from the cooler side of the color wheel or vice versa. The result can be significant to the overall perception of the space. I like this photo by Crate & Barrel. I think it illustrates the principle well. The warm red walls and the red, leather furniture are balanced by a cool gray floor and stainless steel accent pieces. This room would look great any time of the year, but it looks especially nice all dressed up for the holidays.

Customizing Your Style

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:32:24 GMT

What gives a room its unique character? Sometimes it's the color palette or the style of flooring. Perhaps it's an unusual light fixture or work of art. Often it's the combination of several of these elements that makes the difference. When you want to make a quick statement without remaking the entire room, even one unique furniture item can do the trick. This cart-style coffee table by Restoration Hardware is a great example of the customized flavor a special item can instill in a space. When you decorate, always look for a way to incorporate an unexpected element to customize your style.

The Crown Jewel

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:47:07 GMT

A unique lighting fixture can sometimes be the crown jewel of a well designed space. I like this dining room by Vastu. The individual elements combine to form a delicious entre of eye candy. From the creamy gray walls to the golden draperies and sleek furniture there is an atmosphere of uncluttered beauty. Vivid artwork creates a focal point that brings together the various hues of color in the space and gives it life. And then...ah, yes...that chandelier. It crowns it all. Yum!

Contemporary Elegance

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:58:50 GMT

Bringing together the best of two worlds can spark magic in a room. Enter the sophisticated elegance of this contemporary space. Clean lines in the surrounding architecture and furnishings provide a contemporary stage for a classically inspired fireplace mantle. As a design technique, I love how firewood was stacked inside the empty firebox. The logs create a pattern of natural texture that warms and adds interest to this chic, all-white color scheme. The result is beautiful! Image Courtesy: Carree

Awakening the Interior Designer Within You

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:16:07 GMT

Imagine a resource that not only provides a wealth of how-to information for home decorating but has a built-in system of helping you uncover your own interior design style. Allow me to recommend an ebook collection I recently purchased for review called Awaken Your Interior Designer (AYID). For a beginner still unsure about his or her style sense, AYID provides a comprehensive series of engaging quizzes and scenarios that reveal your personal style preferences. The author then shows you how to apply decorating techniques to fit your style perfectly from color to fabrics and much more. This ebook is written in an easy-to-read, conversational style from the perspective of someone who has been there and done that. While not overflowing with photos of high-end showrooms, I found the photos and illustrations that are included to be relevant and real world. The author even includes the exact brand and color name of what is shown in many of the images, which is useful if you want to use it in your own home. The Awaken Your Interior Designer collection is a resource you will return to time and time again. Click here to learn more and get your copy.

Balancing Act

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:42:50 GMT

Creating visual balance within a room scheme is a tried and true interior design approach. Imagine an invisible line slicing your space in half. Visually balancing each side against the other helps to create a sense of overall unity. Balance can be achieved through a very literally (and more formal) approach or a bit more subtly through a balance of visual weight. That is...the decor elements may not exactly mirror each other but overall they feature an equal look and heft. I like this photo by Margaret Sheridan Interior Design because it exemplifies a beautifully balanced interior design scheme.

Feathering Your Nest

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:29:47 GMT

I discovered this whimsical interpretation of a canopy bed at Shawn Lovell Metalworks. I have never seen a bed quite like it before. But I love it! There is a wonderful, artistic approach to its construction and clear attention to detail right up to the bird's nest high in its branches. This sculptural beauty takes the concept of a bed to a whole new level through an exquisite combination of form and function.

Cozy Nook

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:33:24 GMT

That odd shaped area of your home can turn out to be the most interesting when you use it to create a unique yet functional display. This beveled staircase landing provided a cozy spot with a great view. An upholstered bench with decorative pillows creates a place to sit and read or just enjoy the sunshine streaming through the beautiful windows. Potted plants and a fringed throw help to soften the display and create an inviting atmosphere. If you have an odd shaped area in your home, experiment with ways to make it a focal point. It just might become the favorite spot in the house. Image Courtesy: champagne.chic

Spunky Bedroom for a Teenager

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:45:08 GMT

I wanted a sophisticated yet bright room for my 12 year old. I definitely did not want a kiddish and cluttered look, and so this is what I came up

Start Your Interior Design Career

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:18:39 GMT

Ready for an interior design career? Find out how you can get started on the path to success.

Feng Shui Interior Design Secrets

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 02:33:09 GMT

Create a greater sense of harmony in your living space with these essential Feng Shui interior design techniques.

Striking A Pose

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:45:40 GMT

I love this leather chair. It looks so rich and timeless. Fine leather furniture can be quite versatile - perfect for various interior styles. A sleek, black leather chair like this one might reside beautifully in a contemporary, transitional or even a classical inspired interior. Its clean-lined silhouette establishes a chic, modern pose. Simultaneously, tufted seat and back panels provide a classic touch which softens it a bit and creates a more sophisticated composition. I think this chair exhibits a nice fusion of modern and classic elements. Maybe that's why I like it so much. Image courtesy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbaunach/ / CC BY 2.0

Interior Design Photo Showcase!

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:04:00 GMT

Do you have the top interior design photo? Get noticed!

Top Kitchen Floor Design Options

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:14:07 GMT

Looking for the best kitchen floor design option for your home? Here are some ideas.

Decorative Wall Art Tips

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:32:49 GMT

Choose and arrange decorative wall art with a designer's touch. Avoid a decor disaster with these basic guidelines...

Gallery Bedroom

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:05:40 GMT

This bedroom caught my eye. I love the black and white photo arrangement over the bed. To me it evokes an art gallery. The asymmetrical arrangement of the frames lends a more casual, yet chic, feeling to the room than it might otherwise have. And that bed? It makes me want to grab one of the books on the floor and then sink into its comfortable depths. Image Courtesy: saraleeab, on Flickr

Create A Home Office Solution

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:15:26 GMT

Minimize visual clutter in your interior environment with a functional and harmonious home office solution.

Gustavian Inspired, Swedish Interior Design

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:03:26 GMT

Beautiful, light and airy! It is classic style with a Scandinavian twist. Learn how to create this Gustavian inspired Swedish interior design style in your home.

Interior Design Color Psychology

Sun, 17 May 2009 02:11:46 GMT

Want to create a space that feels airy and light, or perhaps intimate and cozy instead? An understanding of interior design color psychology will help you get it just right.

'Her' Master Bath

Fri, 15 May 2009 22:19:00 GMT

This bathroom was done for the Veranda Magazine/ Trump Tower Showhouse in 2007. The building is located on the corner of 57th and Park Avenue,

Living Room Redesign

Wed, 13 May 2009 23:41:11 GMT

When my husband and I bought this house several years ago it was stuck in the 70's and badly in need of an update. I chose a sand and creme color

Lounge Concept Sketch

Tue, 05 May 2009 23:29:56 GMT

This is a quick concept sketch which was done free hand in pen and water